Which of the following best describes the role of internal auditors in relationship to internal control?

The role of internal auditors in relation to internal control is primarily to assess the effectiveness of those controls. Internal auditors are responsible for evaluating whether internal controls are designed adequately and functioning effectively to mitigate risks and ensure that the organization's objectives are achieved. This assessment involves examining various elements of internal control, such as operations, compliance with laws and regulations, and the reliability of financial reporting.

By evaluating the effectiveness of internal controls, internal auditors provide valuable insights and recommendations that help improve the organization's control environment. This independent evaluation is crucial for maintaining accountability and ensuring that management is informed about the functioning of internal controls.

While managing internal control processes is a function typically reserved for management, and ensuring compliance is only one aspect of the auditors' broader responsibilities, the focus of internal auditors on assessing effectiveness highlights their role in promoting a robust control environment. Their reports may be directed to the governing body, but their primary function centers on audit assessments and providing objective insights into the effectiveness of internal control systems.