Managing small expenses can be a hassle, but with a petty cash book, it can be much easier. Petty cash books are designed to help businesses keep track of small expenses, such as office supplies or coffee runs. There are different types of petty cash book formats, each with their own advantages and disadvantages.
In this guide, we’ll explore the various formats for petty cash books, their features, and provide multiple examples to help you choose the best option for your business.
Types of Petty Cash Book Formats
Columnar Petty Cash Book Format
Columnar petty cash book format is one of the most commonly used formats for managing small expenses. It has columns for date, description of the expense, the amount spent, the name of the person who made the purchase, and the balance remaining in the petty cash fund. This format is straightforward and easy to use, making it an excellent option for small businesses.
Example
Date | Description | Amount | Purchaser | Balance
01/01/2022 | Office Supplies | $20 | John | $480
01/02/2022 | Coffee | $10 | Sarah | $470
Receipt Petty Cash Book Format
Receipt petty cash book format is another commonly used format for petty cash management. It has columns for date, description of the expense, the amount spent, and a place to attach receipts. This format allows for easy tracking of expenses and provides proof of purchase.
Example:
Date | Description | Amount | Receipt
01/01/2022 | Office Supplies | $20 | Attached
01/02/2022 | Coffee | $10 | Attached
Imprest Petty Cash Book Format
Imprest petty cash book format is a slightly more complex format that requires the custodian to maintain a constant balance in the petty cash fund. In this format, the petty cash fund is established by transferring a set amount of money from the main account. Once the fund is established, the custodian makes small purchases and maintains a record of each transaction. At the end of the accounting period, the custodian submits a request for reimbursement, and the petty cash fund is replenished.
Example:
Date | Description | Amount | Balance
01/01/2022 | Office Supplies | $20 | $480
01/02/2022 | Coffee | $10 | $470
Total | | $30 | $470
Voucher Petty Cash Book Format
Voucher petty cash book format is a format that requires the custodian to maintain a record of each transaction using a voucher system. In this format, the custodian provides a voucher to the person making the purchase. The voucher includes details of the purchase, including the amount spent, the date, and the name of the purchaser. The purchaser then returns the voucher with the receipt, and the custodian records the transaction in the petty cash book.
Example:
Voucher No. | Date | Description | Amount | Purchaser
001 | 01/01/2022 | Office Supplies | $20 | John
002 | 01/02/2022 | Coffee | $10 | Sarah
Other Important Formats
The Journal Format
The journal format is one of the simplest ways to maintain a petty cash book. In this format, a new page is created for each transaction, and the details of the transaction are recorded in a journal-style entry. The entry typically includes the date of the transaction, a description of the expense, the amount spent, and the name of the person who made the purchase. At the end of the month, the total amount spent is calculated and reconciled with the original cash float.
The Columnar Format
The columnar format is another commonly used format for petty cash books. In this format, a single page is used to record multiple transactions, with each transaction being recorded in a separate column. The columns typically include the date of the transaction, a description of the expense, the amount spent, and any other relevant information such as the name of the supplier or the department that made the purchase. At the end of the month, the columns are totaled and reconciled with the original cash float.
The Imprest System
The imprest system is a specific type of petty cash book format that involves maintaining a fixed cash float. Under this system, a predetermined amount of cash is set aside for petty expenses, and any disbursements are made from this float. At the end of a specified period, usually a month, the petty cash book is reconciled, and any expenses are replenished to the original float amount. This system helps to ensure that petty cash expenses are tracked accurately and that there is no chance of the cash float becoming depleted.
The Electronic Format
In recent years, many businesses have moved towards electronic formats for managing their petty cash expenses. Under this format, an electronic system is used to record all petty cash transactions, and receipts can be scanned and uploaded to the system for verification. This format offers several advantages over traditional paper-based formats, including improved accuracy and efficiency, the ability to track expenses in real-time, and easy access to historical data. However, it also requires an initial investment in hardware and software, and may not be suitable for all businesses.
Last Word
In conclusion, choosing the right petty cash book format can make all the difference in managing small expenses effectively. By understanding the various formats available, including columnar, receipt, imprest, and voucher petty cash book formats, you can choose the best option for your business. Each format has its own unique features and advantages, so it’s important to evaluate them carefully to make an informed decision. With the right petty cash book format, you can streamline your cash management, improve record-keeping, and keep your finances on track.
