What should be done if the cash drawer is not balancing?

When the cash drawer is not balancing, performing a recount is the most appropriate action to take. This step addresses the immediate issue by allowing the manager trainee to verify the amounts in the cash drawer against sales records more accurately. A recount can uncover discrepancies caused by simple mistakes such as miscounting cash or overlooking certain transactions.

By executing a recount, the trainee can identify if there were errors in handling cash, such as incorrect change given, or if the initial counting was flawed. It ensures that any potential mistake is rectified on the spot, helping to maintain accurate financial records and accountability.

While submitting a report may be necessary later for documentation once the discrepancy is confirmed, it's not the first step to resolve the issue. Authorizing the discrepancy without an investigation could lead to further complications or a lack of accountability. Checking for lost sales might provide insights later, but it is not a direct solution to a balancing issue in the cash drawer at that moment. Therefore, performing a recount directly addresses the problem at hand.