Vault Cash Surprise Count Audit

Unannounced full-count inspection of vault and operating cash, verified by two independent staff against the general ledger balance and documented for variance follow-up.

Audit Setup and Unannounced Verification

• Audit is unannounced and initiated without prior cash count preparation
  Verify the count began without advance notice to cash custodians or pre-count balancing activity.
• Audit scope includes all vault cash and operating cash locations identified
  Confirm every cash location in scope is included, including vault, drawers, and any operating cash held on site.
• Two independent staff members performed the count
  Both counters must be independent of cash custody and verify the count against each other.
• Count team independence confirmed
  Document whether the counters are sufficiently independent to support the surprise count.

Vault Access and Physical Control

• Vault or cash room access is restricted to authorized personnel only
  Confirm unauthorized individuals are not present and access is controlled during the count.
• Cash storage containers, safes, and drawers were opened in the presence of the audit team
  Verify all cash containers were opened under observation to preserve chain of custody.
• Count area is secure and free from interruptions during the audit
  The area should be controlled so the count can be completed without interruption or unauthorized access.
• Cash held in transit or pending deposit is identified separately
  Identify any cash not physically in the vault but still part of the operating cash population.

Physical Cash Count and Denomination Verification

• Currency denomination count completed for all bills
  Enter the total number of currency bills counted or attach the detailed denomination sheet.
• Coin denomination count completed for all coins
  Enter the total number of coins counted or attach the detailed denomination sheet.
• Denomination breakdown reconciles to the physical cash total
  The sum of all denominations must equal the physical cash total.
• Second independent count matches the first count
  Both counters must arrive at the same total before reconciliation to the ledger.
• Unusual items or non-cash contents found in cash storage
  Document any items stored with cash that require separate handling or valuation.

General Ledger Reconciliation and Variance Review

• General ledger balance captured for the audit date and time
  Enter the ledger balance used for reconciliation at the time of the surprise count.
• Physical cash total captured for the audit date and time
  Enter the total physical cash counted during the audit.
• Variance between physical count and general ledger is documented
  Any difference between the physical count and ledger balance must be recorded and explained.
• Variance amount
  Enter shortage as a negative value and overage as a positive value.
• Variance explanation and root cause documented
  Describe the reason for the variance, if known, and any immediate containment actions taken.

Corrective Action, Attestation, and Sign-Off

• Corrective action assigned for any shortage or control deficiency
  Document the action owner, due date, and remediation steps for any identified deficiency.
• Supporting evidence attached
  Select all evidence included with the audit record.
• Inspector attestation completed
  Inspector signs to confirm the count was completed and documented accurately.
• Cash custodian or site manager acknowledgment completed
  Optional acknowledgment by the responsible site representative.