Final answer:
The correct answer to the question is A. Integrated Audit, which examines both the financial statement audit and the effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting.
Step-by-step explanation:
Auditors of public companies can perform a integrated audit, which involves the concurrent examination of both the financial statement audit and the audit of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting (ICFR). Unlike an internal audit, which is conducted by the company's internal auditors, or a compliance audit, which assesses adherence to specific regulations and policies, an integrated audit is designed to ensure the financial statements and the company's internal controls.
An investigative audit, on the other hand, is more focused on specific issues, such as allegations of fraud or mismanagement. The correct answer is A. Integrated Audit. An integrated audit is essential as it ensures the reliability of financial information and strengthens investor confidence.