Final answer:
A control deficiency warranting attention but less severe than a material weakness is called a significant deficiency. This term is used in the context of financial reporting and oversight. Significant deficiencies must be addressed to ensure the accuracy of financial statements.
Step-by-step explanation:
A control deficiency that is less severe than a material weakness, but important enough to merit attention by those responsible for oversight of the company's financial reporting, is referred to as a significant deficiency. It is not an internal control, audit finding, or control risk itself but rather a term used to describe an issue with the internal controls that needs to be addressed. Although it is less critical than a material weakness, it still requires corrective action to prevent misstatements in the financial statements.