The principle use of control accounts is to localize errors within the ledger. A control account is a summary account in the general ledger that contains aggregated amounts from related subsidiary ledgers or individual accounts. The use of control accounts allows for easy detection of errors or discrepancies that may arise in the subsidiary ledgers or individual accounts, as the totals in the subsidiary ledgers or individual accounts are compared to the corresponding totals in the control account. Any differences in the totals can be traced and investigated to identify and correct errors or discrepancies. By localizing errors within the ledger, control accounts help ensure the accuracy of financial information and prevent misstatements in financial reports.