During an external audit of an organization’s financial statements, Saskia, the external auditor, uncovers significant...

The Auditors’ Fraud-Related Responsibilities chapter emphasizes communication with those charged with governance when auditors identify matters relevant to fraud risk, internal control, or material misstatement. The manual states that if fraud involving management or significant internal control roles is identified or suspected, the auditor must communicate such matters to those charged with governance on a timely basis. It also identifies management’s failure to remedy significant deficiencies in internal control as an important fraud risk factor. In parallel, the management responsibilities material explains that internal control deficiencies should be communicated to appropriate parties for corrective action. Taken together, the manual’s framework supports communicating significant deficiencies to those charged with governance rather than immediate withdrawal or automatic reporting to regulators. Therefore, option C is the correct exam response.