At Halewood Group the chief audit executive has prepared the final engagement communication summarising significant findings. Before it goes to senior management and the board, which step reflects sound closing communication practice?
- AHand the draft to the audited unit so it can rewrite the findings in its own words before issue.
- BRelease it to senior management first and leave board reporting to senior management's discretion afterwards.
- CPost the results on the organisation's intranet so staff across the business can review the conclusions.
- DReview and approve the final communication, then communicate the results to senior management and the board as appropriate. Correct
Why A is wrong: Management input on responses is appropriate, but letting the audited unit rewrite the findings surrenders control of the communication and undermines its objectivity.
Why B is wrong: Senior management is a proper recipient, which makes this tempting, but routing board reporting through senior management's discretion weakens the chief audit executive's direct reporting line to the board.
Why C is wrong: Wider awareness can seem beneficial, but open publication disregards the sensitivity of the results and the duty to direct them to appropriate recipients.
Why D is correct: The chief audit executive reviews and approves the final communication and directs it to senior management and the board, preserving the reporting line and accountability for the results.