A significant deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. For instance, inadequate segregation of duties, a failure to reconcile account balances, or a lack of effective oversight by management could individually, or in combination, constitute such a deficiency.
The presence of such a deficiency is a serious matter for organizations, as it indicates a significant risk to the reliability of financial reporting. Identifying and reporting such conditions is crucial for stakeholders, including investors and auditors, as it impacts their confidence in the accuracy and integrity of financial information. Historically, increased regulatory scrutiny and heightened awareness of corporate governance have emphasized the importance of robust internal controls and the proper evaluation of any identified significant deficiencies.