An internal auditor is conducting an assessment of the organization's fraud prevention program using the COSO enterprise risk management framework. According to this framework, which of the following activities would fall under the control environment component for preventing fraud?
1. The organization uses an automated authority approval matrix to control payments.
2. The organization has a whistleblower hotline that is available to employees.
3. Annually, every manager completes a comprehensive fraud assessment of his or her department.
4. Annually, the organization reviews and communicates the code of expected behavior.
An internal auditor is reviewing the accounts receivable when she discovers account balances more than three years old. The auditor was previously supervising the area during this time, and she subsequently advises the chief audit executive (CAE) of a potential conflict.
Which of the following is the most appropriate course of action for the CAE to take?