What term describes the amount of cash a business has at the start of the month?

The term that describes the amount of cash a business has at the start of the month is "Opening balance." This figure is crucial for financial management, as it sets the stage for tracking the business's cash flow throughout the month. The opening balance is the amount of money available before any transactions occur, allowing businesses to plan their expenditures, revenue, and cash management strategies based on this initial amount.

In accounting and finance, understanding the opening balance helps businesses assess their liquidity and financial health right from the beginning of the period. It provides a foundation for analyzing cash inflows and outflows as the month progresses, helping to ensure that the business can meet its financial obligations and invest wisely.