cash journal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical (Business/Accounting)
Quick answer
What does “cash journal” mean?
A bookkeeping record used specifically to document all cash transactions (both receipts and payments) in chronological order.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A bookkeeping record used specifically to document all cash transactions (both receipts and payments) in chronological order.
A specialized accounting journal or subsidiary ledger, often a part of a larger bookkeeping system, that provides a detailed, day-to-day account of cash inflows and outflows, used to maintain accurate cash records and facilitate reconciliation with bank statements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both BE and AE use the term with identical meaning. BE may occasionally use 'cash book' as a more common synonym, while AE may use 'cash disbursements/receipts journal' for more specific types.
Connotations
Technical and precise in both varieties; no significant connotative differences.
Frequency
Moderately common in professional accounting contexts in both regions. Slightly more frequent in AE corporate settings, where journal specialization is common.
Grammar
How to Use “cash journal” in a Sentence
The accountant keeps/updates a cash journal.Transactions are recorded in the cash journal.The cash journal shows a discrepancy.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cash journal” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The assistant will cash journal the petty cash expenses every Friday.
- Have you cash journalled that refund yet?
American English
- The clerk needs to cash-journal the deposit before noon.
- All transactions must be cash-journaled daily.
adverb
British English
- The transactions were recorded cash-journal style.
- He updated the records cash-journal quickly.
American English
- Entries must be logged cash-journal daily.
- The system processes data cash-journal fast.
adjective
British English
- The cash-journal entries were meticulously detailed.
- We identified a cash-journal discrepancy during the audit.
American English
- She is responsible for cash-journal reconciliation.
- Follow the standard cash-journal procedure.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Essential for small business bookkeeping and internal accounting controls. Used by bookkeepers to track daily cash flow.
Academic
Found in accounting, finance, and business administration textbooks and courses.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation outside of business owners discussing their books.
Technical
A standard term in accounting software, audit procedures, and bookkeeping manuals.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cash journal”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cash journal”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cash journal”
- Using 'cash journal' to mean a cash register (the machine).
- Spelling 'journal' as 'journel'.
- Assuming it includes non-cash transactions like credit sales.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A cash journal is a specialized book for only cash transactions. A general ledger contains all accounts (cash, receivables, payables, equity, etc.). Entries from the cash journal are often summarized and posted to the cash account in the general ledger.
Yes. While traditionally a physical book, modern 'cash journals' are almost always digital, often as a module within accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero, which automates much of the recording and calculation.
Primarily small business owners, bookkeepers, accountants, and nonprofit treasurers. Large corporations use integrated accounting systems, but the underlying principle of a dedicated cash record remains.
A cash journal is an internal record of all cash movements as they happen. A bank statement is an external record from the bank, showing processed transactions. They must be reconciled to ensure they match, accounting for timing differences like outstanding cheques.
A bookkeeping record used specifically to document all cash transactions (both receipts and payments) in chronological order.
Cash journal is usually formal, technical (business/accounting) in register.
Cash journal: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkæʃ ˌdʒɜː.nəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæʃ ˌdʒɝː.nəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None. The term is purely technical.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a **journal** you write personal thoughts in, but this one is only for **cash** thoughts – every time money comes in or goes out, you 'tell' the journal.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACCOUNTING IS RECORD-KEEPING. The cash journal is the 'diary' or 'chronicle' of the business's cash life.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a cash journal?