Petty cash shortage: what to do
The tin is short. Before it turns into an argument, work through it in order. Most shortages are explained by step 3.
1. Recount, with someone else
Count the cash and the receipts again with a second person. Write both counts down.
2. Work out the exact gap
Use the free shortfall finder: float, minus receipts, plus cash put back, compared with what's in the tin.
3. Check the usual suspects
- Receipts still in pockets, bags or the car
- Change that wasn't returned
- A top-up, refund or IOU that wasn't written down
- Petty cash used to make change at the till
4. Talk to the team, fairly
Ask everyone who used the tin in that period the same question: "Do you have any receipts or change from the tin?" Keep it about the tin, not the person. People hand back forgotten receipts when they don't feel accused.
5. Record it and move on
If it's still unexplained, record an adjustment with the amount, date and what you checked, then top the tin back up to the float. A clean start beats a running mystery.
6. Make the next one obvious
- One log entry per withdrawal, written at the time, with a name on it
- A receipt or a voucher for every dollar
- Count weekly, without looking at the expected figure first
Stop it happening next month
PettyCashing puts a QR code on your cash tin. Staff scan it, log what they took and snap the receipt, so you always know what should be in the tin. Counts are done blind, and any difference shows up the same day, not at month end.