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How to Bookkeep Petty Cash

Petty cash is a small amount of money kept on hand by a business to pay for minor, everyday expenses such as office supplies, travel reimbursements, or small repairs, typically managed outside the regular accounting system for convenience.

How to Set Up Cash Float and Cash Over/Short Accounts in Balabook:

If you manage a standard amount of cash, like a cash register float, you need to create two accounts in the Chart of Accounts to keep track of this cash.

Create a Cash Box Account:

  1. On the left-side menu, go to Accountant > Chart of Accounts.
  2. Click the 'New Account' button.
  3. For Account Type, select Asset under Cash at bank and in hand.
  4. In the account name field, enter "Cash Box" (or a name that suits your business).
  5. Click 'Save'.

This account will represent the physical cash you hold, such as in a register or petty cash box.

Create a Cash Short/Over Account:

  1. While still in the Chart of Accounts, click 'New Account' again.
  2. For Account Type, select Expenses under Other Operating Expenses.
  3. Name the account "Cash Short/Over".
  4. Click 'Save'.

This account will be used to track any differences between the expected cash in the cash box and the actual amount when counted (e.g., overages or shortages).

Written by

Alexandra Kyriacou

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