What is the first step in balancing a cash drawer at the end of a cashier's shift?

The first step in balancing a cash drawer at the end of a cashier's shift involves establishing a clear understanding of how much cash should be present in the drawer. This is done by adding total sales to the beginning balance.

By starting with the beginning balance, which includes the amount of cash the cashier initially had, you account for all transactions that were processed. The total sales represent the revenue generated over the shift, and combining these figures gives you a theoretical ending balance, which should match the physical cash present in the drawer.

This method sets the foundation for accurately determining discrepancies between cash in the drawer and what is expected based on sales records. Each of the other steps mentioned, such as counting the cash or preparing a report, would logically follow after establishing this account, ensuring that the balance can be confirmed through further verification processes.