{"id":14714,"date":"2026-07-14T12:28:30","date_gmt":"2026-07-14T16:28:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/?p=14714"},"modified":"2026-07-14T12:30:17","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T16:30:17","slug":"accounts-payable-management-best-practices","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/accounts-payable-management-best-practices\/","title":{"rendered":"Accounts payable management best practices"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--standard entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--standard\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/category\/money-matters\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Money Matters<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tAccounts payable management best practices\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tYour accounts payable ledger helps you build solid vendor relationships and optimize cash flow, but only if you manage it effectively. To run your Accounts Payable (AP) like clockwork, you need a good grasp of AP management tools and best practices for using them.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \">Published <time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-07-14T12:28:30-04:00\">July 14, 2026<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"Accounts payable management best practices\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/accounts-payable-management-best-practices\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/author\/joechurchwoods\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2026\/05\/Joe-Yard-2-crop-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"Joe Church Woods\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Joe Church Woods<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accounts Payable (AP) management makes sure you pay off your debts, with every supplier transaction traceable, correctly recorded, and processed promptly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Effective AP management supports strong vendor relationships, which keep operations running smoothly and offer a potential source of cost savings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Strategic accounts payable management takes this a step further, focusing on optimizing working capital and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/cash-flow-management-tips-businesses-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">balancing cash flow<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By carefully managing payment timing, you can improve liquidity without putting those relationships at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When you streamline workflows and automate aspects of AP processes, you reduce manual effort, cut down on errors, and avoid late fees. You\u2019ll also be able to take advantage of early payment discounts and gain better visibility into your financial obligations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you learn how to manage accounts payable effectively, your organization will be better positioned for financial stability and success.<\/p>\n\n\n<section id=\"key-takeaways\" class=\"wp-block-sage-key-takeaways\"><div class=\"sage-key-takeaways__inner\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-h-3-font-size\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Effective AP management ensures every supplier payment is traceable, authorized, and on time, supporting vendor relationships, cash flow, and financial stability. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Automation, three-way matching, centralized invoice processing, and clear approval workflows reduce errors, prevent fraud, and lower the cost per invoice significantly. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tracking key metrics\u2014including DPO, AP turnover ratio, cost per invoice, and on-time payment rate\u2014helps identify bottlenecks and drive process improvements. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Balancing early payment discounts against cash flow needs, and tailoring AP processes to your business size, are both critical to long-term financial efficiency.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-here-s-what-we-ll-cover\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Here\u2019s what we\u2019ll cover:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-what-is-accounts-payable-management\" data-level=\"2\">What is accounts payable management?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-accounts-payable-process-a-step-by-step-life-cycle\" data-level=\"2\">The accounts payable process: A step-by-step life cycle<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-are-common-challenges-in-accounts-payable-management\" data-level=\"2\">What are common challenges in accounts payable management?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-are-accounts-payable-best-practices\" data-level=\"2\">What are accounts payable best practices?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-are-the-key-ap-metrics-to-keep-track-of\" data-level=\"2\">What are the key AP metrics to keep track of?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-payment-timing-strategy-early-discounts-versus-cash-flow\" data-level=\"2\">Payment timing strategy: Early discounts versus cash flow<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-accounts-payable-for-small-businesses-versus-enterprises\" data-level=\"2\">Accounts payable for small businesses versus enterprises<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-effective-accounts-payable-management-in-practice\" data-level=\"2\">Effective accounts payable management in practice<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-final-thoughts\" data-level=\"2\">Final thoughts<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-faqs-about-accounts-payable-management\" data-level=\"2\">FAQs about accounts payable management<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-is-accounts-payable-management\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is accounts payable management?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accounts payable management is the process of handling, paying, and keeping records of your business&#8217;s bills and invoices.\u00a0At its most fundamental level,\u00a0accounts payable\u00a0is the system that ensures every dollar leaving your business is traceable, authorized, and recorded.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The goal is simple: to always pay the correct amount to the correct vendor by the agreed-upon deadline.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When managed effectively, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/glossary\/what-is-accounts-payable\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">accounts payable<\/a> helps\u00a0maintain\u00a0strong supplier relationships. Vendors rely on\u00a0timely\u00a0payments to manage their own cash\u00a0flow\u00a0and consistency builds trust over time.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Effective accounts payable management also sets you up for successful financial control and compliance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This means your business is following all necessary regulations and avoiding potential fines or penalties that can arise from mismanaged funds.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ultimately, good&nbsp;accounts payable management has a major impact on profitability because it helps you avoid late fees, take advantage of&nbsp;early payment&nbsp;discounts, and negotiate better terms with your suppliers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-accounts-payable-process-a-step-by-step-life-cycle\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">The accounts payable process: A step-by-step life cycle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding the AP process helps teams standardize their approach and identify where inefficiencies are most likely to arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The process typically follows five key stages:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Invoice receipt: <\/strong>invoices are received via email, paper, or electronic systems such as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) or AP portals.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Invoice matching:<\/strong> details are verified against the purchase order and delivery receipt, a process known as three-way matching.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Approval workflow:<\/strong> invoices are routed to the appropriate stakeholders for review and sign-off.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Payment execution:<\/strong> approved invoices are paid via EFT, wire transfer, cheque, or virtual card.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reconciliation:<\/strong> transactions are recorded and matched with bank statements and financial records.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A structured life cycle ensures consistency, reduces errors, and improves visibility across your financial operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-are-common-challenges-in-accounts-payable-management\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are common challenges in accounts payable management?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The primary challenges in accounts payable management are manual data entry errors, lack of visibility into invoice statuses, and fragmented communication with vendors.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These issues often lead to late fees and missed discount opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Reliance on manual processes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reliance on manual processes is a common\u00a0stumbling block\u00a0in many business functions, and accounts payable is no exception.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The use of paper invoices and manual data entry increases the risk of human error and processing delays.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At best, this can lead to incorrect payments or missed payment deadlines; at worst, it can result in significant financial losses and damaged vendor relationships.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lack of visibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Without real-time tracking,\u00a0it&#8217;s\u00a0difficult to know which invoices are outstanding, which payments are coming due, or where an approval is sitting in the queue.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That lack of clarity creates a ripple effect that leads to missed deadlines, inaccurate reporting, and a finance team\u00a0that&#8217;s\u00a0always reacting rather than planning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Poor internal controls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Poor internal controls raise the risk of duplicate payments and fraud.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Without proper checks and balances,\u00a0it&#8217;s\u00a0easier for errors or fraudulent activities to slip through, resulting in big financial losses and potential legal consequences for your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Late payments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" id=\"h-late-payments-can-damage-your-reputation-with-vendors-trigger-monetary-penalties-and-put-future-partnerships-at-risk\">Late payments\u00a0can damage your reputation with vendors, trigger monetary penalties, and put future partnerships at risk.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Lack of system integration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When accounts payable systems\u00a0don&#8217;t\u00a0integrate with your broader accounting tools, reconciliation becomes more time-consuming and\u00a0error-prone.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Connected systems are essential for\u00a0maintaining\u00a0accurate\u00a0financial records and producing reliable reports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-are-accounts-payable-best-practices\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are accounts payable best practices?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Effective strategies for accounts payable management include adopting AI-driven automation, implementing three-way matching, centralizing invoice processing, and\u00a0maintaining\u00a0strict internal governance.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Considering the best accounts payable practices and applying them to your business will help you build a more efficient, resilient AP function, reducing manual errors and improving cash flow visibility in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Use automation to boost accuracy and efficiency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Managing accounts payable becomes significantly easier with AP automation.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It captures invoicing information directly from approved source documents,&nbsp;eliminating&nbsp;the need to copy the data by hand, which is time-consuming and a common cause of errors.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Modern\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/sage-ai\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AI-powered systems<\/a>\u00a0can also automate approval workflows, invoice capture, coding, duplicate detection, and verification using previously stored information about staff roles and availability.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These systems can also set up automatic payment scheduling, which\u00a0greatly reduces\u00a0your chances of incurring\u00a0late payment\u00a0fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Implement three-way matching for all invoices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The same systems that can read invoices can automatically match them with other documents in your procurement cycle, like purchase orders and delivery receipts.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This confirms that all details are correct before you approve payments, which can prevent overpayments and fraud.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Create a structured approval workflow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Define clear roles and responsibilities for your invoice processing team.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Set up multi-level approvals for high-value transactions, requiring verification and approval by the department directly involved and the finance team, for example.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This makes the details of each transaction more visible, giving you a greater chance of flagging suspect payment requests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Centralize your invoice processing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use a single platform to manage all invoices and payments and connect it with your wider <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/accounting-software\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">accounting system<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This improves visibility into outstanding invoices and payment statuses, as stakeholders from each stage of the process can access and update information in real-time.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It also streamlines communication across departments because\u00a0there&#8217;s\u00a0no need to consult other teams about data that may be hidden or inaccessible in separate silos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keep an eye on your KPIs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Track critical metrics like error rates, processing times, and\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/days-payable-outstanding-defined\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Days Payable Outstanding<\/a>\u00a0(DPO), a measure of how long it takes your business to pay its suppliers.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use the data to\u00a0identify\u00a0trends and predict problems like bottlenecks within your system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Establish and enforce vendor policies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There&#8217;s\u00a0less opportunity for misunderstandings if you\u00a0establish\u00a0clear payment rules as soon as you sign with a new vendor.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Consistent enforcement of these payment terms builds trust with suppliers, showing them that you take the relationship seriously.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You need a clear understanding of the agreed deadlines to avoid\u00a0late payment\u00a0fees\u2014plus, your good standing with vendors makes it more likely that\u00a0they&#8217;ll\u00a0offer you\u00a0early payment\u00a0discounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strengthen fraud prevention measures<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A proven measure for preventing insider fraud is segregation of duties.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This works by dividing financial responsibilities among different employees, so no single person has complete control over the payment process.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You should also use accounts payable automation tools with built-in fraud detection. For example, many of these platforms can spot duplicate invoices and flag you with alerts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But even with such tools,\u00a0it&#8217;s\u00a0a good idea\u00a0to conduct regular audits to\u00a0identify\u00a0suspicious activity, such as\u00a0purchases\u00a0that have no corresponding approvals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Improve vendor communication and relationships<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Establish clear communication channels with suppliers by setting up regular meetings and responding quickly to emails and phone calls.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This gives you more opportunity to improve the terms of contracts you have with them because you are always well-positioned to address concerns and negotiate mutually beneficial agreements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep the relationship strong by addressing disputes quickly.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A strong relationship is a prerequisite for a long-term relationship, which, like\u00a0timely\u00a0payment, sets the stage for better terms and service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Streamline payment methods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If possible, prefer electronic payment platforms like\u00a0Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)\u00a0and wire transfers.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These reduce processing costs because they&nbsp;eliminate&nbsp;the need for paper cheques and manual processing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another helpful trick is to\u00a0consolidate\u00a0payments to minimize transaction fees. For example, aggregate multiple invoices from the same vendor into a single payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Establish internal governance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adapt your internal controls to maximize risk mitigation and compliance with regulatory requirements.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is another reason to conduct periodic internal audits\u2014they help you evaluate the effectiveness of these controls.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don&#8217;t\u00a0forget to document all policies and procedures to uphold transparency and accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Promote cross-functional collaboration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Encourage seamless data exchange between AP and related departments. Accurate and\u00a0timely\u00a0information flow improves your invoice matching, speeds approvals, and reduces exceptions.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It also positions your company for proactive problem-solving, which helps you minimize errors and enhances your financial reporting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-are-the-key-ap-metrics-to-keep-track-of\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the key AP metrics to keep track of?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Key metrics you should keep an eye on for good accounts payable management include DPO, AP turnover ratio, cost per invoice, invoice exception rate, and on-time payment rate.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) help finance teams&nbsp;identify&nbsp;bottlenecks, benchmark performance, forecast potential cash flow issues, and make the case for process improvements.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding these metrics is an essential part of learning how to manage accounts payable effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Days Payable Outstanding (DPO)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">DPO measures how long, on average, your business takes to pay its suppliers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A higher DPO means&nbsp;you&#8217;re&nbsp;holding onto cash longer, which can&nbsp;benefit&nbsp;liquidity but strain vendor relationships.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A formula to calculate this is:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-math\"><math display=\"block\"><semantics><mrow><mrow><mo fence=\"true\" form=\"prefix\">(<\/mo><mfrac><mtext>Accounts&nbsp;Payable<\/mtext><mtext>Cost&nbsp;of&nbsp;Goods&nbsp;Sold<\/mtext><\/mfrac><mo fence=\"true\" form=\"postfix\">)<\/mo><\/mrow><mo>\u00d7<\/mo><mtext>Number&nbsp;of&nbsp;Days<\/mtext><\/mrow><annotation encoding=\"application\/x-tex\">\\left( \\frac{\\text{Accounts Payable}}{\\text{Cost of Goods Sold}} \\right) \\times \\text{Number of Days}<\/annotation><\/semantics><\/math><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Industry benchmarks vary, but a DPO of 30 to 45 days is typical for many sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">AP Turnover Ratio<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/accounts-receivable-turnover-ratio-how-to-calculate-it\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">accounts payable turnover ratio<\/a> measures how efficiently a business pays its suppliers over a given period.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A higher ratio signals that\u00a0you&#8217;re\u00a0paying vendors quickly; a lower ratio may\u00a0indicate\u00a0cash flow challenges or process delays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is calculated as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-math\"><math display=\"block\"><semantics><mfrac><mtext>Total&nbsp;Supplier&nbsp;Purchases<\/mtext><mtext>Average&nbsp;Accounts&nbsp;Payable<\/mtext><\/mfrac><annotation encoding=\"application\/x-tex\">\\frac{\\text{Total Supplier Purchases}}{\\text{Average Accounts Payable}}<\/annotation><\/semantics><\/math><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cost per Invoice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This metric captures the total cost of processing a single invoice, including staff time, technology used, and overhead.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Best-in-class AP teams process invoices at significantly lower cost than those relying on manual processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Invoice Exception Rate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The percentage of invoices that require manual intervention due to errors or discrepancies is your invoice exception rate.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A high exception rate points to problems with vendor data quality or internal matching processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">On-Time Payment Rate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your on-time payment rate tracks the percentage of invoices paid by their due date.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This directly affects your vendor relationships, your eligibility for\u00a0early payment\u00a0discounts, and your overall credit standing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-payment-timing-strategy-early-discounts-versus-cash-flow\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Payment timing strategy: Early discounts versus cash flow<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the more strategic decisions in accounts payable management is deciding when to make payments.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How you decide to manage this directly affects your\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/what-is-working-capital\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">working capital<\/a>\u00a0and financial flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Early payment discounts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many vendors offer\u00a0early payment\u00a0terms such as &#8220;2\/10 net 30,&#8221; meaning you receive a 2% discount if you pay within 10 days rather than the standard 30.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On an annualized basis, capturing these discounts consistently can\u00a0represent\u00a0a significant return, far exceeding what cash sitting in a low-yield account would earn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Stretching payment terms for cash flow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Conversely, there are situations\u00a0where\u00a0holding onto cash longer makes more sense, especially for growing businesses or those in seasonal industries.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Paying on day 29 of a net-30 term rather than day 10, for example, preserves working capital without incurring penalties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Finding the right balance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best approach depends on your current cash position, the strength of your vendor relationships, and your short-term financing needs.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AP automation tools can help by flagging discount-eligible invoices automatically, so you never miss a saving opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-accounts-payable-for-small-businesses-versus-enterprises\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Accounts payable for small businesses versus enterprises<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accounts payable management looks different depending on the size and complexity of your organisation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Small businesses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Small businesses often manage AP with lean teams (sometimes a single person) and a\u00a0relatively small\u00a0number of vendors.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The priority here is&nbsp;establishing&nbsp;basic controls and consistent processes early: a simple approval workflow, a standard vendor onboarding checklist, and an accounting system that tracks outstanding liabilities in real time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even at this scale, AP automation pays dividends by freeing up time and reducing the risk of human error.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mid-market and enterprise businesses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These kinds of businesses face a more complex picture: higher invoice volumes, multiple departments, international vendors, currency considerations, and stricter compliance requirements.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At this level, the focus shifts to scalability\u2014integrating AP into a broader\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/erp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ERP system<\/a>, implementing tiered approval hierarchies, and using data analytics to optimise payment timing and working capital across the business.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regardless of size, the core best accounts payable practices\u00a0remain\u00a0the same. The difference is in the tooling, team structure, and depth of controls\u00a0required\u00a0to apply them effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-effective-accounts-payable-management-in-practice\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Effective accounts payable management in practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Consider the example of a mid-sized manufacturing company processing around 500 invoices per month.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Previously relying on paper invoices and email approvals, the team was regularly experiencing processing delays, a high invoice exception rate, and occasional duplicate payments slipping through.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After implementing AP automation software with three-way matching and a structured digital approval workflow, the business reduced its average processing time significantly, cut its cost per invoice, and&nbsp;eliminated&nbsp;duplicate payment errors entirely.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The AP team also began capturing&nbsp;early payment&nbsp;discounts on invoices that had previously been missed, generating savings that directly improved the bottom line.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The lesson here is that even incremental improvements in how you manage accounts payable can compound into significant operational and financial gains over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-final-thoughts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Final thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Improving and managing your accounts payable operations\u00a0is\u00a0easier when you know exactly what to improve and\u00a0monitor.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An inclusive, fully automated system like Sage&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/accounting-software\/accounts-payable\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">accounts payable software<\/a>&nbsp;is the perfect tool for optimising processes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It cuts invoice processing time, reduces errors, and helps you\u00a0maintain\u00a0strong vendor relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-faqs-about-accounts-payable-management\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">FAQs about accounts payable management<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1784043640934\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What is the difference between accounts payable and accounts receivable?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Accounts payable refers to money your business owes to suppliers and vendors for goods or services already received. Accounts receivable is the opposite: money owed to your business by customers. Both are critical to managing cash flow, but AP focuses on outgoing payments while AR manages incoming ones.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1784043674782\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What are the main functions of accounts payable?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">The core functions of accounts payable are receiving and verifying vendor invoices, processing approved payments accurately and on time, maintaining financial records, and ensuring compliance with internal controls and regulatory requirements. In a broader sense, AP also contributes to vendor relationship management and working capital strategy.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1784043709169\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What\u00a0is\u00a0a good Days Payable Outstanding (DPO)?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Generally, a\u00a0DPO of 30 to 45 days is considered healthy for many businesses, but\u00a0there&#8217;s\u00a0no universal answer here\u2014it depends on your industry, vendor terms, and cash flow needs. Too low a DPO may mean\u00a0you&#8217;re\u00a0paying too quickly and missing opportunities to\u00a0optimize\u00a0working capital; too high can damage supplier relationships.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1784043746879\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>How can small businesses improve their accounts payable process?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Small businesses can make significant improvements by moving away from manual processes, even partially. Adopting basic AP software, standardizing a vendor onboarding process, setting up a simple approval workflow, and tracking a handful of key metrics like DPO and on-time payment rate can all deliver meaningful results without requiring a large team or budget.\u00a0<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/accounting-101\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAccounting 101\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/bookkeeping\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tbookkeeping\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/cash-flow\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcash flow\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/small-business\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsmall business\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/tag\/staying-competitive\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tstaying 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h5\">\n\t\t\tInvoice factoring: How it works and why it can be useful\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-14644 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-business-process category-strategy-legal-operations tag-business-continuity tag-business-management tag-business-strategy tag-small-business tag-supply-chain-management business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business industry-distribution\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/what-is-an-order-management-system-oms\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Discrete-Mfg-Appliances_0182-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Discrete-Mfg-Appliances_0182-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Discrete-Mfg-Appliances_0182-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Discrete-Mfg-Appliances_0182-1214x810.jpg 1214w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-07-06T06:27:52-04:00\">July 6, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">19 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tWhat is an order management system?\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-14628 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-accounting-101 tag-bookkeeping tag-business-continuity tag-business-finances tag-cash-flow tag-small-business business_type-small-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/accounts-payable-vs-notes-payable\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0474-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0474-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0474-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0474-1214x810.jpg 1214w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-07-03T08:23:28-04:00\">July 3, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">8 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tNotes payable vs accounts payable: Differences and examples\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-14634 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accounting-101 tag-business-strategy tag-financial-insights tag-investments business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business business_type-accountants\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/net-asset-value\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0465-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0465-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0465-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0465-1214x810.jpg 1214w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-07-03T08:20:26-04:00\">July 3, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">11 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tNAV meaning: net asset value formula and examples\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Your accounts payable ledger helps you build solid vendor relationships and optimize cash flow, but only if you manage it effectively. To run your Accounts Payable (AP) like clockwork, you need a good grasp of AP management tools and best practices for using them.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1847,"featured_media":11646,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"_pwl_sage_podcast_buzzsprout_src":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[162,165,271,267,208],"business_type":[3,99],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[75,83],"imagine_tag":[35,54,67],"coauthors":[460],"class_list":["post-14714","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-money-matters","tag-accounting-101","tag-bookkeeping","tag-cash-flow","tag-small-business","tag-staying-competitive","business_type-small-business","business_type-medium-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-ca","author_name":"Joe Church Woods","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/12\/2024\/08\/BrandShootLDN_Jul2022_TechSoftware_0015-Final-e1732028285179.jpeg","imagine_tags":{"35":"accounting software","54":"Medium Businesses","67":"Small business"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice Canada English","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14714","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/1847"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14714"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14714\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14732,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14714\/revisions\/14732"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/11646"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14714"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14714"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14714"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=14714"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=14714"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=14714"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=14714"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=14714"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=14714"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=14714"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}