The short answer: take the float out and count it separately, compare the cash with what the till says you should have, write down the over or short every day, keep one person per drawer per shift, and look for patterns rather than chasing every penny.

1. Float out first

Mixing the float into the day’s takings is the classic reason the numbers never match. Count the float, set it aside, then count the takings.

2. Record over or short — every day

Compare the counted cash with the expected cash from your till or POS and write the difference down, even when it’s zero. A daily log is what makes patterns visible.

3. One person per drawer, per shift

When three people share a drawer, a shortfall can’t be traced. One person per drawer per shift makes every difference answerable.

4. Look for patterns, not pennies

Small random differences happen. The same amount missing on the same day of the week, or on one person’s shifts, is what deserves investigation.

Related: cash management · staff access control.

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