Final answer:
An auditor would most likely read internal audit reports to understand a continuing client in audit planning, and they might also conduct interviews, consult industry journals, and find expert insights to gather necessary information.
Step-by-step explanation:
To obtain an understanding of a continuing client in planning an audit, an auditor most likely would read internal audit reports. This approach would provide a historical perspective on the internal control environment of the business and any issues previously identified that may continue to be relevant. Additionally, to enhance their understanding, auditors often use various methods of gathering information such as conducting interviews with key personnel, finding expert information through professional publications or consultations, and reading specialized industry journals to understand the context in which the client operates. By integrating these different sources, auditors can establish a comprehensive view of the organization's operations, financial reporting processes, and challenges relevant to the current audit work. It is essential to cross-reference collected data and review it with a critical eye, asking probing questions about the facts presented and making inferential analyses based on the text. This helps in identifying any contradictions or affirmations between current and past reports and in understanding the author's perspective.