If the proposed payroll validation procedure is not utilized, then the expected loss to the company is $1500. Because the expected loss with the validation step is $10,000. the control provides an expected benefit of $1.400 After deducting the control costs of $600 the validation step provides a net benefit of $800. Clearly it should be implemented.
In evaluating internal control costs and benefits, management must consider factors other than those in the expected benefit calculation. For example, if an event threatens an organization's existence, it may be worthwhile to spend more than indicated by the cost/benefit analysis to minimize the possibility that the organization will perish. This extra cost can be viewed as a catastrophic loss insurance premium.