Cash Office Procedures

A cash office is responsible for handling cash, checks or money orders. With a cash office, money can be readily available. Stores, banks and educational institutions operate cash offices. Procedures are followed in a cash office to ensure proper and legal handling of funds. Procedures may vary by industry.

The cash office collects cash, money orders and checks. Funds must be recorded and placed in a secure location until deposit. Industries may record and count daily transactions through a numbering system. For example, a receipt tape may be run to count daily transactions as they occur.

All money orders, checks, cashier's checks and personal checks must be endorsed. Endorsements are clearly stamped and dated for legal compliance. Checks are made payable solely to the business or organization, with the exact payment amount. When taking cash, the cash office may or may not offer change. Post-dated checks are generally not accepted as part of cash office procedures.

Whether receiving payment in cash or through check or money order, a cash office must always issue a receipt. Receipts display transactions at the close of a financial period and ensure that all financial records can be verified.