Restaurant cash handling SOP: issue, control and reconcile each drawer
Direct answer
A cash SOP assigns drawers, controls voids and discounts, limits access, reconciles expected and counted amounts and records every variance for supervisor review. Adapt custody and deposit steps to the venue’s risk controls.
Trigger
Use when issuing a drawer, processing a controlled cash exception and closing a shift.
Accountable role
Named cashier for the issued drawer and supervisor for approvals and reconciliation.
Procedure
- Count and issue the opening amount under dual or supervisor control where required.
- Keep access tied to the assigned user and approved transaction workflow.
- Record voids, refunds, discounts, paid-outs and cash exceptions.
- Close the drawer and compare expected, counted and documented adjustments.
- Record the variance and transfer funds under the venue’s custody procedure.
Completion evidence
- Drawer issue and return
- Void/refund/discount approvals
- Expected-versus-counted report
- Variance and custody handoff
Escalation rule
Do not silently adjust a variance; record it and follow the venue’s review, security and employment procedures.
Questions about this SOP
Should staff share one drawer login?
Individual access and assigned drawers improve accountability where the operation supports them.
Does a POS total prove the cash count?
No. Reconcile system expectation with physical count and documented adjustments.
Adapt before use
This template is an operational starting point, not a food-safety plan, emergency instruction, employment policy, accounting control or statement of local law. Assign trained owners and adapt limits, records, chemicals, equipment steps, emergency contacts and reporting requirements to the venue and jurisdiction.
Wobistro can support relevant digital-menu, ordering, reservation, ticket and staff workflows when enabled in the current plan. The restaurant remains responsible for safe operation and approval.
All restaurant SOPs