What is the main focus of preventive controls?

The main focus of preventive controls is to prevent errors before they occur. These controls are designed to safeguard assets, enhance the accuracy and reliability of financial reporting, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations by proactively identifying and addressing potential issues before they manifest. Examples of preventive controls include segregation of duties, authorization processes, and system access restrictions. By implementing these measures, organizations can significantly reduce the probability of errors and fraud, leading to a more secure and efficient internal accounting process.

The other options reflect different aspects of internal controls. Detecting errors after they occur pertains to detective controls, which focus on identifying issues once they have already impacted the organization. Documenting transactions is a crucial part of accounting practices but does not specifically relate to the prevention of errors. Enhancing company profits is an overarching business objective that may indirectly benefit from effective controls, but it is not the primary focus of preventive controls in the context of accounting systems.