Final answer:
True statement regarding internal auditors is that they report to the company's top management, with a degree of functional independence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regarding internal auditors, the statement that is true is option c: Internal auditors are independent of the companies being audited. Internal auditors are employees of the company they work for, but they are expected to maintain independence and objectivity in their audits. This means they should not have any conflicts of interest that may hinder their ability to provide an unbiased assessment of the company's operations and financial records.
The true statement regarding internal auditors is that internal auditors report to the top management of the company. While internal auditors are employees of the company and thus are not completely independent, they should operate with a degree of functional independence from the management they are auditing, meaning their work should be free from interference.
However, it's important to note that absolute independence is the characteristic of external auditors, who are appointed by the shareholders. Also, becoming an internal auditor does not necessarily require a certificate in public accounting, though it can be beneficial.