OFFICE PROCEDURE
Office procedure can be defined as the systematic methods and processes used to carry out tasks in an office to ensure efficiency, consistency, and compliance with organisational policies.
IMPORTANCE OF OFFICE PROCEDURE
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Makes jobs quicker and easier to complete.
Saves time by organising work in a clear way.
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Ensures jobs are done the same way every time.
Helps avoid confusion and mistakes.
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Shows who is responsible for each job.
Makes it easier to check if work is done correctly.
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Helps follow company rules and laws.
Keeps the office safe and organised.
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Reduces errors and repeated work.
Increases the amount of work done.
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Guides new employees on how to do their jobs.
Helps them learn faster and settle in.
PROCEDURE FOR PREPARING BILL, INVOICE AND RECEIPT
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Collect all necessary details such as the customer’s name, address, date, and item descriptions. Ensure you have prices .
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Decide whether you need to prepare a bill, invoice, or receipt based on the transaction type. A bill is a request for payment, an invoice is a detailed statement of goods/services provided, and a receipt confirms payment.
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Use a template or accounting software to create the document. Include the following:
Your business name and contact information,
Customer details,
Date of the transaction,
List of items or services provided with prices,
Total amount due (for bills and invoices) or total amount received (for receipts).
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For invoices, specify payment terms, including due date and accepted payment methods.
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Check the document for any errors in information, calculations, or formatting. Ensure all details are clear and easy to read.
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Send the bill or invoice to the customer via email or post, depending on their preference. Provide a copy of the receipt after payment is made, either electronically or physically.
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Keep a copy of the bill, invoice, or receipt for your records. Update your accounting system to reflect the transaction.
MEANS OF MKING PAYMENT
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Cash:
Physical currency used for direct transactions.
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Cheque:
A written order directing a bank to pay a specific amount from the account holder's funds. It can be used for various transactions, including bills and purchases.
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Bank Transfer:
Electronically moving money from one bank account to another, often used for large transactions.
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Credit/Debit Card:
Plastic cards used to make purchases; credit cards allow borrowing, while debit cards draw directly from a bank account.
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Online Payment Platforms:
Services like PayPal, Stripe, or Venmo that facilitate electronic payments for goods and services.
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Direct Debit:
An arrangement where a business automatically withdraws funds from a customer's bank account on agreed dates.such as loan.
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Cryptocurrency:
Digital currencies, like Bitcoin or Ethereum, used for online transactions, providing an alternative payment method.
AN IMPREST ACCOUNT
An imprest account can be defined as a financial arrangement in which a fixed amount of money is set aside for specific purposes, typically to cover small, routine expenses.
balance and restoration
balance and restoration are connected to an imprest account:
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The balance is the fixed amount of money kept in the imprest account. It ensures there is always enough money available for small expenses.
Example :
In Nigeria, a company might maintain an imprest account with a balance of ₦100,000. This amount is set aside for small daily expenses, like office supplies or transportation costs.
The balance ensures that the company has enough funds available whenever these small costs arise.
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Restoration is the process of putting money back into the imprest account after you’ve spent some. This keeps the account at the original balance, so it’s ready for future payments.
Example :
After spending ₦30,000 from the imprest account on office supplies, the company would need to restore the account to its original balance of ₦100,000. To do this, they would collect receipts for the ₦30,000 spent and submit them for reimbursement. Once approved,
the company would deposit ₦30,000 back into the imprest account to bring it back to ₦100,000.