ACCA Audit and Assurance (F8) Practice Exam

What is NOT considered a type of internal control?

1. Physical Controls

2. Segregation of Duties

3. Auditor Independence

4. Performance Review

The correct answer is: Auditor Independence

Auditor independence is not considered a type of internal control because it pertains specifically to the objectivity and impartiality of the auditor rather than to the processes or procedures within an organization that are designed to ensure accuracy and reliability in financial reporting. Internal controls are established by management to reduce risks and protect the assets of the organization, primarily by preventing errors and fraud in financial transactions. In contrast, physical controls involve safeguarding assets through tangible methods, such as locks, safes, and surveillance systems. Segregation of duties is a critical control process that involves dividing responsibilities among different individuals to reduce the risk of error or fraud, ensuring that no single individual has control over all aspects of a financial transaction. Performance reviews are internal controls that involve comparing actual performance against established benchmarks or indicators, allowing organizations to identify and address variances effectively. The essence of internal controls lies in their design to improve reliability in reporting and compliance, while auditor independence is focused on maintaining the integrity of the audit process itself.