Cash Disbursement System
The AP clerk periodically reviews the open AP file for liabilities that are due. To maximize returns on invested cash, yet still take advantage of vendor discounts, the applicable due date. Upon finding an open accounts payable file in need of payment, the clerk manually prepares a check for the amount due as per the invoice. The hard copy AP ledger is also updated by the AP clerk. The check number, dollar amount, and other pertinent data are manually recorded in the hard-copy check register. The check is then sent to the cash disbursements department. Finally, the invoice is discarded, as it no longer has any relevant information that hasn’t already been recorded elsewhere.
When the cash disbursements clerk receives the unsigned check, she examines it to ensure that no one has tampered with any of the information and that no errors have been made. Because she is familiar with all of the vendors with whom Walker deals, she can identify any false vendors or any payment amounts that seem excessive. Assuming everything appears in order, she signs the check using a signature block that displays the name of the assistant treasurer, Tyler Matthews. Only Matthews’ signature can validate a vendor check. The cash disbursements clerk then photocopies the check for audit trail purposes.
Once the check is signed, it is sent directly to the supplier. The photocopy of the check is marked as paid and them filed in the cash disbursements department. The clerk then creates a journal voucher, which is sent to the general ledger department. Once the general ledger department receives the journal voucher, the clerk examines it for any obvious errors and then enters the relevant data into the department PC to update the appropriate digital general ledger accounts.