What type of control would be used to audit financial statements for compliance with accounting standards?

The correct choice is a compliance audit, as it specifically focuses on assessing whether financial statements and accounting practices adhere to established accounting standards and regulations. Compliance audits are designed to ensure that companies follow rules, laws, and standards set by governing bodies in their financial reporting. This type of audit evaluates the processes, controls, and systems in place to ensure that the financial statements are prepared accurately and reflect the true financial position of the organization in accordance with applicable accounting principles.

In contrast, preventive controls are proactive measures aimed at preventing errors or fraud before they occur, but they do not specifically assess compliance with standards. Operational control pertains to the efficiency and effectiveness of operations rather than compliance. Managerial audits generally focus on the internal management processes and controls rather than the adherence to external reporting standards. Therefore, a compliance audit is the most suitable type of control for ensuring that financial statements meet accounting standards.