Why is the separation-of-duties control so important with cash? Without separation of duties, the adjusting entry process and the closing entry process are done by the same person. Without separation of duties, the general ledger is maintained by the same person who posts the closing entries. Without separation of duties, the general ledger is maintained by the same person who posts the adjusting entries. Without separation of duties, an employee who takes cash can cover up the shortage by adjusting the accounting records