According to IIA guidance, a newly promoted chief audit executive (CAE) should prioritize the review of audit reports based on the significance of the findings indicated by the opinion statements. A graded positive opinion (1) suggests that the audit found strong controls with no significant issues, while a third-party opinion (4) typically involves external assessments that may not require immediate internal action. Therefore, these opinions would receive the lowest review priority. In contrast, negative assurance opinions (2) and limited assurance opinions (3) indicate potential issues or limitations in the effectiveness of controls, necessitating higher priority review to address any significant concerns promptly. References: IIA Standard 2410 - Criteria for Communicating, IIA Practice Advisory 2410-1

Assigning a junior auditor to complete a complex part of an audit engagement can be a strategic decision aimed at providing the junior auditor with valuable experience. This exposure to complex tasks helps in their professional development, building their skills and knowledge for future responsibilities. Although tight deadlines or the unavailability of senior auditors might be factors, the primary reason is often to enhance the junior auditor's competence and career growth.

When a significant risk is identified during a consulting engagement, the most appropriate response is to report the risk to senior management. Even if the engagement is consulting in nature, it is still crucial for the internal audit activity to ensure that significant risks are communicated to those responsible for managing them.
IIA References:
* IIA Standard 2120: Risk Management requires that internal auditors evaluate the effectiveness of risk management processes and communicate significant risks to senior management. This applies regardless of whether the engagement is assurance or consulting.
* The Practice Guide on Consulting Services advises that internal auditors must ensure that significant risks identified during consulting engagements are brought to the attention of senior management so that they can take appropriate action.

When performing a consulting project to assist in making a decision on a new software system, the engagement objectives would be determined by understanding the engagement client's expectations. This ensures that the consulting engagement is aligned with what the client needs and expects, leading to more relevant and useful recommendations.
IIA Standards: 2010 - Planning
IIA Practice Guide: Consulting Services

Per Standard 2240 - Engagement Work Program, changes to the audit program must be reviewed and approved by the engagement supervisor to ensure they remain consistent with objectives. Therefore, the correct next step is to refer suggested changes to the supervisor for approval (Option A).