In this post, we will explore Contra Vouchers in Navision and Business Central and learn how to record Cash and Bank transactions step by step.
Table of Contents
Contra Voucher in Navision / Business Central : Cash and Bank Transactions Explained
When you transfer money between your company’s own accounts – like moving cash to a bank, withdrawing from a bank, or transferring funds between two banks – you use a Contra Voucher.
In this guide, we will look at how Contra Vouchers work in Navision and how the same concept is handled in Business Central.
What is a Contra Voucher?
A Contra Voucher is used for internal fund movements, meaning no customer or vendor is involved.
It records transactions like:
- Cash to Bank (Deposits)
- Bank to Cash (Withdrawals)
- Bank to Bank (Transfers)
In short, it helps keep your cash and bank balances accurate across all accounts.
Contra Voucher in Navision
In Microsoft Dynamics NAV (Navision), Contra Vouchers have dedicated screens that make it easy to record internal cash / bank transactions.
How to Access Contra Voucher in Dynamics NAV
Go to:
Financial Management -> Cash Management -> Contra Voucher
Types of Vouchers
- CONTRA VOU : For Cash to Bank or Bank to Cash transactions
- CONTRA DMD : For Bank to Bank transactions
Steps to Enter a Contra Voucher in Navision
- Posting Date : Enter the transaction date.
- Document No. : Auto-generated.
- Account Type :
- Select G/L Account for cash transactions
- Select Bank Account for bank transfers
- Account No. :
- Choose CASH for cash entries
- Choose Bank Name for bank entries
- Amount :
- Positive (+) for payment (Cash -> Bank or Bank -> Bank Outflow)
- Negative (-) for receipt (Bank -> Cash or Bank Inflow)
- Cash Flow Code : Press F6 and select Contra Entry.
- Narration : Go to Narration -> Voucher Narration, type a short description (e.g., “Cash deposit to HDFC Bank”), then press Esc to save.
- Posting : Go to Posting -> Post -> Yes.
Result: The transaction posts correctly, updating both cash and bank ledgers.
Contra Entry in Business Central
In Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, the concept of a “Contra Voucher” still exists – but it is managed differently.
Business Central does not have a separate Contra Voucher screen. Instead, you record these transactions using General Journals.
The idea is the same – but the interface is modern, and the process integrates with your overall journal system.
Where to Record Contra Entries
Go to:
Cash Management -> General Journals
or use Tell Me (Alt + Q) and search for “General Journals.”
Tip: You may try Business Central Keyboard shortcuts for faster navigation.
How to Enter a Contra Entry in Business Central
- Select a Journal Batch : for example, CASH or BANK.
- Posting Date : Enter the date of the transaction.
- Document Type : Choose Payment or Receipt (optional).
- Account Type / Account No. :
- First line: Bank Account or Cash Account (depending on where funds move from).
- Second line: The other side of the transaction (Cash or another Bank).
- Amount : Enter the correct debit or credit based on direction:
- Cash to Bank (Deposit) -> Debit Bank, Credit Cash
- Bank to Cash (Withdrawal) -> Debit Cash, Credit Bank
- Bank to Bank (Transfer) -> Debit one Bank, Credit another Bank
- Description / Narration : Add a short note for clarity (e.g., “Transfer from HDFC to ICICI”).
- Post the Journal : Click Post to finalize.
Result: The system updates both accounts instantly, with full audit trails in your general ledger.
Example: Cash to Bank Transaction
Following table shows the sample entries
| System | Debit | Credit | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Navision | Bank Account | Cash Account | Cash deposit to bank |
| Business Central | Bank Account | Cash Account | Cash deposit to bank (entered in General Journal) |
Key Differences: Navision vs. Business Central ( For Contra Voucher)
Following are the key differences between Navision and Business Central system with respect to Contra Voucher entries
| Feature | Navision | Business Central |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | Classic Client | Modern Web / Cloud Interface |
| Contra Voucher Menu | Separate module under Cash Management | Handled via General Journal |
| Voucher Type | CONTRA VOU / CONTRA DMD | No voucher type; journal entry-based |
| Posting Flow | Manual voucher posting | Integrated journal posting |
| Flexibility | Fixed options | More flexible, with automation and approvals |
Why This Change Matters
- Simpler Interface: One journal screen for all transaction types.
- Better Control: Use approvals and workflow rules.
- Automation Ready: Works with templates, recurring journals, and APIs.
- Same Accounting Logic: The debit-credit logic remains exactly the same as in Navision.
Final Thoughts
The Contra Voucher concept is still an essential part of internal accounting even though its form has evolved.
- In Navision , you used the Contra Voucher screen.
- In Business Central, you do the same using General Journals.
Different look same purpose: keeping your cash and bank accounts accurate and aligned.
FAQ : Contra Voucher in Navision and Business Central
A Contra Voucher records internal fund transfers within a company, such as moving money from cash to bank, bank to cash, or between two banks.
Business Central doesn’t have a separate “Contra Voucher” page. Instead, you handle these transactions through General Journals in the Cash Management module.
In Navision, Contra Vouchers were entered through a specific menu under Financial Management -> Cash Management -> Contra Voucher. In Business Central, the same logic applies but within a single, modern journal interface.
They help maintain accurate cash and bank balances by tracking internal fund movements – without affecting customers or vendors.
Yes. You can use recurring journal templates or integrate with Power Automate to handle regular fund transfers automatically.
