How to implement cash handling procedures for cashiers

Having clear cashier procedures for handling cash in place are essential to reduce the risk of an attempted robbery being successful. Cash handling procedures for cashiers should be understood and rigorously implemented, reducing the opportunity for criminals to take advantage of lax processes.

Human error and insider fraud can also lead to losses for companies, so cash handling procedures for cashiers should be designed to limit these risks.

What are the key steps companies can take to ensure they have effective cash handling procedures for cashiers in place?

Clear policies and guidelines

Your cash handling procedures should be clear, easy to follow, and well understood by anyone working in a customer-facing role. They should specify which employees are authorised to handle cash, the limits for cash kept on-site or in tills to reduce risk, and the security protocols in place such as secure safes and CCTV monitoring.

Employee training

Employees should undergo training in cash handling before they begin work in their role, and this should be revisited periodically. Policies and guidelines can evolve and develop over time, so it’s important to ensure that training is revisited regularly to ensure that employees remain up to date.

Cash handling controls

Controls such as segregated duties, dual control, and daily reconciliations, can all mitigate the risk of theft, fraud, and human error. Two individuals should be required to count large sums of cash together or access safes. By reconciling cash receipts with daily POS sales, discrepancies can be quickly identified.

Auditing and monitoring

Periodic audits should be conducted to identify any potential weaknesses and to ensure ongoing compliance. Surprise cash counts can reduce the risk of internal theft, and CCTV footage of cash-handling areas should be regularly reviewed. Detailed records of cash transactions, deposits, and reconciliations should all be kept for auditing purposes.

Robust physical security

Effective cash handling procedures for cashiers and other customer-facing personnel need to be supported through physical security measures.  Pay windows facilitate fast, efficient customer transactions, and transaction windows allow for the swift movement of cash and goods between non-secure and secure areas of the building. Employees should understand how physical security measures operate.

Emergency response plan

A response plan for emergencies such as theft or fraud should be in place. This will typically include reporting procedures for missing or stolen cash, contact details for law enforcement and insurance providers, as well as steps to review and strengthen procedures after any incidents.

Comprehensive customer facing security solutions from Safetell

Protecting against crime requires robust and well-understood cash handling procedures for cashiers combined with the right security solutions.

At Safetell, we’ve provided numerous public and private organisations, from retailers and banks to government buildings, with custom security solutions that provide added protection during potential robberies.

Contact us to find out how we can increase your security and reduce the risk of robbery.