Understanding the Accounts Payable Process: Definition, Steps & Examples

Why Accounts Payable Matters

Beyond simply paying bills, an effective accounts payable process impacts several critical areas:

• Cash flow management
  
• Vendor relationships
  
• Internal controls and risk management
  
• Financial accuracy and compliance
  
• Operational efficiency
  
• Strategic insights into spending behavior
  

By controlling when and how payments are made, the AP process directly affects liquidity and budgeting. Avoiding late payments reduces penalty fees and boosts vendor trust. When properly documented, payments also support auditing and compliance needs. Together, these benefits position AP as a strategic function rather than just a back-office task.

Key Steps in the Accounts Payable Workflow

The accounts payable process is composed of several interrelated steps:

Purchase Order Creation

This step formalizes the intent to procure goods or services. The purchase order (PO) details quantities, pricing, delivery terms, and vendor information. It serves as the originating document for the AP workflow and supports later invoice matching.

Goods or Services Receiving

The receiving report (or goods-received note) records what was delivered, along with quantities, delivery date, and reference to the PO. It ensures that only received items or services are billed.

Invoice Submission

Vendors attach invoices referencing the purchase order and include details such as item descriptions, amounts, tax, and total due. This initiates the AP process.

Invoice Verification and Matching

The three-way match ensures alignment among the PO, receiving report, and invoice. If discrepancies arise—such as mismatched quantities or pricing—they must be resolved before payment approval.

Approval Workflow

Approval involves assigning designated employees with the authority to verify the invoice’s legitimacy. High-value invoices may require multiple approval levels.

Payment Scheduling and Execution

Once approved, the invoice enters the payment queue. Depending on vendor terms (for example, net 30), payments are scheduled to optimize cash flow. Payment methods include checks, electronic transfers, or credit card/purchasing card.

Accounting Entry and Reconciliation

When payments are made, accounting entries adjust accounts payable and reduce the cash account. Reconciliation ensures these entries match bank records and helps maintain accurate ledgers.

Reporting and Archiving

AP-related data supports reporting on aging payables, cash flow, vendor spend, and internal audits. Archived documents assist with financial reviews and compliance requirements.

Establishing a Chart of Accounts

A well-designed chart of accounts is foundational to the AP process. It organizes transactions into categories—such as cost of goods sold, advertising, utilities, and office supplies—facilitating financial analysis and budgeting.

When invoices are approved and recorded, they should be coded to relevant accounts to maintain clarity in financial statements.

Maintaining Accurate Vendor Records

Accurate vendor data is critical for seamless processing. This includes:

• Legal business name
  
• Remittance address and bank details
  
• Contact information for queries
  
• Expected delivery and pricing terms
  
• Payment terms (net 15, net 30, due on receipt)
  

Organized vendor records speed up invoice review, payment, and reporting.

Conducting Invoice Verification

Invoice verification involves ensuring that:

• The invoice references a valid purchase order
  
• The quantity and pricing align with what was ordered and received.
  
• Taxes and discounts are correctly applied.
  
• The invoice is free of obvious errors (e.g., duplicate line items)
  

A successful three-way match is critical for preventing overpayment, fraud, or processing delays.

Handling Exceptions

Discrepancies between the invoice, the PO, and the receiving reports are inevitable. Examples include:

• Quantity variances due to partial delivery
  
• Price differences from contract changes
  
• Missing tax information
  
• Invoices without PO references
  

Exception workflows should flag issues, notify approvers, and resolve discrepancies before approval.

Implementing an Approval Workflow

Approval workflows are typically based on invoice value or department. Common structures include:

• Invoices under $1,000: single approver
  
• Invoices over $1,000: dual approval (department head and finance)
  
• Recurring payments: batch approval process
  

Approval timestamps and audit trails help track responsibility and ensure accountability.

Scheduling Payments Strategically

Strategic payment scheduling helps businesses optimize cash flow. Common approaches include:

• Early payment discounts
  
• Batch payments on a weekly schedule
  
• Aligning payment cycles with outgoing and incoming cash
  
• Ensuring payments fall within terms to maintain vendor relationships
  

Proper coordination between finance and treasury teams ensures smooth payment execution.

Choosing Payment Methods

Organizations to settle obligations through:

• Paper checks
  
• Automated clearing house (ACH) transfers
  
• Wire transfers
  
• Credit or purchasing cards
  
• Third-party platforms
  

Electronic payments improve efficiency and reconciliation while reducing risks associated with fraud or lost checks.

Recording and Reconciling Transactions

Accurate ledger entries are vital for financial integrity. Payments should be recorded with references to vendor, invoice date, PO number, and general ledger code. Reconciliation ensures that ledger balances match the bank statement, identifying any missing or unrecognized transactions.

Reporting on Accounts Payable

AP data supports many key reports, such as:

• Aging schedules (30, 60, 90+ days overdue)
  
• Total payables per vendor
  
• Monthly cash outflows
  
• Average days payable outstanding (DPO)
  
• Exception and dispute logs
  

Reviewing these reports regularly helps identify cash flow trends, vendor performance issues, and opportunities to improve payment terms.

Benefits of a Strong AP Process

A mature AP process delivers multiple benefits:

• Improved cash flow and working capital efficiency
  
• Strong vendor relationships and potential discounts
  
• Reduced operational risk and fraud prevention
  
• Lower compliance and audit risks
  
• Clear financial visibility and accountability
  
• More capacity for value-driven finance work
  

These advantages underscore why investment in a structured AP process is a strategic decision.

Typical Challenges Faced

Common hurdles in the AP process include:

• Manual data entry leading to errors
  
• Paper-based documentation is slowing operations.
  
• Approval bottlenecks from missing signatures
  
• Duplicate or fraudulent invoices
  
• Misapplied payments or reconciliation mismatches
  

Identifying these weaknesses helps in designing targeted improvement measures.

Preparing for Automation

Automation can address many AP challenges by:

• Extracting invoice data automatically
  
• Enforcing three-way matching rules
  
• Routing approvals based on value or vendor
  
• Scheduling payments automatically once approved.
  
• Providing dashboards and audit trails
  

Automation reduces manual workloads, prevents errors, and speeds up the overall process.

Example Scenario: Mid-Sized Manufacturer

A mid-sized manufacturer receives hundreds of parts monthly from multiple suppliers. Without structured AP processes, invoices get lost, payments are delayed, and relationships suffer.

After implementing a purchase order system, receiving reports, three-way invoice matching, approval workflows, and automated payments, the company reduced invoice processing time by 70 percent. Late payments dropped significantly, cash flow improved, and vendors renewed contracts with favorable terms.

Streamlining Invoice Capture and Verification

Once foundational AP steps are in place, the next focus is to smooth out the capture and verification of vendor invoices. This part delves into methods to automate capture, enforce three-way matching, handle exceptions efficiently, and ensure timely invoice approval.

Automating Invoice Data Extraction

Many businesses still rely on manual entry to process invoices, leading to delays and human errors. Automating data capture from vendor invoices helps:

• Speed up invoice processing
  
• Minimize transcription errors
  
• Standardize formats for easier review.
  
• Enable auditability through digital trails.
  

Techniques include optical character recognition (OCR) to extract invoice data or direct vendor portal integration, where invoices are received and validated digitally.

Enforcing Three-Way Matching

Three-way matching ensures accuracy by comparing:

1. Purchase order
   
2. Receiving report
   
3. Invoice
   

Any mismatch in quantity, price, or terms must be flagged. This control prevents overpayment, receipt of wrong items, and fraud. Efficient systems notify relevant teams to resolve differences rapidly.

Managing Invoices Without Purchase Orders

Not every invoice has a corresponding purchase order. For ad hoc expenses like utilities, travel, or minor services, standardized exceptions are needed:

• Require coded reasons for expenses
  
• Apply spending limits before needing approvals.
  
• Make sure these invoices are subject to similar verification standards..
  

A streamlined exception process minimizes delays and maintains control.

Establishing Approval Workflows

Invoices should not be paid without proper validation. Approval workflows ensure:

• Multiple levels of verification for high-value payments
  
• Department heads confirm service delivery.
  
• Finance teams confirm budget availability and accounting codes.
  
• Notifications for overdue approvals
  

Consistent workflows prevent fraud and ensure accountability, especially when approval flows are automated.

Managing Exceptions and Disputes

Inconsistencies may arise in price, quantity, tax, or delivery. Best practices include:

• Automated alerts when matched documents differ
  
• Standard templates for communication with vendors
  
• Tracking resolution progress and time taken.
  
• Holding invoices until issues are finalized and updates are made
  

A structured system prevents invoice backlog and improves vendor communication.

Scheduling and Executing Payments Efficiently

Once invoices are approved, they must be scheduled for payment. Key considerations include:

• Timing disbursements to optimize cash flow
  
• Using vendor-approved payment methods
  
• Consolidating smaller payments to reduce transaction fees
  
• Tracking payment status and ensuring bank ledger reconciliation
  

Strategic scheduling avoids late fees and preserves vendor goodwill.

Leveraging Electronic Payment Methods

Electronic payments reduce manual steps and fraud risk. Common methods:

• Automated Clearing House (ACH) or SEPA transfers
  
• Real-time payment systems
  
• Purchasing cards for smaller purchases
  
• Supplier portals to enable self-service payment.
  
• Early payment options for negotiating discounts
  

Electronic payments should be synced with accounting records for seamless tracking.

Reconciling Bank Statements and AP Ledgers

After payments are made, reconcile bank statements with AP records:

• Match payment amounts and dates
  
• Investigate any unrecognized withdrawals.
  
• Update payment statuses in your accounting system
  
• Retain transaction details for audit and compliance.
  

Regular reconciliation prevents discrepancies and supports accurate reporting.

Payment Reporting and Dashboard Visibility

Dashboards provide real-time insights into AP status. Key metrics include:

• Total approved but unpaid invoices
  
• Volumes of transactions processed
  
• Savings from early-payment discounts
  
• Average time from receipt to payment
  
• Bottlenecks or aging invoices
  

Frequent reviews enable proactive management of cash flow.

Integrating AP with Procurement and ERP Systems

AP efficiencies increase when the system is integrated:

• Purchase order systems feed into AP for direct matching
  
• With ERP integration, vendor master data, approval routes, and item catalogs are updated centrally.
  
• Reduces redundant data entry and improves data accuracy
  
• Cross-functional visibility helps in budget tracking and sourcing decisions.
  

Integrated systems align procurement, finance, and receiving functions.

Encouraging Efficient Vendor Relations

Strong vendor relationships can yield benefits such as payment flexibility and early payment discounts. Approaches include:

• Providing access to invoice status via vendor portals
  
• Offering consolidated payment schedules
  
• Negotiating terms based on payment performance
  
• Communicating proactively about any delays
  

Reliable communication builds trust and may open future savings.

Ensuring Compliance and Audit Trail Integrity

AP teams must safeguard against errors and fraud by maintaining clear data trails:

• Timestamped records for each invoice and payment
  
• Stored communications regarding discrepancies
  
• Documented approvals with user IDs
  
• Retention according to legal or contractual requirements
  
• Privacy and encryption controls over financial data
  

Compliance ensures internal safeguards and external audit readiness.

Measuring AP Performance with KPIs

Track the effectiveness of AP through metrics such as:

• Average invoice processing time
  
• Percentage of invoices requiring manual intervention
  
• Payments made on time versus late
  
• Number of duplicate payments prevented
  
• Cost per invoice processed
  

These metrics highlight opportunities for improvement and measure the impact of automation investments.

Supporting Scaled Growth Through AP Optimization

As your business grows, so does the volume and complexity of invoice management. Scalable AP processes should:

• Support diverse vendor types and currencies
  
• Maintain consistent policies across business units.
  
• Allow additional approvers and automated routing.
  
• Integrate with new systems as functions expand.
  
• Continue enforcing three-way match and auditability
  

Scalable systems position finance teams to support increasing volumes without bottlenecks.

Real-World Example: Service Firm Optimization

A service firm handling subcontractors struggled with paper invoices and missed delivery verifications. After installing automated invoice capture and three-way matching, invoices were processed within two days of receipt, down from ten. Approval delays fell sharply due to automated routing, and centralized dashboards improved visibility into vendor spend.

Preventing and Managing Duplicate and Fraudulent Payments

As invoice volume grows, the risk of duplicate payments, fraud, and improper invoicing increases. AP teams should adopt proactive measures to detect and prevent these issues before they impact finances.

Establishing Controls Against Duplicate Payments

Duplicate payments often occur when invoices are submitted more than once or when a record is mistakenly entered twice. To mitigate this, implement:

• A vendor and invoice matching system that checks for duplicate invoice numbers or amounts
  
• Threshold alerts when similar invoices are entered more than once
  
• Restricting entry to authorized AP personnel
  
• Scheduled audits of paid invoices versus vendor statements
  

These controls reduce waste, avoid embarrassment, and support accurate budgeting.

Detecting and Preventing Fraud

Invoice fraud can originate both internally and externally. Common examples include fictitious vendors, inflated invoices, or tampered approvals. Preventive steps include:

• Validating vendors before onboarding
  
• Requiring that invoices match existing purchase orders and receipts.
  
• Confirming that invoices are submitted to official company email addresses or portals
  
• Separating duties between invoice processing and payment execution
  
• Running periodic fraud detection reviews
  

This layered approach builds a web of preventive actions that reduce fraud exposure.

Supplier Onboarding and Vendor Masterfile Management

Strong vendor onboarding and ongoing maintenance of vendor records are essential to long-term AP integrity.

Onboarding Steps:

• Collect vendor tax details, legal name, and place-of-registration documentation.
  
• Verify banking information through test deposits or secure channels.
  
• Ensure vendor compliance with any diversity or certification requirements.
  

Masterfile Maintenance:

• Assign unique vendor IDs to prevent duplicate names.
  
• Update payment terms, addresses, or contact details promptly.
  
• Archive inactive vendors to avoid unintended use
  
• Track vendor performance metrics like delivery, quality, and reliability
  

Accurate vendor master records support streamlined invoice matching and payment processing.

Handling Non-PO Invoices and Ad Hoc Charges

Not all organizational spending includes a purchase order. Handling such invoices correctly requires alternative controls:

• Define spending categories eligible for non-PO invoices, such as utilities or small expenses
  
• Set approval workflows based on dollar thresholds.
  
• Require explanations, department codes, and sign-off for validation.
  
• Periodically review these invoices to ensure policy compliance.
  

By applying governance to non-PO payments, companies balance flexibility and control.

Dispute Resolution and Vendor Communication

Inevitable invoice disputes should be managed professionally and efficiently:

• Acknowledge discrepancy with vendor promptly
  
• Share documentation such as purchase orders or receipts
  
• Record conversations, agreements, and expected resolution timelines
  
• Adjust payment schedules or amounts once the issue is settled.
  

Clear communication and documentation prevent resentments and support positive vendor relationships.

Leveraging Supplier Portals for Transparency

Supplier portals provide vendors with visibility into invoice status, payment schedules, and transaction history. Benefits include:

• Reduced vendor inquiries and AP workload
  
• Greater trust and transparency in payment processes
  
• Real-time updates on disputed invoices or pending approvals
  
• Secure platform for changes in banking or contact information
  

Rolling out a supplier portal aligns vendor expectations with internal processes.

Ensuring Data Security and Compliance

AP teams handle sensitive financial data that must be protected. Key data security and compliance measures include:

• Encryption of invoice and payment data in transit and at rest
  
• User access controls and logging of data access
  
• Role-based permissions to separate duties
  
• Regular backups for recovery and audit readiness
  
• Compliance with data privacy laws affecting vendor information
  

Secure infrastructure preserves trust and protects against cyber risks.

Integrating With Procurement and ERP Systems for Efficiency

True efficiency in AP is achieved through integration with procurement systems and enterprise resource planning (ERP):

• Purchase orders flow directly into AP systems
  
• Receiving confirmations link to goods receipt records
  
• Master vendor data stays synchronized across systems.
  
• Payments and approvals feed back into procurement for visibility.
  
• Cross-system reporting enables budget compliance and vendor analysis.
  

This integration minimizes data duplication, improves data integrity, and accelerates processing.

Managing Multicurrency and Cross-Border Payments

Organizations working with international suppliers encounter additional complexity, including:

• Currency exchange rate management
  
• Cross-border bank or transfer fees
  
• Regional tax or withholding requirements
  
• Compliance with international finance regulations
  
• Local banking standards
  

To manage this, implement multicurrency payment modules or third-party processors and include accurate currency conversion in accounting records.

Automating Invoice Archiving and Retrieval

Maintaining access to historical invoices is essential for audit, insurance, or dispute purposes. Automated archiving helps:

• Store scanned or digital invoices securely
  
• Tag documents by vendor, invoice number, PO, and date
  
• Index files for quick retrieval using keyword search
  
• Retain invoices per legal retention policies.
  
• Prevent accidental deletion or tampering.
  

A searchable archive supports audits, strategic lookbacks, and dispute resolution.

Developing Supplier Payment Risk Profiles

Understanding vendor risk profiles enables smarter payment decisions. Evaluate:

• Billing history and frequency of disputes
  
• Lost early payment discounts or missed payments
  
• Country-based risk factors like currency volatility or bank reliability
  
• Financial stability and compliance ratings
  

Use this data to prioritize payment schedules and set payment terms per risk tier.

Conducting Regular Audits and Process Reviews

To ensure efficiency and compliance, AP processes should be monitored through:

• Recurring spot checks or internal audits
  
• Reviewing unapproved or exception invoices
  
• Validating invoice approval flows and segregation of duties
  
• Tracking the status of long-pending invoices
  
• Sharing audit findings with procurement, finance, and leadership teams
  

Audit-driven corrections refine AP posture over time.

Measuring Performance Through KPIs

Key performance indicators ensure AP performance aligns with the strategy:

• Invoice processing cycle time
  
• Percentage of invoices processed automatically.
  
• Rate of late or early payments
  
• Invoice exceptions ratio
  
• Cost per invoice processed
  
• Savings from discounts or payment optimization
  

AP teams should embed reporting into monthly dashboards and highlight key metrics that watercourses drive process updates.

Case Study: Global Distributor’s AP Overhaul

A distributor of electronic parts faced delays from manual bank transfer processing and frequent invoice disputes. By implementing an integrated AP system with portal access, three-way matching, multicurrency payment automation, and exception workflows, the company:

• Reduced invoice cycle time from 9 days to 2 days
  
• Cut dispute resolution from 30 days to 7 days.
  
• Recovered early payment discounts worth 1.2 percent of AP volume
  
• Strengthened vendor retention through transparent communication
  

This overhaul provided both tactical gains and strategic financial value.

Preparing for Future AP Enhancements

To stay ahead, AP teams should explore emerging trends:

• AI for advanced exception detection
  
• Integration with real-time payment networks
  
• Blockchain for payment verification
  
• Predictive analytics for cash flow optimization
  
• Robotic process automation for repetitive data entry
  

Continuous innovation ensures AP remains a competitive advantage.

Leveraging Analytics for Strategic Insights

With a mature accounts payable foundation, businesses can unlock strategic value through analytics. AP data offers insights into spending trends, vendor performance, and cash flows. Regularly analyzing this information helps financial teams become proactive and data-driven.

Tracking Key Performance Indicators

Monitoring accounts payable performance involves tracking key metrics that indicate efficiency and financial health:

• Average days payable outstanding (DPO)
  
• Invoice processing cycle length
  
• Percentage of invoices with exceptions
  
• Number of duplicate invoices flagged
  
• Payment discount uptake
  
• Cost per invoice processed
  

Consistent measurement highlights improvement opportunities and tracks progress against goals.

Using Spend Analysis to Control Costs

Spend analytics enables companies to uncover areas for savings:

• High-cost suppliers that may benefit from renegotiation
  
• Commodity purchases showing volume-based reductions
  
• Opportunities for vendor consolidation
  
• Irregular expenses point to potential misuse.
  

This analysis supports the procurement strategy and better allocation of cash reserves.

Aligning AP Metrics With Treasury Planning

Accounts payable performance influences cash forecasting and liquidity planning. Collaborating with treasury functions ensures:

• Accurate cash flow projections
  
• Optimal payment scheduling
  
• Awareness of upcoming liabilities
  
• Availability of non-operational capital for growth
  

Unified planning between AP and cash management improves resource allocation and minimizes operational bottlenecks.

Working Capital Optimization Through AP

Smart supplier payment strategies can free up capital:

• Stretching payment terms within negotiated limits
  
• Consolidating invoices into a single payment
  
• Optimizing payment cycles around cash inflows
  
• Maintaining reserves for unexpected expenses
  

Strategic AP planning ensures a balance between vendor satisfaction and business needs.

Embedding AP in Enterprise Financial Systems

As companies grow, accounts payable processes should be fully integrated within enterprise systems:

• Linking procurement, AP, and the general ledger in a unified database
  
• Ensuring consistent vendor data across departments
  
• Enabling real-time synchronization of invoices and payments
  
• Supporting global operations with multicurrency and tax frameworks
  

This interoperability reduces siloes, accelerates operations, and enhances reporting accuracy.

Standardizing Invoice Formats and Identifiers

Standard formats for invoice headers and line items benefit larger organizations:

• Centralized vendor guidelines for invoice submission
  
• Standard identifiers like PO numbers and cost center codes
  
• Consistent classification for taxes, discounts, and service categories
  

Adherence to templates eases automation and reduces exceptions.

Centralizing Approval Policies Globally

Companies operating across regions should maintain centralized approval protocols:

• Tiered authorizations based on thresholds
  
• Local or regional managers for geographic requisites
  
• Transparent approval tracking by transaction
  
• Periodic policy audits to ensure compliance and authority alignment
  

Centralized policy management ensures consistency and reduces financial missteps.

Maintaining Compliance Across Jurisdictions

Global operations must comply with varying regulations:

• VAT, GST, or withholding taxes per country
  
• Electronic invoice mandates or local e-invoicing protocols
  
• Data privacy laws affecting vendor records
  
• Requirements for retention and archival
  

AP teams must remain vigilant and update policies to reflect regulatory changes.

Planning for AP Automation and AI

Future-forward accounts payable teams evaluate emerging technologies:

• Machine learning for smarter invoice recognition
  
• Predictive analytics to identify cash flow opportunities
  
• AI-powered exception management for faster resolutions
  
• Chatbot support for supplier inquiries
  

Adopting automation and AI allows finance teams to shift focus from processing to strategy.

Incorporating Supplier Self-Service Options

Self-service platforms empower vendors to:

• Upload invoices directly to the AP system
  
• View payment status and historical transactions.
  
• Maintain contact and banking details.
  
• Automate communications on exception handling
  

Self-service reduces AP workload and improves supplier experience.

Implementing Dynamic Discounting Models

Dynamic discounting allows early payment discounts at adjustable rates:

• Payment terms adjust based on cash availability
  
• Suppliers benefit from improved liquidity.
  
• Companies capture savings when surplus funds are available.
  
• Algorithms recommend optimal discount vs. liquidity tradeoffs.
  

Dynamic models support collaborative financial relationships with vendors.

Enabling Real-Time Reporting Dashboards

Real-time dashboards visualize AP metrics for managers:

• Cash forecast reports highlighting payables due
  
• Exception tracking panels
  
• Vendor performance scorecards
  
• Early payment savings tracking
  

Direct visibility promotes fast decisions and operational agility.

Conducting Financial Close Integration

AP plays a role in the month-end close process:

• Ensuring all received invoices are recorded in the current period
  
• Accruals for pending invoices without receipts
  
• Reconciliation of payables accounts
  
• Financial close checklists that include AP tasks
  

These practices support a reliable, timely, and accurate close process.

Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement

Maintaining an efficient accounts payable process requires consistent enhancement:

• Periodic reviews of workflows and KPIs
  
• Supplier feedback on invoice and payment experience
  
• Benchmarking metrics against peers or industry norms
  
• Incorporating new tools based on ROI analysis
  

A culture of improvement keeps AP agile and aligned with business goals.

Preparing for Future Integration Needs

As technology evolves, AP teams prepare for next-generation enhancements:

• Blockchain solutions for linked purchase-to-payment transparency
  
• API-driven interactions with banking and procurement platforms
  
• Fully virtual invoice exchanges
  
• Incorporation of smart contracts and digital approvals
  

Positioning AP for future growth ensures adaptability and sustained relevance.

Example: Global Corporation Saves With AP Excellence

A multinational enterprise integrated procurement, AP, and treasury systems, introduced supplier self-service portals, dynamic discounting, and cash flow dashboards. Results included:

• 30 percent reduction in days payable outstanding
  
• Savings realization of early payment discounts
  
• Zero invoice duplication
  
• Standardized process across geographies
  
• High satisfaction rates among suppliers and internal stakeholders

Conclusion:

We have explored how analytics, strategic planning, automation, and future-ready technologies enhance the accounts payable process for long-term benefit. An optimized AP function supports better cash management, stronger supplier partnerships, and durable operational integrity. This completes the series, leaving your financial team equipped to build a modern, efficient, and scalable accounts payable operation.