How to close a cash register step by step

A reliable close begins during the shift. Sales, refunds, cash drops, expenses, and corrections need a record. Without those records, the final count shows a discrepancy but gives you no trail to follow.

Prepare the drawer

• Finish or void open transactions.
• Collect receipts for card payments, refunds, drops, and expenses.
• Stop new movements while the drawer is being counted.
• Identify the opening float that must remain for the next shift.

Calculate the expected cash

Use a formula everyone can repeat: opening float plus cash sales, minus documented cash drops, refunds, and expenses, equals expected physical cash. Card and digital payments belong in the sales reconciliation, not in the drawer count.

Count and compare

1. Group notes and coins by denomination.
2. Count each group and calculate its subtotal.
3. Add the subtotals, then count again independently.
4. Compare actual cash with expected cash and record the result, time, and responsible person.

If the totals differ, recount without looking at the first result. Then check payment methods, refunds, discounts, cash drops, expenses, and the opening float. Correct the record and the process that caused the difference.