What is an accounting voucher?
A voucher is the paperwork behind a transaction. It proves the transaction happened, shows who approved it and links it to the accounting entry. Vouchers are a basic internal control in many businesses, especially in India, Africa and the Middle East, where voucher-based accounting systems are common.
Types of vouchers
- Payment voucher: authorises a payment to a supplier or employee.
- Receipt voucher: records money received.
- Journal voucher: supports non-cash [journal entries](/glossary/journal-entry), such as depreciation or accruals.
- [Petty cash](/glossary/petty-cash) voucher: records small cash payments.
- Contra voucher: records transfers between cash and bank accounts.
What a payment voucher includes
- Voucher number and date
- Payee name
- Amount and description
- Account codes to debit and credit
- Supporting documents, such as the [invoice](/glossary/invoice), [purchase order](/glossary/purchase-order) and goods received note
- Prepared by, approved by and paid by signatures
Why vouchers matter
- Prevent unauthorised or duplicate payments
- Give auditors a clear trail from entry to evidence
- Separate duties between preparing, approving and paying
In modern accounting software, digital approvals and attached documents often replace paper vouchers.
Other meanings
"Voucher" also means a gift card or discount coupon. Sold gift vouchers are recorded as [deferred revenue](/glossary/deferred-revenue) until redeemed.