What is a small fund of money kept in the office called?

A small fund of money kept in the office is referred to as "petty cash." This term specifically denotes a small amount of cash that businesses maintain to handle minor, everyday expenses that arise, such as office supplies, postage, or emergency expenses. The petty cash system allows for immediate payment without the need for a more formal check-writing process, which can be cumbersome for small amounts.

Petty cash is typically kept in a secure location and requires accountability through a log or a reconciliation process to ensure that funds remain balanced and properly documented. This system is particularly useful in dental offices where small, incidental costs occur frequently, enabling staff to efficiently manage these expenses without delay.

In contrast, terms like "office fund," "cash reserve," and "operating fund" could refer to different types of funds with various specific uses or broader financial purposes, making them unsuitable for the context of small daily transactions. For instance, an operating fund typically denotes the funds allocated for the day-to-day operations of the business or organization, encompassing larger financial activities, whereas cash reserves generally pertain to savings or emergency funds rather than immediate expense handling.