Till Calculator - FAQ

Your comprehensive guide to cash registers and tills in retail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Reconciliation is essential to ensure that the actual cash in the till matches the recorded transactions in the point-of-sale (POS) system. It helps:
  • Identify discrepancies that may indicate errors, theft, or fraud.
  • Maintain accurate financial records for reporting and audits.
  • Ensure the business is operating efficiently and transparently.
  • Build trust among employees by enforcing a standard cash handling policy.
Regular reconciliation reduces risks and gives managers peace of mind.

Tills should ideally be reconciled at the following times:
  • End of every shift: This ensures that discrepancies can be traced to a specific employee or time frame.
  • End of day: A daily reconciliation keeps records up-to-date and ready for financial reporting.
  • After peak periods: During high-traffic times, reconciling immediately can help identify discrepancies promptly.
Businesses with high transaction volumes might also benefit from spot checks during shifts.

Effective till management requires consistent practices. Here are some key tips:

  • Always count cash in a secure, private location to prevent distractions or theft.
  • Use a dedicated tool, like a till calculator, to reduce errors and speed up the process.
  • Ensure the starting float amount is consistent and recorded at the beginning of each shift.
  • Separate cash by denomination and count it systematically (e.g., largest bills first).
  • Log discrepancies immediately in a report and investigate any issues thoroughly.
  • Double-check counts if discrepancies arise and involve a supervisor for verification.
Adopting these best practices will save time and improve accuracy.

If a discrepancy is found:
  1. Recount the cash carefully to rule out counting errors.
  2. Review the POS system’s transaction log for mistakes or skipped transactions.
  3. Check if any receipts or refunds weren’t logged correctly.
  4. If the issue persists, escalate to a supervisor or manager for further investigation.
  5. Document the discrepancy in a log for accountability and reporting purposes.

Proper training is critical for effective till management. Key training points include:
  • Explaining the importance of till reconciliation and accurate cash handling.
  • Demonstrating how to use the POS system and calculate totals accurately.
  • Teaching employees to count cash systematically and record transactions immediately.
  • Providing clear protocols for handling discrepancies or unusual situations.
  • Encouraging employees to maintain a clean and organized till area.
Regularly reviewing these procedures and reinforcing them during team meetings ensures consistency.