The component of internal control that identifies internal and external factors that could prevent a company's objectives from being achieved is:

A) Monitoring.

B) Information and communication.

C) Risk assessment.

D) Control activities.

Answer: Risk assessment.

The component of internal control that includes the policies and procedures that help ensure that management's directives are being carried out is:

A) Monitoring.

B) Information and communication.

C) Risk assessment.

D) Control activities.

Answer: Control activities.

A framework for designing an internal control system is provided by the:

A) Committee of Sponsoring Organizations.

B) Financial Accounting Standards Board.

C) Securities and Exchange Commission.

D) International Accounting Standards Board.

Answer: Committee of Sponsoring Organizations.

Which of the following is NOT a design feature of effective internal controls?

A) Allow greater reliance by investors on reported financial statements.

B) Prevent fraudulent or errant financial reporting.

C) Ensure the company's price advantage over competitors.

D) Prevent misuse of company funds by employees.

Answer: Ensure the company's price advantage over competitors.

Which of the following best describes the goal of internal controls?

A) Ensuring the business is profitable.

B) Enhancing the health of employees.

C) Improving the accuracy and the reliability of financial information.

D) Ensuring the compliance with tax regulations.

Answer: Improving the accuracy and the reliability of financial information.

The Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) mandates which of the following?

A) Increased regulations related to auditor-client relations.

B) Increased regulations related to internal control.

C) Increased regulations related to corporate executive accountability.

D) All of the other answers represent mandates of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Answer: All of the other answers represent mandates of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Under the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, auditors must do which of the following?

A) Provide nonaudit services for their clients.

B) Audit public companies whose chief executives worked for the audit firm in the preceding year.

C) Be hired by company management.

D) Maintain working papers for at least seven years following an audit.

Answer: Maintain working papers for at least seven years following an audit.