Inherent Limitations   SEC & PCAOB > PCAOB > Auditing Standard No. 2 > Inherent Limitations of Internal Controls Source: PCAOB Release 2004-001 March 9, 2004 Page A–12 – Standard Inherent Limitations in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 16. Internal control over financial reporting cannot provide absolute assurance of achieving financial reporting objectives because of its inherent limitations. Internal control over financial reporting is a process that involves human diligence and compliance and is subject to lapses in judgment and breakdowns resulting from human failures. Internal control over financial reporting also can be circumvented by collusion or improper management override. Because of such limitations, there is a risk that material misstatements may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis by internal control over financial reporting. However, these inherent limitations are known features of the financial reporting process. Therefore, it is possible to design into the process safeguards to reduce, though not eliminate, this risk.