{"id":5985,"date":"2024-11-14T15:33:21","date_gmt":"2024-11-14T15:33:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/?p=5985"},"modified":"2026-02-02T16:50:33","modified_gmt":"2026-02-02T16:50:33","slug":"accounts-payable-workflow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/","title":{"rendered":"Improve Your Accounts Payable Workflow"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Managing accounts payable (AP) is a critical task. Every finance team must approach it with careful attention and efficiency. If this is done right your accounts payable workflow ensures suppliers are paid on time and accurately. It will foster good relationships with vendors, and provide valuable insights into cash flow management.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/#automate_your_accounts_payable_workflow\" >Automate your accounts payable workflow\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/#the_hard_data_on_automation\" >The hard data on automation:\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/#establish_a_clear_ap_approval_process\" >Establish a clear AP approval process\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/#implement_a_purchase_order_system\" >Implement a purchase order system\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/#zahara_top_tip_need_a_template_for_a_solid_adaptable_purchase_order_weve_got_one_free_to_download_here\" >Zahara Top Tip: Need a template for a solid, adaptable purchase order? We\u2019ve got one free to download here.\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/#centralise_your_accounts_payable_workflow\" >Centralise your Accounts Payable Workflow\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/#provide_training_to_your_team\" >Provide training to your team\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/#to_conclude%e2%80%a6\" >To conclude\u2026\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/#a_word_from_zahara\" >A word from Zahara\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">But it\u2019s not that simple. With manual processes and disparate systems, AP can become a complex and time-consuming task, one fraught with errors \u2013 the kind of errors that undo all your hard work.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Fortunately, there are ways to simplify your spend and improve your accounts payable workflow. Let\u2019s talk automation\u2026<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"automate_your_accounts_payable_workflow\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Automate your accounts payable workflow<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Automation \u2013 the name of the game when it comes to AP Process Improvement.<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> If you want an effective, streamlined AP workflow, the best thing you can do these days is to automate it. Automating your AP workflow can help you reduce the risk of errors, save time, and increase efficiency.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/automating-accounts-payable\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Automation Payable Automation<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> eliminates manual data entry, which in turn reduces the risk of human errors and speeds up the processing time for invoices. With an automated AP system, you can also track and manage supplier payments, view payment history, and get real-time visibility into your cash flow.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2 aria-level=\"3\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"the_hard_data_on_automation\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">The hard data on automation:\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<table data-tablestyle=\"MsoTableGrid\" data-tablelook=\"1184\" aria-rowcount=\"2\">\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"1\">\r\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\">\r\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Cost Reductions\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\">\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Automation can lead to an 81% decrease in processing costs.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr aria-rowindex=\"2\">\r\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\">\r\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Faster Processing Times<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td data-celllook=\"4369\">\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Companies experience a 73% acceleration in processing cycle times with AP automation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sources: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/councils\/forbesfinancecouncil\/2023\/01\/23\/accounts-payable-automation-and-succeeding-with-its-implementation\/?utm_source=chatgpt.com\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Forbes<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"establish_a_clear_ap_approval_process\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Establish a clear AP approval process<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Establishing clear approval processes is critical to the success of your accounts payable workflow. You don\u2019t want any old kid off the block wielding your power to spend. By defining who has the authority to approve invoices you can plug gaps in your workflows to engage in a little <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/combating-financial-fraud\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">fraud prevention<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">But for optimal results this process can (and probably should) be automated. Manual approvals will give you control, but electronic approvals give you speed. Approvers can handle payments with the simple click of a button.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">This speeds up the process dramatically, freeing up your approvers to focus on more important tasks. Adopting a digital system also eliminates the risk of human error, duplicate payments and lost or damaged invoices.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">What\u2019s more, this can be done from a desktop or mobile phone, supporting hybrid or remote work.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"implement_a_purchase_order_system\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Implement a purchase order system<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/purchase-orders\/best-po-system\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">A robust purchase order system<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> will regulate costs and control spending. It\u2019ll do this by tracking purchases at all levels of business. When your PO system is firing on all cylinders it\u2019ll also manage inventory and do <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Automated Invoice Matching<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/guide\/grn-an-order\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">goods received notes<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> (GRNS) to act as a radar for duplicate payments, overspends or fraudulent invoices.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">With an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/invoice-processing\/invoice-processing-software\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">automated invoice processing system<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> like Zahara\u2019s and an automated PO working in unison, you\u2019ll have artificial intelligence doing this checking work for you \u2013 and doing it at a level too granular for a human to match.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"zahara_top_tip_need_a_template_for_a_solid_adaptable_purchase_order_weve_got_one_free_to_download_here\"><\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Zahara Top Tip: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Need a template for a solid, adaptable purchase order? <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/template-purchase-orders\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">We\u2019ve got one free to download here<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"centralise_your_accounts_payable_workflow\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Centralise your Accounts Payable Workflow<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Centralising your AP workflow can help you improve efficiency and aid in reducing AP errors. You can consolidate invoices, reduce paperwork, and eliminate the need for manual data entry. You can also create a single point of contact for suppliers, which can help you maintain good relationships with them.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Automation \u2013 yes, we\u2019re talking up the perks of automation again \u2013 will be your biggest ally here. Centralising can be done through a unification of the three automated systems we\u2019ve mentioned above: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/purchase-orders\/purchase-order-management\/\">Purchase Order Management<\/a>, Invoice Processing, and Approval workflows.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When these systems are in lockstep, spend controls will be in the hands of those who should have them, your AP department will spend drastically less time handling invoices, and you\u2019ll be tracking each invoice from purchase order to payment, giving you total visibility of spend.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You\u2019ll be seeing your business like a general looking at a war table \u2013 moving resources where they\u2019re needed, holding back supplies where they\u2019re not. The result? A business that\u2019s lean, efficient, and a boss that\u2019s in control.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"provide_training_to_your_team\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">Provide training to your team<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Providing training to your team can help you ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to your AP process. By providing training, you can ensure that your team understands your AP policies and procedures, and that they are aware of any changes or updates to your AP process. This can help you reduce the risk of errors and improve efficiency.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"to_conclude%e2%80%a6\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">To conclude\u2026\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Improving your accounts payable workflow will bring a range of benefits to your business. Simplified spend, improved efficiency, better controls are the kind of things that cut the fat and keep your bottom line low.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/business-efficiency\/automating-accounts-payable\/\">Automating accounts payable<\/a> is a direct line to achieving this. Once you\u2019ve got robust approvals and both purchase orders and invoices are being handled digitally you\u2019ll have the power to see and control all the money in your business more effectively.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You\u2019ll also be eliminating the risk of human error and saving your human staff time that they can redirect into more effective tasks than filing invoices and waiting for approvals.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How do we know all this? We\u2019re in the business of automating accounts payable. Obviously that means we\u2019ve got a horse in this race, but we hope that this content\u2019s worth shows you we\u2019re not just in this to sell you something.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you\u2019ve found this content useful, read below for a few more resources that we hope you\u2019ll find useful too.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<h2 aria-level=\"2\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"a_word_from_zahara\"><\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">A word from Zahara<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:40,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As we\u2019ve said, we\u2019re in the automation game. We\u2019ve been doing it for a while. All the knowledge we\u2019ve accumulated over the years \u2013 we\u2019re putting it into a blog for people with questions, problems or an interest in automation. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/blog\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">You can find that here<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">We\u2019ve also launched <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable-podcast\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The Totally Balanced Podcast<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> where we discuss the day-to-day life and challenges of the CFO.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Of course, if you\u2019re hooked on the idea of automating your accounts payable, you can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/purchase-order-system-schedule-a-call\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">give us a call and chat with an expert<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/book-a-demo\/?nonitro\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">book a demo<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> to see what Zahara can do for your business.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Managing accounts payable (AP) is a critical task. Every finance team must approach it with careful attention and efficiency. If this is done right your accounts payable workflow ensures suppliers are paid on time and accurately. It will foster good relationships with vendors, and provide valuable insights into cash flow management.\u00a0 But it\u2019s not that &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Improve Your Accounts Payable Workflow&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":10,"featured_media":6994,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"iawp_total_views":50,"footnotes":""},"categories":[708],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5985","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-accounts-payable"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.8 (Yoast SEO v27.0) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Improve Your Accounts Payable Workflow<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Streamline your accounts payable workflow with automation. Eliminate manual data entry, reduce errors, and speed up invoice processing.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Improve Your Accounts Payable Workflow\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Streamline your accounts payable workflow with automation. Eliminate manual data entry, reduce errors, and speed up invoice processing.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Zahara Accounts Payable Automation Software\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/zaharasoftware\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-11-14T15:33:21+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-02-02T16:50:33+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Blog-Feature-Landscape-1080-x-1104-1.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1920\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1080\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Martin Peirce\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@zaharasoftware\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@zaharasoftware\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Martin Peirce\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Martin Peirce\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#\/schema\/person\/9a9a8c846593c68d649e47df35b2a639\"},\"headline\":\"Improve Your Accounts Payable Workflow\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-11-14T15:33:21+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-02T16:50:33+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/\"},\"wordCount\":1054,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Blog-Feature-Landscape-1080-x-1104-1.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Accounts Payable\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/\",\"name\":\"Improve Your Accounts Payable Workflow\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Blog-Feature-Landscape-1080-x-1104-1.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-11-14T15:33:21+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-02-02T16:50:33+00:00\",\"description\":\"Streamline your accounts payable workflow with automation. Eliminate manual data entry, reduce errors, and speed up invoice processing.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Blog-Feature-Landscape-1080-x-1104-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Blog-Feature-Landscape-1080-x-1104-1.png\",\"width\":1920,\"height\":1080,\"caption\":\"A woman smiling while reviewing documents, seated at a table. Text on the image highlights the ease of streamlining the accounts payable workflow with automation.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Accounts Payable\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/category\/accounts-payable\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Improve Your Accounts Payable Workflow\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/\",\"name\":\"Zahara Software\",\"description\":\"Accounts Payable Automation Software\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#organization\"},\"alternateName\":\"Zahara Systems\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Zahara\",\"alternateName\":\"Zahara Systems Ltd\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Zahara-Systems-Ltd-Logo-Square-1kpx.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Zahara-Systems-Ltd-Logo-Square-1kpx.png\",\"width\":1000,\"height\":1000,\"caption\":\"Zahara\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/zaharasoftware\",\"https:\/\/x.com\/zaharasoftware\",\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/zaharasoftware\/\",\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/click2scan\",\"https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/zaharasoftware\"],\"description\":\"Zahara provides accounts payables (AP) automation software so that customers can pay their bills more easily, and securely knowing they have been reviewed and approved ahead of payment.\",\"email\":\"info@zaharasoftware.com\",\"telephone\":\"01225 615075\",\"legalName\":\"Zahara Systems Ltd\",\"foundingDate\":\"2018-03-01\",\"vatID\":\"325 7582 85\",\"taxID\":\"10845313\",\"duns\":\"223069231\",\"numberOfEmployees\":{\"@type\":\"QuantitativeValue\",\"minValue\":\"11\",\"maxValue\":\"50\"},\"publishingPrinciples\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/zahara-publishing-policy\/\",\"ownershipFundingInfo\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/funding-policy\/\",\"actionableFeedbackPolicy\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/actionable-feedback-policy\/\",\"correctionsPolicy\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/corrections-policy\/\",\"ethicsPolicy\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/zahara-ethics-policy\/\",\"diversityPolicy\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/zaharas-editorial-diversity-and-inclusion-policy\/\",\"diversityStaffingReport\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/zaharas-diversity-staffing-policy\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#\/schema\/person\/9a9a8c846593c68d649e47df35b2a639\",\"name\":\"Martin Peirce\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/9c0f33bfcc2688f44db8890a799177bf0d84c662f3a1cceb99e5538ea534d8d0?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/9c0f33bfcc2688f44db8890a799177bf0d84c662f3a1cceb99e5538ea534d8d0?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Martin Peirce\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/author\/mpeirce\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Improve Your Accounts Payable Workflow","description":"Streamline your accounts payable workflow with automation. Eliminate manual data entry, reduce errors, and speed up invoice processing.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"Improve Your Accounts Payable Workflow","og_description":"Streamline your accounts payable workflow with automation. Eliminate manual data entry, reduce errors, and speed up invoice processing.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/","og_site_name":"Zahara Accounts Payable Automation Software","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/zaharasoftware","article_published_time":"2024-11-14T15:33:21+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-02-02T16:50:33+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1920,"height":1080,"url":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Blog-Feature-Landscape-1080-x-1104-1.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Martin Peirce","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@zaharasoftware","twitter_site":"@zaharasoftware","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Martin Peirce","Estimated reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/"},"author":{"name":"Martin Peirce","@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#\/schema\/person\/9a9a8c846593c68d649e47df35b2a639"},"headline":"Improve Your Accounts Payable Workflow","datePublished":"2024-11-14T15:33:21+00:00","dateModified":"2026-02-02T16:50:33+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/"},"wordCount":1054,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Blog-Feature-Landscape-1080-x-1104-1.png","articleSection":["Accounts Payable"],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/","url":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/","name":"Improve Your Accounts Payable Workflow","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Blog-Feature-Landscape-1080-x-1104-1.png","datePublished":"2024-11-14T15:33:21+00:00","dateModified":"2026-02-02T16:50:33+00:00","description":"Streamline your accounts payable workflow with automation. Eliminate manual data entry, reduce errors, and speed up invoice processing.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Blog-Feature-Landscape-1080-x-1104-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Blog-Feature-Landscape-1080-x-1104-1.png","width":1920,"height":1080,"caption":"A woman smiling while reviewing documents, seated at a table. Text on the image highlights the ease of streamlining the accounts payable workflow with automation."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-workflow\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Accounts Payable","item":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/category\/accounts-payable\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Improve Your Accounts Payable Workflow"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/","name":"Zahara Software","description":"Accounts Payable Automation Software","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#organization"},"alternateName":"Zahara Systems","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#organization","name":"Zahara","alternateName":"Zahara Systems Ltd","url":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Zahara-Systems-Ltd-Logo-Square-1kpx.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/Zahara-Systems-Ltd-Logo-Square-1kpx.png","width":1000,"height":1000,"caption":"Zahara"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/zaharasoftware","https:\/\/x.com\/zaharasoftware","https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/zaharasoftware\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/click2scan","https:\/\/www.tiktok.com\/zaharasoftware"],"description":"Zahara provides accounts payables (AP) automation software so that customers can pay their bills more easily, and securely knowing they have been reviewed and approved ahead of payment.","email":"info@zaharasoftware.com","telephone":"01225 615075","legalName":"Zahara Systems Ltd","foundingDate":"2018-03-01","vatID":"325 7582 85","taxID":"10845313","duns":"223069231","numberOfEmployees":{"@type":"QuantitativeValue","minValue":"11","maxValue":"50"},"publishingPrinciples":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/zahara-publishing-policy\/","ownershipFundingInfo":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/funding-policy\/","actionableFeedbackPolicy":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/actionable-feedback-policy\/","correctionsPolicy":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/corrections-policy\/","ethicsPolicy":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/zahara-ethics-policy\/","diversityPolicy":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/zaharas-editorial-diversity-and-inclusion-policy\/","diversityStaffingReport":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/zaharas-diversity-staffing-policy\/"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#\/schema\/person\/9a9a8c846593c68d649e47df35b2a639","name":"Martin Peirce","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/9c0f33bfcc2688f44db8890a799177bf0d84c662f3a1cceb99e5538ea534d8d0?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/9c0f33bfcc2688f44db8890a799177bf0d84c662f3a1cceb99e5538ea534d8d0?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Martin Peirce"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com"],"url":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/author\/mpeirce\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5985","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/10"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5985"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5985\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6994"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5985"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5985"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5985"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}