{"id":76331,"date":"2026-06-04T11:51:14","date_gmt":"2026-06-04T09:51:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/?p=76331"},"modified":"2026-06-04T11:51:16","modified_gmt":"2026-06-04T09:51:16","slug":"accounts-payable-process","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/accounts-payable-process\/","title":{"rendered":"What is the accounts payable process? Steps, workflow and how to improve it"},"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-za\/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\tWhat is the accounts payable process? Steps, workflow and how to improve it\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\tLearn more about the accounts payable process and the power of AP automation to streamline accounts payable workflow and improve cash flow control.\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=\"2026-06-04T11:51:14+02:00\">June 4, 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=\"What is the accounts payable process? Steps, workflow and how to improve it\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/accounts-payable-process\/\"\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-za\/blog\/author\/yassirmalik\/\">\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\/2024\/03\/Yassir-Malik.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"yassir-malik-profile-picture\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Yassir Malik<\/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<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-sage-container is-constrained\"><div class=\"sage-container__inner\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-key-takeaways\">Key takeaways<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The accounts payable process tracks what your business owes to suppliers<\/strong>, from receiving an invoice through to approving and making payment, and recording the transaction accurately.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>An organised and optimised accounts payable workflow helps ensure payments ar<\/strong>e made on time, reduces errors, improves cash flow visibility, and supports stronger supplier relationships.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Manual accounts payable processes can lead to inefficiencies<\/strong> such as lost invoices, data entry errors, delayed payments, and difficulty scaling as invoice volumes increase.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Automating accounts payable tasks\u2014such as invoice capture, approval, and payment processing<\/strong>\u2014can streamline operations, reduce risk, and give finance teams more time to focus on higher-value work.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The accounts payable process is the workflow a business uses to receive, approve, and pay supplier invoices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is essential for maintaining accurate financial records and controlling cash flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This guide explains how the process works, key steps involved, and how to improve it using automation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a><\/a><strong>Here&#8217;s what we will cover:<\/strong><\/p>\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-the-accounts-payable-process\" data-level=\"2\">What is the accounts payable process?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-why-is-an-optimised-accounts-payable-workflow-important\" data-level=\"2\">Why is an optimised accounts payable workflow important?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-are-the-common-challenges-in-accounts-payable\" data-level=\"2\">What are the common challenges in accounts payable?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-what-are-the-steps-in-the-accounts-payable-process\" data-level=\"2\">What are the steps in the accounts payable process?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-can-you-improve-your-accounts-payable-process\" data-level=\"2\">How can you improve your accounts payable process?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-how-can-automation-improve-the-accounts-payable-process\" data-level=\"2\">How can automation improve the accounts payable process?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-final-thoughts\" data-level=\"2\">Final thoughts<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-frequently-asked-questions-faqs\" data-level=\"2\">Frequently asked questions (FAQs)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-is-the-accounts-payable-process\"><a><\/a><strong>What is the accounts payable process?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/what-is-accounts-payable\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Accounts Payable<\/a> (AP) is the money your business owes to suppliers and vendors for the goods and services you&#8217;ve received but haven&#8217;t yet paid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It shows up as a liability on your balance sheet and is critical when tracking how cash moves in and out of your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The accounts payable process, also known as the &#8220;full cycle of accounts payable,&#8221; covers everything from getting a Purchase Order (PO) and invoice to actually making the payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At a high level:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You receive a purchase order and an invoice from a supplier.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You check the invoice against the PO to ensure accuracy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You approve the invoice.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You authorise and send payment.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This sequence is also part of the broader P2P (Procure-to-Pay) process.<\/p>\n\n\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\">Budget Speech: 2026\/2027<\/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><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Download the guide to the 2026\/27 Budget to review key tax, payroll, and employment changes for South African businesses.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/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-a2a54612-83e6-4a6c-b6a6-d71baac631c1\"\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 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=\"1064\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-41-1064x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Smiling businessman using tablet\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-41-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-is-an-optimised-accounts-payable-workflow-important\"><strong>Why is an optimised accounts payable workflow important?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your accounts payable workflow is full of bottlenecks, you risk late payments, duplicate bills, extra fees, and frustrated suppliers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A smooth AP process helps avoid these problems and brings many advantages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It helps you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-keep-track-of-invoices\"><a><\/a><strong>Keep track of invoices<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An automated AP system updates invoices in real-time, so you always know which payments are due.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pay-on-time-every-time\"><a><\/a><strong>Pay on time, every time<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Automated reminders and scheduling help you avoid missing deadlines and incurring penalty fees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-eliminate-manual-work\"><a><\/a><strong>Eliminate manual work<\/strong><strong><\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Automation reduces the need for manual data entry and processing, minimising the risk of errors and freeing up your team from repetitive tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-speed-up-finance-operations\"><a><\/a><strong>Speed up finance operations<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With streamlined workflows and automation, your finance team can process payments quickly, allowing them to focus on higher-value tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-save-time-for-other-goals\"><a><\/a><strong>Save time for other goals<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By reducing time spent on manual AP tasks, you give your team more room to tackle strategic priorities and contribute to the growth and success of the business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-build-vendor-relationships\"><a><\/a><strong>Build vendor relationships<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Consistent and timely payments build trust and strengthen relationships with vendors, potentially leading to better terms, discounts, and partnerships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-avoid-late-fees-and-penalties\"><a><\/a><strong>Avoid late fees and penalties<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An organised accounts payable process ensures that payments are never missed, helping you avoid costly late fees and penalties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-prevent-fraud\"><a><\/a><strong>Prevent fraud<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Built-in controls help detect and prevent fraudulent activities by flagging suspicious transactions and enforcing proper approvals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-the-common-challenges-in-accounts-payable\"><strong>What are the common challenges in accounts payable?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When your AP workflow is manual, you can run into several issues, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Missing invoices:<\/strong> paper or email invoices can get lost if they&#8217;re not recorded right away\u2014risking late fees and upset suppliers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Time-consuming oversight:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/company\/digital-newsroom\/2024\/06\/06\/sage-finds-small-european-companies-can-unlock-in-annual-savings\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Sage found<\/strong><\/a> that 77% of CEOs spend time each month chasing overdue invoices. In fact, 4 in 10 are doing this weekly. That&#8217;s time they&#8217;re not spending on growth or new ideas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Errors in data entry: <\/strong>manual AP work can lead to typos, misplaced documents, and miscalculations\u2014all of which skew your financial data.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Scaling problems:<\/strong> rapid growth or seasonal spikes in invoices can overwhelm a manual AP process. Automated systems handle high volumes more smoothly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Multiple payment methods: <\/strong>managing everything from EFT transfers to paper cheques can get messy fast. Without the right tools, you risk mistakes and delays.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\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\">Budget Speech: 2026\/2027<\/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><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Download the guide to the 2026\/27 Budget to review key tax, payroll, and employment changes for South African businesses.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/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-a2a54612-83e6-4a6c-b6a6-d71baac631c1\"\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 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=\"1064\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-41-1064x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Smiling businessman using tablet\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-41-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-are-the-steps-in-the-accounts-payable-process\"><strong>What are the steps in the accounts payable process?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A full cycle of accounts payable process includes four key steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-invoice-capture\">Invoice capture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, collect the invoice\u2014via email, mail, or a digital invoicing system\u2014and record it in your accounting system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Automated tools like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/accounting-software\/cash-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>cash flow management software<\/strong><\/a> can handle this step automatically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-invoice-authorisation\">Invoice authorisation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then review the invoice for accuracy, including quantities, prices, and discounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you&#8217;ve verified it, the invoice needs to be approved, usually by someone in your finance team or management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-payment-processing\">Payment processing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the invoice approved, it&#8217;s time to pay your supplier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Common payment methods include EFT, cheques, and virtual cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Make sure you match the payment to the correct invoice to avoid confusion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-payment-recording\">Payment recording<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lastly, log the payment in your accounting system to keep your books accurate and make future reporting easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Automation helps here, too, by updating records without the need for extra data entry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-can-you-improve-your-accounts-payable-process\"><strong>How can you improve your accounts payable process?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You now know what the accounts payable process is and its full cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To improve your accounts payable process, apply the following best practices:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-cut-down-on-cheque-runs\">1. Cut down on cheque runs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Paper cheques can be time-consuming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Instead of issuing them every few days, try consolidating payments and running cheques bi-weekly (or even monthly).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fewer cheque runs mean fewer opportunities for errors and confusion, and a simpler AP workflow overall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-limit-access-and-establish-controls\">2. Limit access and establish controls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask yourself: who can change vendor information?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Limiting access to your Master Vendor File helps you keep tight control over critical details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Assign specific roles and permissions so only trusted team members can add or update vendor info.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Everyone else can view but not edit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-eliminate-ap-fraud\">3. Eliminate AP fraud<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unfortunately, <strong>accounts payable fraud is a real concern for finance teams<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In fact, <strong>51% of organisations<\/strong> globally experienced fraud or economic crime in the previous two years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In South Africa, fraud is also rising: SABRIC reports increasing digital banking and payment scams affecting businesses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Invoice and billing fraud are particularly common, with billing schemes accounting for about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.acfe.com\/report-to-the-nations\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>22% of occupational fraud cases<\/strong><\/a>, making strong controls in the accounts payable process essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Setting strong internal controls.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Watching for fake vendor accounts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Restricting the ability to add new vendors to authorised employees.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using multi-factor authentication (MFA) to secure financial systems.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Training your team to recognise red flags and report suspicious activity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\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\">Budget Speech: 2026\/2027<\/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><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p>Download the guide to the 2026\/27 Budget to review key tax, payroll, and employment changes for South African businesses.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/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-a2a54612-83e6-4a6c-b6a6-d71baac631c1\"\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 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=\"1064\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-41-1064x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Smiling businessman using tablet\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2019\/07\/resize-1675x1275-41-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-can-automation-improve-the-accounts-payable-process\"><strong>How can automation improve the accounts payable process?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AP automation tools let you scan invoices, match them to purchase orders, and handle tax forms all at once.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It significantly improves efficiency and reduces manual workload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In fact, by 2030, up to 30% of current work hours could be automated with AI, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mckinsey.com\/mgi\/our-research\/a-new-future-of-work-the-race-to-deploy-ai-and-raise-skills-in-europe-and-beyond\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>according to McKinsey<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here&#8217;s why AP automation matters:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-simplifies-accounts-payable\">Simplifies accounts payable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AP automation software keeps your cash flow in check and ensures invoices are paid on time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By automating the AP process, you reduce human error and minimise costs, freeing up time and resources for other important tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-boosts-productivity\">Boosts productivity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manual AP processing can be a huge drain on your team&#8217;s time and energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tracking every supplier agreement and processing hundreds of invoices a day can be overwhelming.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Automation handles all of the work, eliminating thousands of hours of manual data entry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Improves cash flow control<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With automated AP software, you get real-time visibility into your cash flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No more confusion, simply clear, up-to-date reporting that helps you manage your finances better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Streamlines approval process<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manual approval processes often lead to late fees, missed invoices, and overworked teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">AP automation software streamlines the entire approval process, from routing invoices for review to notifying stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It also includes built-in permissions to prevent fraud and unauthorised purchases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-thoughts\"><strong>Final thoughts<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the right approach, you can sidestep common pitfalls, streamline your workflow, and make sure your finances stay in tip-top shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sage has you covered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/accounting-software\/accounts-payable\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>accounts payable automation software<\/strong><\/a> solutions are designed to make your life easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From everything invoice handling to real-time reporting you can improve your AP through its automation and easy integrations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-frequently-asked-questions-faqs\">Frequently asked questions (FAQs)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1780485583128\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What is the accounts payable process?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><br>The accounts payable process is the workflow a business uses to manage supplier invoices, from receiving and verifying them through to payment and recording the transaction in the accounting system.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1780411243391\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are the main steps in the accounts payable process?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><br>The accounts payable process typically follows four key steps: <br>&#8211; capturing the invoice, <br>&#8211; reviewing and approving it for accuracy, <br>&#8211; processing the payment, <br>&#8211; and recording the transaction in the accounting system. <br><br>Following a consistent workflow helps ensure financial records remain accurate and payments are made on time.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1780412022852\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Why is an efficient accounts payable process important?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><br>An efficient accounts payable process helps businesses avoid late payments, reduce administrative errors, and maintain better control over cash flow. <br><br>It also supports stronger relationships with suppliers by ensuring payments are consistent and reliable.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1780412038445\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are the common challenges in accounts payable?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><br>Common challenges include missing or misplaced invoices, time spent manually tracking payments, data entry errors, and difficulties managing increasing volumes of invoices. <br><br>These issues are more likely in manual processes without automation or clear controls in place.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1780412144936\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How does automation improve the accounts payable process?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><br>Automation streamlines invoice capture, matching, and approvals, reducing manual workload and errors while providing better visibility into payments and cash flow.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1780412156334\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">How do you record accounts payable transactions?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><br>When an invoice is received, it should be recorded in the accounts payable ledger with key details such as the supplier, amount, and date. <br><br>Once payment is made, the record is updated to show the transaction has been settled, helping maintain accurate financial reporting.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1780485597358\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What are the main steps in the accounts payable process?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><br>The process typically includes four steps: capturing the invoice, reviewing and approving it, processing the payment, and recording the transaction for reporting and reconciliation.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1780485628569\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Why is an efficient accounts payable process important?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\"><br>An efficient process helps ensure payments are made on time, reduces administrative errors, improves cash flow visibility, and supports stronger supplier relationships.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\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 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\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\/audit\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAudit\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\/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-za\/blog\/tag\/business-intelligence\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tbusiness intelligence\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\/business-management\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tbusiness management\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\/profit-loss\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tprofit &amp; loss\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\/staying-competitive\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tstaying competitive\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\/tax\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTax\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\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-74360 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accountants tag-business-intelligence tag-profit-loss tag-staying-competitive tag-trending-topics 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=\"1214\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/08\/Mar2025_Construction-Commerical_0777-1214x810.jpeg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/08\/Mar2025_Construction-Commerical_0777-684x384.jpeg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/08\/Mar2025_Construction-Commerical_0777-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2025\/08\/Mar2025_Construction-Commerical_0777-1214x810.jpeg 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\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=\"2026-06-25T12:53:32+02:00\">June 25, 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\">12 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\/what-is-markup-percentage\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tMarkup calculator: how to calculate markup\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\tUse this markup calculator to work out a selling price, cost price, or markup percentage. You will also learn how markup works, how it differs from margin, and how to use it to set prices for your business.\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-76381 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-people-leadership category-technology-innovation tag-artificial-intelligence tag-business-management tag-hr-payroll tag-trending-topics business_type-small-business business_type-medium-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/what-is-ai-in-hr\/\"\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\/2026\/06\/Ai-in-HR-infographic-image-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"A woman stands in front of the Sage glowline with a black background.\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/Ai-in-HR-infographic-image-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/Ai-in-HR-infographic-image-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-za\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/06\/Ai-in-HR-infographic-image-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=\"2026-06-23T13:19:28+02:00\">June 23, 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\tWhat is AI in HR and how can you use it responsibly?\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-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\"\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-reports-guide\/\"\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-1675x1275-38-684x384.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\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=\"2026-06-04T12:39:10+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\">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\tThe ultimate guide to accounts payable reports and reporting\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-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-4 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\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Learn more about the accounts payable process and the power of AP automation to streamline accounts payable workflow and improve cash flow control.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1774,"featured_media":325,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_is_cornerstone":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-nofollow":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_page_type":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_article_type":"","_sage_video":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskeywords":"[{\"keyword\":\"accounts payable process steps\",\"score\":70},{\"keyword\":\"accounts payable workflow\",\"score\":81},{\"keyword\":\"accounts payable procedures\",\"score\":61},{\"keyword\":\"AP 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