IIA IIA-CIA-Part3 Exam With Confidence Using Practice Dumps

When an internal auditor calculates the mean (average), median (middle value), and range (difference between highest and lowest values) of a data population, the primary purpose is to assess the distribution of data and detect anomalies. Let’s analyze the answer choices:

Option A: To inform the classification of the data population.

Incorrect. Classification typically involves categorizing data into specific groups, which requires different statistical or analytical techniques like clustering or decision trees. Mean, median, and range are more useful for identifying distribution patterns.

Option B: To determine the completeness and accuracy of the data.

Incorrect. While summary statistics can highlight extreme values, completeness and accuracy are usually assessed through data reconciliation, validation checks, and comparison with source records.

Option C: To identify whether the population contains outliers.

Correct.

The range (difference between the largest and smallest values) helps to detect extreme values.

The mean and median can show whether the data is symmetrical or skewed (which may indicate outliers).

If the mean is significantly different from the median, it suggests potential outliers pulling the average in one direction.

IIA Reference: Internal auditors use data analytics to detect anomalies and potential fraud by identifying outliers. (IIA GTAG: Auditing with Data Analytics)

Option D: To determine whether duplicates in the data inflate the range.

Incorrect. Duplicates may affect the data set, but range calculations alone do not determine whether duplicates exist. Duplicate identification usually involves checking for repeated entries, not just extreme values.

At the end of an accounting period, certain accounts must be closed to prepare financial statements and reset balances for the next period. The accounts that must be closed are temporary accounts, which include all income statement accounts (revenues, expenses, and gains/losses).

Why Option A (Income statement accounts) is Correct:

Income statement accounts (revenues, expenses, gains, and losses) are temporary accounts that track financial performance for a specific period.

At the end of the period, these accounts are closed to the retained earnings account to reset them to zero for the next period.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

Option B (Balance sheet accounts):

Incorrect because balance sheet accounts (assets, liabilities, and equity) are permanent accounts that carry their balances forward to the next period.

Option C (Permanent accounts):

Incorrect because permanent accounts include all balance sheet accounts, which are never closed.

Option D (Real accounts):

Incorrect because real accounts refer to balance sheet accounts (assets, liabilities, and equity), which remain open.

IIA GTAG – "Auditing Financial Close Processes": Discusses the closing of temporary accounts at the period end.

COSO Internal Control – Integrated Framework: Recommends proper financial reporting controls, including account closures.

IFRS & GAAP Accounting Standards: Define temporary and permanent accounts in financial reporting.

IIA References:Thus, the correct answer is A. Income statement accounts.

Understanding Predictive Analytics:

Predictive analytics involves using historical data, statistical algorithms, and machine learning techniques to forecast future trends and behaviors.

It applies assumptions and models patterns to predict outcomes, helping businesses make proactive decisions.

Why Option B is Correct:

Predictive analytics is forward-looking and uses assumptions (e.g., weather conditions) to predict where stock levels would decrease more quickly.

This aligns with the goal of predictive analytics: forecasting potential events before they occur.

Why Other Options Are Incorrect:

A. Analyzed instances where parts were out of stock before scheduled deliveries: This is descriptive analytics, as it looks at past data without making future predictions.

C. Analyzed past stockouts and found a correlation with stormy weather: This is diagnostic analytics, as it identifies past correlations but does not predict future trends.

D. Modeled different scenarios for stock reordering and delivery decisions: This is prescriptive analytics, which focuses on decision-making rather than predictions.

IIA Standards and References:

IIA GTAG on Data Analytics (2017): Highlights predictive analytics as a tool for forecasting risks and operational inefficiencies.

IIA Standard 1220 – Due Professional Care: Encourages auditors to use analytical techniques to anticipate potential issues.

COSO ERM Framework: Supports the use of predictive models to improve risk management and strategic planning.

Thus, the correct answer is B: A supplier of electrical parts analyzed sales, applied assumptions related to weather conditions, and identified locations where stock levels would decrease more quickly.