In almost all businesses, it is found necessary to keep small sums of ready money with the cashier or petty cashier for the purpose of meeting small expenses.  A petty cash book gives the business a record of all the little odds and ends that are purchased out of petty cash, e.g., stationary supplies, postage, coffee service items, small parts, etc. Knowing who?, what?, where?, and how much? gives a sense of control, and a place to start when questioning unusual expenditures, or holding somone accountable.

From an accounting perspective, all those little expenses can be lumped under the single heading of "petty cash" without having to go into the minute detail of all the things that were bought. The book can also be used as a source for determining how much is being spent on regularly recurring items. If the expense warrants, it might be taken out of petty cash and given its own line item and budget.

A petty cash book is generally maintained on a columnar basis - a separate column being allotted for each type of expenditure.  The petty cash book contains a summary of all petty cash disbursements, its total and the balance. 

Petty cash book voucher is released by the handler of the funds to support every payments made.  Each voucher is prepared at the time disbursement is made from petty cash. The voucher would show the date, amount, recipient, purpose and general ledger account number relating to the expense. The person giving out the petty cash and the person receiving the petty cash would sign the voucher and any supporting documentation (such as receipts) would be attached.

See the full range of Petty Cash Books available at UK Office Direct