· 7 min read

Shift Close Discipline: Cash, Card, and Tip Reconciliation

The last hour of service sets the tone for tomorrow’s numbers. A simple close checklist—aligned to what your POS already reports—stops small drifts from becoming trust issues.

Start from the POS report, not the drawer

Run the expected cash, card, and tip totals from the system first. Count physical cash second. Investigate any gap before signing off—waiting until morning hides who was on the floor.

Tips and payouts

Document tip pool rules and stick to them. When payouts do not match policy, fix the policy or the process—not both quietly.

Handoff notes

One line on voids, refunds, or large comps saves the next manager from replaying the whole shift.