Glossary
Expenses & Payables

Petty Cash

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
June 2, 2025

DEFINITION:

Petty cash is a small cash reserve used for minor organizational expenses that require immediate payment.
Petty cash is a small fund of physical cash that organizations keep on hand to pay for minor, incidental expenses that are impractical to pay by check or electronic transfer. Common uses include purchasing office supplies, reimbursing staff for minor out-of-pocket expenses, or covering small, urgent needs. The petty cash fund is usually managed by a custodian who is responsible for disbursing cash and maintaining accurate records of all transactions. Periodically, the fund is replenished by submitting receipts and a reconciliation report to ensure the fund's balance is restored to its original amount. Maintaining and tracking petty cash is essential for accurate financial reporting and internal controls.

Key Takeaways

  • Used for small, immediate expenses
  • Managed by a designated custodian
  • Requires receipts and reconciliation
  • Ensures accurate expense tracking

Why It Matters

Petty cash enables quick, convenient payments for small expenses while maintaining proper financial oversight.

Real World Example

A local animal rescue nonprofit keeps a $100 petty cash fund to quickly purchase cleaning supplies, snacks for volunteers, or last-minute office items. The office manager, acting as custodian, tracks each purchase by obtaining receipts and recording amounts in a petty cash log. When the fund drops to $20, the manager submits the receipts and log to the finance team, which reimburses the fund back to $100. This process allows the nonprofit to handle small, urgent expenses efficiently while maintaining accountability and accurate records.

How Aplos Helps

In Aplos, you can easily track petty cash transactions as part of your expense management. By recording each withdrawal and reimbursement in the system, you ensure that petty cash activity is accurately reflected in your accounting records and financial reports, supporting transparency and accountability for your nonprofit.
launch trading trade finance startup icon

Try it yourself. Start your 15 day free trial

No commitment or credit card required.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main purpose of petty cash?

Petty cash provides a convenient way to pay for minor, immediate expenses that are impractical to pay by check or card.

How should petty cash be managed?

A designated custodian should track all petty cash transactions, keep receipts, and regularly reconcile the fund to maintain accuracy.

Can I track petty cash in Aplos?

Yes, Aplos allows you to record and monitor petty cash transactions, ensuring they are accurately reflected in your accounting records.