Nice try! Restricted cash meets the definition of cash, but there’s a better answer to this question. GASB 9, paragraph 8, states that the statement of cash flows explains the change during the period in cash and cash equivalents regardless of whether there are restrictions on their use. Therefore, the amount reported as ending cash and cash equivalents must match both unrestricted and restricted cash and cash equivalents. Accounts payable and investments are not considered cash equivalents.
See Cash and Cash Equivalents for further review.
