{"id":71937,"date":"2024-03-21T21:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-21T19:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/?p=71937"},"modified":"2024-03-07T17:40:33","modified_gmt":"2024-03-07T15:40:33","slug":"cloud-accounting-modernize-your-financial-visibility","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/cloud-accounting-modernize-your-financial-visibility\/","title":{"rendered":"Modernise your cash flow visibility with cloud accounting"},"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-za\/blog\/category\/strategy-legal-operations\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Strategy, Legal &amp; Operations<\/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\tModernise your cash flow visibility with cloud accounting\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 \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2024-03-21T21:00:00+02:00\">March 21, 2024<\/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=\"Modernise your cash flow visibility with cloud accounting\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/cloud-accounting-modernize-your-financial-visibility\/\"\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-za\/blog\/author\/david-appel\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/11\/David-Appel-headshot-2023-1.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">David Appel<\/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=\"\">As a SaaS CFO, you probably think your job revolves around cash flow. And you\u2019re NEARLY correct. You\u2019re missing one vital word. Your role revolves around <strong>cash flow visibility<\/strong>. Without granular visibility into your finances, you can\u2019t lead effectively, budget optimally, or devise subscription strategies. It\u2019s a prerequisite for everything you do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">In this post, we\u2019ll 1) Explore why financial visibility is important in SaaS businesses and how cloud accounting is revolutionizing cash flow visibility, 2) Dive into the positive impacts of cloud accounting, and 3) Discuss how the financial blindfold of legacy accounting can keep you from seeing what\u2019s right in front of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Let\u2019s get started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-understanding-the-value-of-financial-visibility\"><strong>Understanding the value of financial visibility<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">For SaaS CFOs, accurate financial data is essential for making informed business decisions and driving success. From optimising your product pricing to slashing your churn rates, practically every goal you have as a finance leader hinges on access to trustworthy data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">That holds equally true for stakeholders in other departments at your organisation. Everything is connected, and everyone needs data from your department to reach their professional objectives, from sales and marketing to customer service and other teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Real-time data is also crucial for making quick course corrections and adjustments to your strategies and financial operations. This newfound flexibility allows businesses to respond swiftly to changing market conditions, seizing opportunities as they arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/image-1-1-1440x810.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71961\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/image-1-1-1440x810.jpg 1440w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/image-1-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/image-1-1-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/image-1-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/image-1-1.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Additionally, by identifying potential problems early on through superior visibility, SaaS CFOs can take proactive measures to mitigate risks like customer churn or account downgrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-is-financial-visibility-especially-important-in-saas\"><strong>Why is financial visibility especially important in SaaS?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Financial visibility is critical to the success of any business. However, several factors make it <strong>particularly crucial<\/strong> in the SaaS sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Subscription SaaS is a uniquely fast-paced industry with many moving pieces, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Potentially complex pricing models:<\/strong> From a customer\u2019s perspective, usage-based pricing or feature tiers may not be complicated. But once you start scaling, seemingly simple pricing structures can introduce complicated accounting scenarios. Compromised visibility can quickly lead to problems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Subscription management requirements: <\/strong>For a recurring revenue company, things aren\u2019t as simple as making single-unit sales and then calling it a day. In effect, you\u2019re tasked with managing an individual subscription relationship with each user. That calls for some SERIOUS visibility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Specialised revenue recognition rules:<\/strong> Subscription SaaS companies are required to recognize revenue as their service obligations are fulfilled rather than at the date a sale is made. So if a customer buys a one-year subscription, you have to recognize that revenue over the course of the year. That quickly grows tricky and tedious as you scale.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">As a finance leader, you want to give yourself every conceivable advantage where cash flow visibility is concerned.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Many SaaS CFOs have given themselves a leg up by switching to cloud accounting as an alternative to legacy processes. Let\u2019s see why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-does-cloud-accounting-work\"><strong>How does cloud accounting work?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">A cloud accounting system securely stores company data online through remote servers rather than onsite.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Cloud software encrypts your financial information, keeping it much more secure than traditional data storage methods. Switching to online accounting software can also represent significant cost savings for SaaS businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Additionally, because your data is stored online, team members and stakeholders can enjoy remote access from anywhere with an internet connection. Your data is also accessible from mobile devices, usually through a mobile app, and the tried and true desktop computer as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"700\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/image-2-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-71962\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/image-2-2.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2024\/03\/image-2-2-768x525.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Remote access and data security are far from the only benefits of cloud accounting, however. Before we dive into the impact of cloud computing on financial visibility, let\u2019s see how else it can improve your business processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-do-saas-cfos-gain-by-switching-to-the-cloud\"><strong>What do SaaS CFOs gain by switching to the cloud?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">As a recurring revenue CFO, you\u2019re responsible for managing <strong>a lot<\/strong> at once. From ensuring streamlined subscription growth to managing key performance indicators (KPIs), revenue recognition, and much more, you\u2019ve got quite a bit to juggle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Accounting AI can act as your trusted financial management partner by providing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Complete SaaS metrics integration: <\/strong>Staying on top of your KPIs can be daunting in a legacy accounting department. In contrast to manual tools, cloud software streamlines financial reporting by delivering KPI updates in real time. With a cloud solution in your finance department, you\u2019ll never have to rely on lagging indicators again.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Streamlined subscription management: <\/strong>Manually managing customer onboarding, renewals, churn, and everything else that makes up a subscription lifecycle can quickly grow unwieldy. Automating your subscription management workflows saves time and helps you avoid costly errors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Automated ASC 606 assistance:<\/strong> Cloud accounting software automates revenue recognition for SaaS companies. This saves a tremendous amount of time and money in the long run and also prevents revenue leakage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Now that you\u2019ve got more context on cloud accounting, let\u2019s return to the topic of financial visibility. How can embracing the cloud give you a new level of visibility and insight into your company\u2019s cash flow?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-does-cloud-accounting-enhance-your-financial-visibility\"><strong>How does cloud accounting enhance your financial visibility?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The features and benefits of cloud accounting software that we\u2019ll be covering enhance different kinds of financial visibility, and they do so in different ways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">We\u2019ll be discussing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The effective organization of financial data<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The utilization of continuous processes for constant data flow<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How accounting AI can give you visibility into your financial future, and more<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Let\u2019s start with your KPIs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-role-based-dashboards-and-continuous-processes\"><strong>Role-based dashboards and continuous processes<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Role-based dashboards in cloud accounting software provide real-time visibility into your key business metrics, empowering your team to track business performance much more effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">With these simple and customisable screens, finance leaders can quickly zero in on the exact metrics they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">This is helpful because the relevance of particular KPIs changes from situation to situation. It varies with the type of financial decision being made, the person making it, and that individual\u2019s desired outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">This means that in addition to KPI visibility, you also need a large degree of flexibility in your SaaS metrics utilization. Role-based dashboards are a user-friendly, highly effective way to obtain it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Your KPI monitoring isn\u2019t the only area that benefits from continuous cloud-based processes. Accounting AI automatically updates your general ledger after each transaction, eliminating the need for a grueling month-end close.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-automated-forecasts-bring-clarity-to-your-future\"><strong>Automated forecasts bring clarity to your future<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Visibility into your past and present finances is undeniably important. But you also need to give the future its due.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Unless you can clearly predict your financial future with cash flow forecasts and other strategic projections, your ability to achieve subscription success will be highly limited.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">You might say, \u201cWe\u2019re right there with you\u2013we run forecasts all the time!\u201d But are they automated forecasts?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Cloud accounting gives SaaS CFOs access to automated forecasts, offering real-time cash flow projections and accurate financial planning. In contrast to manual forecasting, forecasts created with cloud accounting software utilize machine learning algorithms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">This means they can dynamically shift to reflect changes in your financial circumstances. It equates to real-time SaaS forecasting and provides unmatched visibility into your future cash flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The cloud packs a serious punch in terms of its impact on financial visibility. But to help you get the full story, let\u2019s examine the risks of using legacy accounting software instead of a cloud platform.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">How does that choice affect your clarity around cash flow, subscriber behavior, and other vital data?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-legacy-saas-accounting-ready-for-a-financial-blindfold\"><strong>Legacy SaaS accounting: ready for a financial blindfold?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">If your SaaS business still relies on legacy accounting software rather than cloud technology, it may be time to reconsider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">The issue of visibility is especially critical for recurring revenue companies. Trusting legacy tech is like putting on a blindfold while driving and hoping for the best.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">You would <strong>never<\/strong> do that, and you shouldn\u2019t try to manage your company\u2019s finances with legacy tech, either. Both courses of action are recipes for disaster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">What specific issues and blind spots can you expect if you opt for legacy tech?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-manual-accounting-never-paints-the-full-picture\"><strong>Manual accounting never paints the full picture<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Relying on legacy tools for financial visibility can lead to incomplete or unusable insights. Since legacy tech doesn\u2019t supply real-time data like accounting AI does, it\u2019s not uncommon to find that the information you\u2019re basing an important decision on is outdated by the time it\u2019s used.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">It\u2019s an AWFUL feeling to think you\u2019ve had some sort of strategic epiphany, only to realize that the data you based it on is no longer relevant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Lagging indicators and manual software also fail to provide insights into moment-to-moment customer behavior and emerging trends. That\u2019s a serious setback when it comes to crafting winning strategies in a dynamic market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-data-silos-keep-everyone-in-the-dark\"><strong>Data silos keep everyone in the dark<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Data silos occur when companies section off their financial, customer, or subscription information, making various departments responsible for managing and updating their own \u201csilo\u201d of data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Data silos create barriers to collaboration and hinder access to real-time financial information. This can drastically limit the strategic visibility of key stakeholders at your company.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Data silos also spell disaster for financial processes like revenue recognition, which relies on data from multiple sources and moves at a rapid pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Siloed departments are often the result of poorly conceived manual accounting processes, and require time-consuming data entry to maintain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Spoiler alert, in case you\u2019ve still got your heart set on silos. Their lackluster visibility can lead directly to expensive manual errors that waste a ton of time. Tread carefully.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-manual-forecasting-is-growing-obsolete\"><strong>Manual forecasting is growing obsolete<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Manual forecasting methods are a drain on your money and time. Manual forecast assembly that uses email chains can put your financial data at risk. And on top of all that, it\u2019s terrible for your financial visibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">As we mentioned earlier, manual forecasts can\u2019t provide the same dynamic forecasting results that the advanced features of cloud software can.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">But manual forecasting also limits your visibility in other ways, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Being restricted to shorter time horizons in your SaaS forecasting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Being unable to catch customer trends early because they were too subtle for manual analysis&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Putting a real damper on your scenario planning. The cumbersome manual forecasting process restricts the breadth and scope of what you can effectively plan for.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">All in all, forecasting with a manual accounting system is a risky move.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-take-off-your-blindfold-and-unleash-the-power-of-the-cloud\"><strong>Take off your blindfold and unleash the power of the cloud<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">Financial visibility is a crucial component of every decision you make and every factor that shapes those decisions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">By prioritizing clarity around your finances and business processes\u2013and with a little help from AI\u2013you can win your market and create sustainable subscription cash flow. However, knowing exactly which cloud solution to use can be tough. It\u2019s <strong>an important choice<\/strong> with long-ranging consequences for your company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"\">To learn how you can select the best cloud solution for your unique needs, check out our e-book: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/sage-business-cloud\/intacct\/resources\/ebooks\/the-definitive-saas-buyers-guide-to-planning-software\/\"><strong>The Definitive SaaS Buyer\u2019s Guide to Planning Software<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner\">\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 enewsletter<\/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>Get a roundup of our best business advice 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-84fe79b5-668d-41f8-a0cc-6229018c4ac9\"\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<\/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-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1181404518-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1181404518-1440x810.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-za\/blog\/tag\/accountants\/\" 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-za\/blog\/tag\/cloud\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCloud\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-za\/blog\/tag\/cloud-technology\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tcloud technology\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-76358 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accountants tag-audit tag-bookkeeping tag-business-intelligence tag-profit-loss business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business business_type-accountants 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=\"1064\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-38-1064x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Two businesswomen looking at report on tablet\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-38-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-38-768x585.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-38-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" 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=\"2026-06-04T12:39:10+02:00\">June 4, 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\">10 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-za\/blog\/accounts-payable-reports-guide\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tThe ultimate guide to accounts payable reports and reporting\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\tAccounts payable reports help you track the money your business owes suppliers and other short-term creditors. They show outstanding invoices, payment due dates, vendor balances, and cash flow commitments, so you can manage liabilities, avoid late payments, and plan ahead with more confidence.\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-76331 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-trends-insights tag-accountants tag-audit tag-bookkeeping tag-business-intelligence tag-business-management tag-profit-loss tag-staying-competitive tag-tax 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-za\/blog\/accounts-payable-process\/\"\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-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/04\/GettyImages-175138802_super-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/04\/GettyImages-175138802_super-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/04\/GettyImages-175138802_super-768x585.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/04\/GettyImages-175138802_super-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" 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=\"2026-06-04T11:51:14+02:00\">June 4, 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\tWhat is the accounts payable process? Steps, workflow and how to improve it\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-76318 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-trends-insights tag-accountants tag-audit tag-bookkeeping tag-inventory-management 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-za\/blog\/abc-analysis\/\"\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-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-43-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-43-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-43-768x585.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-43-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" 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=\"2026-06-02T15:45:55+02:00\">June 2, 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\">17 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 ABC analysis in inventory management? Definition, steps 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-3 post-76286 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-trends-insights tag-accountants tag-bookkeeping tag-business-intelligence tag-data-analysis tag-financial-insights tag-making-financial-decisions tag-profit-loss tag-trending-topics 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-za\/blog\/accounts-payable-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-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/11\/HR-and-Payroll-image--684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/11\/HR-and-Payroll-image--684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/11\/HR-and-Payroll-image--768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2021\/11\/HR-and-Payroll-image--1213x810.jpg 1213w\" 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=\"2026-05-22T12:28:04+02:00\">May 22, 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\tThe ultimate guide to accounts payable reconciliation\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-76271 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-trends-insights tag-accountants tag-bookkeeping tag-business-intelligence tag-data-analysis tag-profit-loss tag-trending-topics 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-za\/blog\/accrued-expenses-vs-accounts-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-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/07\/GettyImages-1252669747-2-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"people in office\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/07\/GettyImages-1252669747-2-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/07\/GettyImages-1252669747-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/07\/GettyImages-1252669747-2-1440x810.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=\"2026-05-22T11:35:30+02:00\">May 22, 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\tAccrued expenses vs accounts payable: Key differences\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>Experience the power of cloud accounting for modern financial visibility. Streamline cash flow and bring clarity to your business operations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1433,"featured_media":71261,"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,"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[294,318,384],"business_type":[3],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[],"persona":[],"imagine_tag":[52,64,84],"coauthors":[479],"class_list":["post-71937","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-strategy-legal-operations","tag-accountants","tag-cloud","tag-cloud-technology","business_type-medium-business"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-za","author_name":"David Appel","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1277533180.jpg","imagine_tags":{"52":"Accounting software","64":"Cloud accounting","84":"Midsized business"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice South Africa","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71937","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/1433"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=71937"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/71937\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/71261"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=71937"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=71937"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=71937"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=71937"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=71937"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=71937"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=71937"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=71937"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=71937"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=71937"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}