Cash Receipts Journal: What It Is, Examples, Definition, Template, Sample, Format

A cash journal is a record that tracks the cash transactions of a business over a specific period. It is a crucial accounting document that records all incoming and outgoing cash transactions, including those made through bank transfers, checks, and cash payments. The purpose of the cash journal is to provide a detailed record of all cash transactions.

Usually, the left side of a cash journal represents payments, while the right side includes receipts. Companies may also divide these into separate records on their own. All cash inflows then get recorded in the cash receipts journal.

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Table of Contents

What is a Cash Receipts Journal?

A cash receipts journal is a book used to record all cash received by a company during a particular period. It is a subsidiary ledger of the general ledger that provides a detailed account of all incoming cash transactions. Each entry in the cash receipts journal includes information such as the transaction date, the name of the payer, the amount received, and the purpose of the transaction.

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Companies use the cash receipts journal to track cash inflows, which can include sales revenues, loan payments, or other sources of income. By recording these transactions in the cash receipts journal, companies can ensure that their financial records are accurate and up-to-date. Usually, companies record bank accounts and large cash receipts in this journal.

How does the Cash Receipt Journal work?

When a company receives cash from a customer or any other source, the transaction gets recorded in the cash receipts journal. For example, if a customer pays cash for a product or service, the company records the date of the sale, the customer’s name, the purpose of the transaction, and the amount of cash received in the cash receipts journal.

The cash receipts journal is a critical tool for companies as it provides a comprehensive record of all incoming cash transactions. It ensures that all cash received gets accounted for and helps to maintain accurate financial records. The information in the cash receipts journal then helps update the general ledger and prepare financial statements.

What is the format for the Cash Receipts Journal?

The format of the cash receipts journal may vary depending on the accounting system used by the company, but it typically includes the following columns:

Date: The date on which the cash receipt occurred.
Account Credited: The account to which the cash receipt gets credited in the general ledger.
Check Number: The number of the check received (if applicable).
Customer Name: The name of the customer who made the payment. Invoice Number: The invoice number for which the payment was made (if applicable).
Other Reference: Any other relevant reference related to the transaction.
Cash: The amount of cash received.
Cheques: The total amount of cheques received.
Total: The total amount of cash and checks received.

The cash receipts journal may also include a space for a brief description of the transaction or any other relevant data. The information in the cash receipts journal goes to the general ledger and the accounts receivable subsidiary ledger.

Conclusion

A cash journal records cash payments and receipts. In accounting, it usually includes bank and large transactions. Other cash transactions may go into the petty cash journal. Companies may also maintain a separate journal for cash inflows known as the cash receipts journal. Its format is similar to the cash payments journal. However, it only accounts for cash inflows.