When you count down a register after each shift and reconcile revenue and expenditure, you’ll reduce the possibility of theft and check for any possible errors for the correct invoice amount for the day. Here is the standard procedure to count down a register:
Step 1: Calculate the total amount available at the end of the day
Add up the total amount of the initial cash in the cash register and the amount you receive for the day. The amount in the cash drawer needs to be equal to the sum of these two numbers. Note down the total cash and change as you count.
Step 2: Calculate the amount on the bill
Place all the bills on the counter, all facing in one direction, and count them. Start with the highest bills first. Write down the amount during the counting.
Step 3: Calculate money at face value
Arrange cash into stacks according to face value. Then, write the total amount of each of these denominations on a separate line on your piece of paper.
Step 4: Count down the change
For example, if the highest bills are 2 of $100 bills, you’ll write out 2 X $100, and that’s $200 in total. Repeat that process for each smaller invoice size, then for the variation.
Keep change in a separate compartment for better tracking. Then, write down the totals as you continue.
Step 5: Reconcile and compare
Add up the total of the cash drawer and compare it with the number in step 1. The amount must match. If not, recount it. If it still doesn’t match, check under the cash drawer to ensure no money has fallen into it.
If you’re missing or redundant, record this and check where the difference comes from.
