Which statement best describes proper signing of the audit report?

Which statement best describes proper signing of the audit report?

• A. The report should be signed and dated by both the person preparing it and the person reviewing and approving it.
• B. Only the person preparing it signs.
• C. Signatures are optional.
• D. The reviewer signs but not the preparer.

Answer: (A)

Signing and dating the audit report provides accountability and a clear record of who created the document and who reviewed and approved it. The best description is that both the preparer and the reviewer/approver sign and date the report. This two-signature approach shows that the work was prepared by one person and independently reviewed by another, with both taking responsibility for their part. It also creates a verifiable trail for future reference and strengthens internal controls. Choosing only the preparer to sign misses the necessary independent review. Making signatures optional removes accountability, and having the reviewer sign without the preparer doesn’t document who produced the information.

Signing and dating the audit report provides accountability and a clear record of who created the document and who reviewed and approved it. The best description is that both the preparer and the reviewer/approver sign and date the report. This two-signature approach shows that the work was prepared by one person and independently reviewed by another, with both taking responsibility for their part. It also creates a verifiable trail for future reference and strengthens internal controls.

Choosing only the preparer to sign misses the necessary independent review. Making signatures optional removes accountability, and having the reviewer sign without the preparer doesn’t document who produced the information.