(13)What are the limitations of Internal Control Systems?




Answer: Internal control systems are subject to certain inherent limitations which are listed below:

(1)Cost of Internal Control: Absence of relevant data to ensure that cost of control do not exceed cost of expected benefit.

(2)Human Error: Chances of human errors such as mistakes, negligence, carelessness and misunderstanding.

(3)Unusual transactions: Internal controls do not tend to address unusual transactions.  

(4)Collusion: Collusion within employees or other parties can override internal controls.


(5)Abuse of Responsibility: Abuse of responsibility by staff responsible for exercising an internal control. 

(6)Manipulation by Management: The possibility of overriding of internal control by management to manipulate financial statements.