{"id":10910,"date":"2022-02-23T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-02-23T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/?p=10910"},"modified":"2025-05-07T14:55:48","modified_gmt":"2025-05-07T13:55:48","slug":"break-addiction-spreadsheets-manage-finances","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/break-addiction-spreadsheets-manage-finances\/","title":{"rendered":"How to break the addiction of using spreadsheets to manage finances"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\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-gb\/blog\/category\/technology-innovation\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Technology &amp; Innovation<\/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\tHow to break the addiction of using spreadsheets to manage finances\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\t\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=\"2022-02-23T10:00:00+00:00\">23 February, 2022<\/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=\"How to break the addiction of using spreadsheets to manage finances\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/break-addiction-spreadsheets-manage-finances\/\"\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<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-gb\/blog\/author\/hannahmunro\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/07\/Hannah-Munro-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"Hannah Munro\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/07\/Hannah-Munro-350x350.jpg 350w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2021\/07\/Hannah-Munro.jpg 390w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 40px) 100vw, 40px\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Hannah Munro<\/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\">One of the things we find when we first start speaking with companies is that they know they have a problem with using spreadsheets, such as Excel and Google Sheets, but don\u2019t understand how bad the issue is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This isn\u2019t surprising as often a spreadsheet addiction is one that creeps up on you and before you know it you are almost running your finances on them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So how do you set about understanding the problem and more importantly, how do start to put it right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this article, we\u2019re looking at how and why people get sucked into a cycle of using spreadsheets, even though they might not be the right tool for the job, and what to do about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here&#8217;s what we cover:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"#cycle\">The cycle of change<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#the\">The double-edged sword of spreadsheets<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#discovering\">Discovering how bad the problem is<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#doing\">Doing a spreadsheet audit<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#identifying\">Identifying the change you need<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#prioritising\">Prioritising the change you want<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#final\">Final thoughts: Use spreadsheets wisely<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<a\n\t\tclass=\"button button--primary gate-fef83a3c-4bd9-444d-99ce-fc924fb2be43\"\n\t\trole=\"button\"\n\t\tdata-button-location=\"content_area\"\n\t\thref=\"#gate-fef83a3c-4bd9-444d-99ce-fc924fb2be43\"\n\t>Download your free copy of The digital CFO and discover why digitalisation should be your top priority<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cycle\">The cycle of change<strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There\u2019s a cycle that every business goes through. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Knowing where you are on this is useful, because it helps you to identify what you should be doing at your particular point of finance evolution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" type=\"1\"><li><strong>Pre-contemplation:<\/strong> With no intention of changing behaviour, businesses often find themselves stuck at this point. They don\u2019t know there\u2019s a problem so they don\u2019t seek change.<\/li><li><strong>Contemplation:<\/strong> This is where teams are aware there is a problem but they have no commitment to change. Think of this as a fear of breaking out of their comfort zone.<\/li><li><strong>Preparation:<\/strong> The team is intent on making a change but they have not started yet. Planning, but not doing. If you are not careful you can allow the search for perfection to be the enemy of action.<\/li><li><strong>Actions:<\/strong> Active modification of behaviours, processes and systems. This is where the project is in full flow.<\/li><li><strong>Maintenance:<\/strong> Sustaining the change, embedding modified behaviour and making sure that momentum is continued.<\/li><li><strong>Relapse:<\/strong> Falling back into patterns of behaviour. You\u2019ve made the change and become happy in a brand-new comfort zone.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The aim has to be to keep going around the circle, never falling into the relapse trap and constantly seeking improvement and upgrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the\">The double-edged sword of spreadsheets<strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We all love using spreadsheets because they\u2019re cheap, easy to use, flexible and it\u2019s what we know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But for every positive aspect of spreadsheets, there can also be a negative side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s almost as though they\u2019re a double-edged sword, with each function hiding a negative yin to a positive yang.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Accessibility:<\/strong> Spreadsheets are a superb piece of software and it\u2019s pretty easy to obtain and learn to use them. But sometimes spreadsheets can be <em>too <\/em>accessible, allowing anyone to change, modify and even destroy data. Sometimes they are even hidden and nobody can find them.<\/li><li><strong>Editability:<\/strong> In a similar way, almost anyone can edit spreadsheets. But the more complex they are, the more dangerous this is. If you lock them down, they can lose the very flexibility that makes them such a useful tool.<\/li><li><strong>Maintenance:<\/strong> Spreadsheets can be maintained \u2013 but are they? Do you know? Maintenance can actually end up being a massive chore when the aim was to save time and avoid work.<\/li><li><strong>Security:<\/strong> Spreadsheets are portable \u2013 but holding confidential data on a USB stick, really? They have a lot of security features but in reality, very few people use them as they tend to become inconvenient.<\/li><li><strong>Scalability:<\/strong> Spreadsheets are scalable because you can just add more as you need them. But as your business grows, you suddenly realise this just isn\u2019t a good move. The workbooks get more and more complex, leading to a bigger maintenance burden.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"discovering\">Discovering how bad the problem is<strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So you <em>think<\/em> you have a problem but how do you <em>know<\/em>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The starting point is to understand the different types of spreadsheets you could be using and how many of each are in existence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We categorise spreadsheets into six different types:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Working spreadsheets:<\/strong> Ad hoc calculations, one-off analyses. Workbooks that you actively use to solve problems.<\/li><li><strong>Regular reporting:<\/strong> The same reports being done again and again in exactly the same way.<\/li><li><strong>Ad hoc reporting:<\/strong> Quick one-off solutions that are designed to answer a specific question but probably won\u2019t be used again.<\/li><li><strong>Data storage:<\/strong> Using spreadsheets as a database. Think GDPR \u2013 not easy to interrogate, not secure.<\/li><li><strong>Imports:<\/strong> Where systems really don\u2019t link well and where you need to take information from one system to another such as from payroll into the financial system.<\/li><li><strong>Process sheets:<\/strong> Spreadsheets that are needed to do a process. Expenses claims, purchase orders, etc.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<a\n\t\tclass=\"button button--primary gate-fef83a3c-4bd9-444d-99ce-fc924fb2be43\"\n\t\trole=\"button\"\n\t\tdata-button-location=\"content_area\"\n\t\thref=\"#gate-fef83a3c-4bd9-444d-99ce-fc924fb2be43\"\n\t>Download your free copy of The digital CFO and discover why digitalisation should be your top priority<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"doing\">Doing a spreadsheet audit<strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The next step you need to take is to do a spreadsheet audit to analyse the size of the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is a semi-formal process of identifying and classifying each of the spreadsheets you have on your drives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can choose to appoint one person to do an audit but often it\u2019s useful to do this as a group exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s important to stress, though, that this isn\u2019t about apportioning blame. It\u2019s just about understanding what you could do better as a team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The questions you want to ask are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The name of the spreadsheet<\/li><li>The classification<\/li><li>The owner<\/li><li>The location<\/li><li>How frequently it\u2019s used<\/li><li>How much time the process takes<\/li><li>How important it is.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can add in extra questions if they are helpful and once you\u2019ve conducted an audit, you\u2019ll have a clear sight of the size of the problem and the types of risk you are running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"identifying\">Identifying the change you need<strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The changes you need that will allow you to get away from your spreadsheet jungle are likely to be different, not just between companies but also between departments and between workbooks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In many cases, it\u2019s about making systemic changes so people don&#8217;t have to do things on an external piece of software. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes, it\u2019s about behavioural change and getting them to use functionality that already exists. Other times, it\u2019s about understanding that you actually don&#8217;t need to do anything at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are some common solutions we see when we are looking at issues with using spreadsheets:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Using custom fields or analysis codes<strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These probably exist on your system and using analysis codes on your data means people don&#8217;t need to export to spreadsheets and then spend time slicing and dicing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Using integrations<strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Integrations between systems remove the need to export to a spreadsheet, manipulate and then import into another system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These save huge amounts of time and effort and can actually be incredibly easy to achieve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Automation apps<strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Often, people are using spreadsheets to perform processes because they can\u2019t get them done in the main system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using automation apps such as Zapier can remove the need to have a spreadsheet to manually do what can often be fairly simple tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Using existing functionality<strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We often find that people are doing things in workbooks that could actually be done in the main system \u2013 if only people knew that the functionality exists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you find you\u2019re doing things such as bank reconciliation by downloading information into a spreadsheet then take a look at what might be available in your existing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/sage-business-cloud\/intacct\/\">finance and accounting software<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Putting in a new system<strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is probably one of the last steps that we get to because it tends to cost money and take a lot of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That having been said, it\u2019s amazing how a system refresh can revolutionise the way a finance team works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Extra reporting training<strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Oddly, it can be really small things that push people to report using spreadsheets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maybe someone can\u2019t work out how to make a title bold, change a description or add in a calculated field. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And yet with just a little training, you can get rid of your reporting workbooks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Using expenses systems<strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is probably the most common thing we see when people are overusing spreadsheets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Getting people to produce expenses claims with them and often printing them out is incredibly wasteful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And yet really good expenses systems are readily available and very cheap these days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New reporting tools<strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Older systems can be a little bit clunky to use, especially when it comes to reporting. However, you don\u2019t need to change your system just to get great reporting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are plenty of modern, third-party applications that will provide superb reporting without breaking the bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Revising your Chart of Accounts<strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019ve all seen Chart of Accounts that have got out of control. Accounts added in, new subsidiary charts that don\u2019t match up, accounts that are out of sequence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cleaning up your Chart of Accounts can make a huge difference to the amount of work you have to do away from your main system. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And once it\u2019s done, it gives you an enormous sense of wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"prioritising\">Prioritising the change you want<strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019ve identified the problems and you have worked out what the solutions are, it can be tempting to just launch into a massive change and transformation programme and get it all done super quick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But that can be a mistake. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After all, you still have to do business as usual tasks, and trying to push through massive and sudden change can be incredibly unsettling for your team and the wider business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember also that doing small projects that are quick, easy and have a visible impact can produce a bit of a buzz in your team and get them excited about making more fundamental and larger-scale change in the near future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So here\u2019s our six-step plan for prioritising your change programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\" type=\"1\"><li><strong>Analyse the time saved:<\/strong> Work out which changes will provide the biggest benefit.<\/li><li><strong>Work out the ease of implementation:<\/strong> If something is \u2018low-hanging fruit\u2019, it\u2019s a candidate to be done first<\/li><li><strong>Understand the time to implement:<\/strong> Longer projects require more planning and resources<\/li><li><strong>Be clear on the cost:<\/strong> If it\u2019s cheap, quick and provides great benefits, it\u2019s a no-brainer.<\/li><li><strong>Analyse the risk:<\/strong> Think about the risk of a failed project not just on the finance team but also on the wider business.<\/li><li><strong>Think about other impacts:<\/strong> How will the change affect other departments? Your customers? Your suppliers? Your team?<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you\u2019ve assessed each change against these six criteria, you\u2019ll have a much clearer idea about what order you should do things in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"final\">Final thoughts: Use spreadsheets wisely<strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After all that, you probably think we\u2019re totally against spreadsheets \u2013 but you couldn\u2019t be more wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They\u2019re a superb tool that can do almost everything. And therein lies the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just because they <em>can<\/em> do everything doesn&#8217;t mean to say they <em>should <\/em>do everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using spreadsheets purely for ad hoc work, calculations and analysis means you\u2019re using them to their best advantage. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But if you\u2019re doing regular reporting, using spreadsheets as a way to integrate other systems or you\u2019re using them just because, then maybe you need to reassess.<\/p>\n \n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">The digital CFO<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>CFOs, discover why digitalisation should be your top priority and see why investing in automation and the cloud will help your business stay ahead of the game.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-fef83a3c-4bd9-444d-99ce-fc924fb2be43\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Download the report<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1325899588-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1325899588-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Join more than 500,000 UK readers and get the best business admin strategies and tactics, as well as actionable advice to help your company thrive, in your inbox every month.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-b1a63862-3fa0-4a5e-bb67-c76b88bbc6b8\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\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-gb\/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-gb\/blog\/tag\/business-finances\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBusiness finances\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-gb\/blog\/tag\/business-performance\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBusiness performance\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-gb\/blog\/tag\/midsized-business\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMidsized 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<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-30318 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-bookkeeping tag-payments business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1215\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1128201585-1215x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1128201585-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1128201585-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1128201585-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" 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\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\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<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-02T16:58:53+01:00\">2 June, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\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<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/what-is-ap-automation\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tAccounts payable automation: How it works, key benefits, and why your business needs it\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tLearn how AI-powered accounts payable automation works and how your invoices flow seamlessly from capture to payment, giving you real-time visibility and faster decision-making.\n\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\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-1 post-30315 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-bookkeeping tag-e-invoicing business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/what-is-an-electronic-invoice\/\"\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-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-875247398-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Dealing with payroll tasks for the business\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-875247398-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-875247398-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-875247398-1214x810.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=\"2026-06-02T16:16:14+01:00\">2 June, 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\">9 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 e-invoicing? Advantages and disadvantages of electronic invoicing\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-30313 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-bookkeeping tag-payments business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/what-is-an-automated-billing-system\/\"\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-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-580503469-1-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Running a business\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-580503469-1-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-580503469-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-580503469-1-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" 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=\"2026-06-02T15:54:42+01:00\">2 June, 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\">10 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 automated billing 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-15795 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-accountant-accounting tag-accountant-automation tag-brexit-business tag-business-finances business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/what-is-account-reconciliation\/\"\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-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1325244864-1-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"man in office\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1325244864-1-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1325244864-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/08\/GettyImages-1325244864-1-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" 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=\"2026-06-02T15:28:18+01:00\">2 June, 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\">10 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\tAccount reconciliation: What it is and best practices\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-30307 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-bookkeeping tag-make-receive-payments business_type-small-business business_type-medium-sized-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/what-are-the-most-important-accounts-receivable-metrics-to-track\/\"\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-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1464824741-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1464824741-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1464824741-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1464824741-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" 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=\"2026-06-02T14:26:09+01:00\">2 June, 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\">10 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 are the most important accounts receivable KPIs to track?\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>Spreadsheets are a wonderful tool, but we tend to rely upon them a little too much. Discover how to break your spreadsheet addiction.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1269,"featured_media":11474,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","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":[11],"tags":[23,135,180,159],"business_type":[3],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[],"imagine_tag":[96],"coauthors":[567],"class_list":["post-10910","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-technology-innovation","tag-bookkeeping","tag-business-finances","tag-business-performance","tag-midsized-business","business_type-medium-sized-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-gb","author_name":"Hannah Munro","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/10\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1352002639.jpg","imagine_tags":{"96":"Medium businesses"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice UK","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10910","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/1269"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10910"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10910\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/11474"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10910"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10910"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10910"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=10910"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=10910"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=10910"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=10910"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=10910"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=10910"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=10910"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}