{"id":7339,"date":"2025-04-14T14:57:44","date_gmt":"2025-04-14T14:57:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/?p=7339"},"modified":"2025-12-09T11:27:47","modified_gmt":"2025-12-09T11:27:47","slug":"what-is-accounts-payable","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Accounts Payable?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p >To <strong>define accounts payable<\/strong> (AP), think of it like your business&#8217;s &#8220;IOU&#8221; list\u2014it\u2019s the money your company owes suppliers for goods or services you\u2019ve already enjoyed. Typically, these short-term debts are due within 30 to 90 days and are listed as liabilities on your balance sheet.<\/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-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#where_accounts_payable_fits_into_your_financial_workflow\" >Where Accounts Payable Fits into Your Financial Workflow<\/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-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#accounts_payable_vs_accounts_receivable_the_quick_guide\" >Accounts Payable vs Accounts Receivable: The Quick Guide<\/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-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#what_your_ap_team_actually_does_hint_its_busy\" >What Your AP Team Actually Does (Hint: It&#8217;s Busy!)<\/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-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#why_clearly_defining_accounts_payable_matters\" >Why Clearly Defining Accounts Payable Matters<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#martin_peirce\" >Martin Peirce<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#founder_and_ceo\" >Founder and CEO<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/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-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#accounts_payable_step-by-step\" >Accounts Payable: Step-by-Step<\/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-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#common_ap_headaches_and_how_to_cure_them\" >Common AP Headaches (And How to Cure Them!)<\/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-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#why_automation_is_your_ap_teams_best_friend\" >Why Automation Is Your AP Team\u2019s Best Friend<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#real-life_example_simplifying_ap\" >Real-Life Example: Simplifying AP<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#quick_tips_to_manage_ap_like_a_pro\" >Quick Tips to Manage AP Like a Pro<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#are_you_ready_for_a_demo\" >Are you ready for a demo?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faqs_straight_answers_to_ap_questions\" >FAQs: Straight Answers to AP Questions<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#ready_to_make_ap_easy\" >Ready to Make AP Easy?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#you_might_also_like_to_read\" >You Might Also Like to Read<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p >Simply put, when you define accounts payable, you\u2019re keeping track of what your business owes\u2014not what it owns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-where-accounts-payable-fits-into-your-financial-workflow\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"where_accounts_payable_fits_into_your_financial_workflow\"><\/span>Where Accounts Payable Fits into Your Financial Workflow<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p >AP is right at the heart of your purchasing cycle. Here\u2019s a quick snapshot:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p >\ud83d\udcdd You raise a purchase order (PO).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p >\ud83d\udce6 Suppliers deliver the goods or services.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p >\ud83d\udce7 Suppliers send you an invoice.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p >\u2705 Your team checks the invoice against the PO and delivery notes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p >\u2714\ufe0f The invoice gets approved.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p >\ud83d\udcb8 You pay the supplier.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p >Each of these tasks keeps your AP team busy and your suppliers happy!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-accounts-payable-vs-accounts-receivable-the-quick-guide\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"accounts_payable_vs_accounts_receivable_the_quick_guide\"><\/span>Accounts Payable vs Accounts Receivable: The Quick Guide<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"background-color: #f5f5f5; padding: 2rem; border-radius: 8px;\">\r\n<table style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; border: 1px solid black;\">\r\n<thead>\r\n<tr>\r\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; text-align: left; border: 1px solid black;\">Feature<\/th>\r\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; text-align: left; border: 1px solid black;\">Accounts Payable<\/th>\r\n<th style=\"padding: 12px; text-align: left; border: 1px solid black;\">Accounts Receivable<\/th>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/thead>\r\n<tbody>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;\">Definition<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;\">Money you owe<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;\">Money owed to you<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;\">Appears as<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;\">Liability<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;\">Asset<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;\">Managed by<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;\">AP Team<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;\">AR Team<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<tr>\r\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;\">Goal<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;\">Pay suppliers promptly<\/td>\r\n<td style=\"padding: 12px; border: 1px solid black;\">Get paid promptly<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p >Want to dive deeper? Check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-vs-accounts-receivable-for-business-owners\/\">Accounts Payable vs Accounts Receivable for Business Owners<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-what-your-ap-team-actually-does-hint-it-s-busy\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"what_your_ap_team_actually_does_hint_its_busy\"><\/span>What Your AP Team Actually Does (Hint: It&#8217;s Busy!)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p >Your AP team handles key tasks such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p >Matching invoices with orders and delivery notes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p >Making sure invoices are error-free.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p >Getting invoices approved quickly.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p >Scheduling timely payments.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p >Resolving supplier queries promptly.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p >Keeping tidy audit records (your future self will thank them!).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-clearly-defining-accounts-payable-matters\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"why_clearly_defining_accounts_payable_matters\"><\/span>Why Clearly Defining Accounts Payable Matters<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p >A well-defined AP process brings real benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">\ud83d\ude80 <\/span><strong style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">Better Cash Flow:<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\"> No more last-minute surprises.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">\ud83d\udcb0 <\/span><strong style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">Savings:<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\"> Avoid late fees and catch early discounts.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">\ud83d\udcda <\/span><strong style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">Easy Audits:<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\"> Organised paperwork simplifies life.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">\ud83e\udd1d <\/span><strong style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">Happy Suppliers:<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\"> Paying on time builds trust.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">\ud83d\udd12 <\/span><strong style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">Less Fraud Risk:<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\"> Good AP processes catch fraudulent invoices early.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<!DOCTYPE html>\r\n<html lang=\"en\">\r\n\r\n  <style>\r\n\r\n    .insight-translucent {\r\n      background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.4);\r\n      border-top-left-radius: 24px;\r\n      border-top-right-radius: 0;\r\n      border-bottom-left-radius: 0;\r\n      border-bottom-right-radius: 0;\r\n      border-top: 1px solid white;\r\n      border-left: 1px solid white;\r\n      position: relative;\r\n      min-height: 100px;\r\n      box-shadow: 0px 1px 15.9px 0px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.25);\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .portrait img {\r\n      width: 100%;\r\n      border-radius: 12px;\r\n      object-fit: cover;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .person-details {\r\n      text-align: left;\r\n      width: 100%;\r\n      margin-top: 10px;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .person-details h2 {\r\n      color: #4D4D4D;\r\n      font-size: 20px;\r\n      font-style: normal;\r\n      font-weight: 500;\r\n      line-height: 125%;\r\n      letter-spacing: 0.902px;\r\n      margin-bottom: 0.25rem;\r\n\t\tmargin-top: 0;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .person-details h3 {\r\n      color: #4D4D4D;\r\n      font-size: 15px;\r\n      font-style: normal;\r\n      font-weight: 300;\r\n      line-height: 125%;\r\n      letter-spacing: 0.601px;\r\n      margin-bottom: 0;\r\n\tmargin-top:1px !important;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .divider {\r\n      display: none;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .bio {\r\n      color: #4D4D4D;\r\n      font-family: Poppins;\r\n      font-size: 16px;\r\n      font-style: normal;\r\n      font-weight: 300;\r\n      line-height: 160%;\r\n      letter-spacing: 0.6px;\r\n      padding: 1rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .bio p {\r\n      font-size: 1rem;\r\n      line-height: 1.6;\r\n      margin-bottom: 1rem;\r\n      margin-right: 1rem;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .insight-label {\r\n      position: absolute;\r\n      top: 20px;\r\n      left: 20px;\r\n      writing-mode: vertical-rl;\r\n      text-orientation: mixed;\r\n      transform: rotate(180deg);\r\n      color: #FFF;\r\n      font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;\r\n      font-size: 18px;\r\n      font-style: normal;\r\n      font-weight: 300;\r\n      line-height: 125%;\r\n      letter-spacing: 2.2px;\r\n      z-index: 10;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .insight-label-mobile {\r\n      display: none;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    \/* Mobile styles *\/\r\n    @media (max-width: 767px) {\r\n\t.insight-content {\r\n      position: relative;\r\n      margin: 15px 0 0 15px;\r\n      background: white;\r\n      border-top-left-radius: 16px;\r\n      display: flex;\r\n      flex-direction: column;\r\n      box-shadow: 0 12px 30px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);\r\n      padding-top: 1.5rem;\r\n      padding-left: 0;\r\n      padding-right: 0;\r\n      padding-bottom: 0;\r\n    }\r\n      .insight-gradient {\r\n      background: linear-gradient(90deg, #a51f91, #f36f2c);\r\n      border-radius: 32px;\r\n      padding: 20px 0 0 10px;\r\n      max-width: 960px;\r\n      margin: 0 auto;\r\n      position: relative;\r\n      overflow: hidden;\r\n\t\tbox-shadow: 0px 4px 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);\r\n    }\r\n\r\n      .insight-label {\r\n        display: none;\r\n      }\r\n\r\n      .insight-label-mobile {\r\n        display: block;\r\n        color: #FFF;\r\n        font-family: 'Poppins', sans-serif;\r\n        font-size: 20px;\r\n        font-style: normal;\r\n        font-weight: 500;\r\n        line-height: 125%;\r\n        letter-spacing: 2.2px;\r\n        z-index: 10;\r\n        text-align: right;\r\n        padding-right: 20px;\r\n        padding-bottom: 20px;\r\n      }\r\n\t.portrait {\r\n    flex: 1;\r\n    min-width: 240px;\r\n    border-radius: 16px;\r\n    padding: 1rem;\r\n    margin-bottom: 0;\r\n    display: flex;\r\n    flex-direction: column;\r\n    align-items: center;\r\n}\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    \/* Tablet & desktop overrides *\/\r\n    @media (min-width: 768px) {\r\n\t.portrait {\r\n      flex: 1;\r\n      min-width: 240px;\r\n      border-radius: 16px;\r\n      padding: 1rem;\r\n      margin-bottom: 2rem;\r\n      display: flex;\r\n      flex-direction: column;\r\n      align-items: center;\r\n    }\r\n\t.insight-content {\r\n      position: relative;\r\n      margin: 15px 0 0 15px;\r\n      background: white;\r\n      border-top-left-radius: 16px;\r\n      display: flex;\r\n      flex-direction: column;\r\n      box-shadow: 0 12px 30px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);\r\n      padding-top: 1.5rem;\r\n      padding-left: 1.2rem;\r\n      padding-right: 0;\r\n      padding-bottom: 0;\r\n    }\r\n\t\t.insight-gradient {\r\n      background: linear-gradient(90deg, #a51f91, #f36f2c);\r\n      border-radius: 32px;\r\n      padding: 20px 0 0 60px;\r\n      max-width: 960px;\r\n      margin: 0 auto;\r\n      position: relative;\r\n      overflow: hidden;\r\n\t\tbox-shadow: 0px 4px 20px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);\r\n    }\r\n      .insight-content {\r\n        flex-direction: row;\r\n      }\r\n\r\n      .bio {\r\n        margin-top: 0;\r\n      }\r\n\r\n      .divider {\r\n        display: block;\r\n        width: 1px;\r\n        background: #ccc;\r\n        margin: 60px 21px;\r\n      }\r\n\r\n      .insight-label-mobile {\r\n        display: none;\r\n      }\r\n    }\r\n  <\/style>\r\n\r\n\r\n  <div class=\"insight-gradient\">\r\n    <div class=\"insight-label\">Insights<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"insight-label-mobile\">Insights<\/div>\r\n\r\n    <div class=\"insight-translucent\">\r\n      <div class=\"insight-content\">\r\n        <div class=\"portrait\">\r\n          <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/Martin-Peirce-Portrait.png\" alt=\"Portrait of Martin Peirce\">\r\n          <div class=\"person-details\">\r\n            <h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"martin_peirce\"><\/span>Martin Peirce<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n            <h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"founder_and_ceo\"><\/span>Founder and CEO<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\r\n          <\/div>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n\r\n        <div class=\"divider\"><\/div>\r\n\r\n        <div class=\"bio hidedesktop\">\r\n          <p>AI, is opening up huge opportunities. It\u2019s not just a buzzword \u2014 it\u2019s already helping me work smarter. From writing code to researching ideas or even figuring out the best way to plaster a wall (which is harder than it looks, by the way), I\u2019m seeing firsthand how it can improve how we live and work. And that\u2019s the goal: to make life better.<\/p>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n\t\t<div class=\"bio hidemobile hidetablet\">\r\n          \r\n          <p>At Zahara, we\u2019re building software that people genuinely enjoy using. Tools that simplify, save time, and help people focus on what matters most \u2014 whether that\u2019s bigger business priorities or simply enjoying a bit more free time at the end of the day.<\/p>\r\n          <p>AI, in particular, is opening up huge opportunities. It\u2019s not just a buzzword \u2014 it\u2019s already helping me work smarter. From writing code to researching ideas or even figuring out the best way to plaster a wall (which is harder than it looks, by the way), I\u2019m seeing firsthand how it can improve how we live and work. And that\u2019s the goal: to make life better.<\/p>\r\n        <\/div>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-accounts-payable-step-by-step\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"accounts_payable_step-by-step\"><\/span>Accounts Payable: Step-by-Step<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">Issue the PO:<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\"> Clearly state what you&#8217;re buying and payment terms.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">Receive Delivery:<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\"> Confirm everything\u2019s arrived as promised.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p ><strong>Check Invoice:<\/strong> Verify it matches your PO and goods received.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">Approve Invoice:<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\"> Get internal approvals swiftly.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">Make Payment:<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\"> Pay promptly and accurately.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p >Streamline your tasks with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/purchase-order-software\/\">Zahara\u2019s purchase order software<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/invoice-approval-software\/\">invoice approval software<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-common-ap-headaches-and-how-to-cure-them\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"common_ap_headaches_and_how_to_cure_them\"><\/span>Common AP Headaches (And How to Cure Them!)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p >Businesses often face issues like:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">\ud83d\udea8 Duplicate payments<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">\ud83d\udcc9 Missed invoices<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">\u23f0 Late payments<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">\ud83d\udd0d Fraudulent invoices<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">\ud83c\udf2b\ufe0f Poor cash flow visibility<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p >Tackle these easily with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable-automation-software\/\">Accounts Payable automation software<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-why-automation-is-your-ap-team-s-best-friend\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"why_automation_is_your_ap_teams_best_friend\"><\/span>Why Automation Is Your AP Team\u2019s Best Friend<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p >Manual AP processes? Slow, painful, error-prone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p >Automation is your ticket to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">\ud83c\udfaf Automatic invoice scanning<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">\ud83e\uddfe OCR for error-free matching<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">\ud83c\udf1f Custom approval workflows<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">\ud83d\udcc5 Scheduled bulk payments<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-size: revert; color: initial;\">\ud83d\udcca Real-time visibility into spending<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-real-life-example-simplifying-ap\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"real-life_example_simplifying_ap\"><\/span>Real-Life Example: Simplifying AP<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p >Imagine your construction firm buys \u00a310,000 of supplies. You\u2019ve received everything and the invoice arrives. Until paid, this is your AP liability. Once settled, you clear that amount off your books.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-quick-tips-to-manage-ap-like-a-pro\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"quick_tips_to_manage_ap_like_a_pro\"><\/span>Quick Tips to Manage AP Like a Pro<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p ><strong>Keep Workflows Simple:<\/strong> Standardise processes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p ><strong>Approve First, Pay Later:<\/strong> Avoid expensive mistakes.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p ><strong>Embrace PO Systems:<\/strong> Better control, fewer error<\/p>\n\ns.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p ><strong>Stay Organised:<\/strong> Good records make audits easy.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p ><strong>Automate:<\/strong> Let software do the heavy lifting.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p >Get going quickly with Zahara\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/purchase-orders\/po-system-for-small-businesses\/\">PO system for small businesses<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<style>\r\n    body {\r\n      margin: 0;\r\n      font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Geneva, Verdana, sans-serif;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .cta-text {\r\n          flex: 1 1 60%;\r\n    min-width: 280px;\r\n    max-width: 80%;\r\n    padding-left: 48px;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .cta-text h2 {\r\n      font-size: 2rem;\r\n      margin: 0 0 0.5rem 0;\r\n\t\tcolor: #fff;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .cta-text p {\r\n      margin: 0 0 1rem 0;\r\n      font-size: 1rem;\r\n\t\tcolor: #fff;\r\n    }\r\n\r\n    .cta-banner {\r\n  display: flex;\r\n  flex-wrap: wrap;\r\n  align-items: center;\r\n  justify-content: space-between;\r\n  background: linear-gradient(90deg, #A420A4, #F37023);\r\n  color: white;\r\n  position: relative; \/* allow absolute positioning inside *\/\r\n  overflow: hidden;   \/* prevent scrollbars if image exceeds bounds *\/\r\n}\r\n\r\n.cta-image {\r\n  min-height: 262px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.cta-image img {\r\n  position: absolute;\r\n  right: 0;\r\n  bottom: 0;\r\n  object-fit: contain; \/* ensures no distortion *\/\r\n\twidth: 317px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n    @media (max-width: 768px) {\r\n      .cta-banner {\r\n    flex-direction: column;\r\n    text-align: center;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .cta-text, .cta-image {\r\n    flex: 1 1 100%;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n  .cta-text {\r\n    text-align: center;\r\n    padding: 40px 20px 0px 20px;\r\n    max-width: 100%;\r\n\t  color: #fff;\r\n  }\r\n   .cta-text h2 {\r\n        font-size: 1.5rem;\r\n      }\r\n\t.cta-text p {\r\n    text-align: center;\r\n  }\r\n\r\n    }\r\n  <\/style>\r\n\r\n\r\n<div class=\"cta-banner\">\r\n    <div class=\"cta-text\">\r\n      <h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"are_you_ready_for_a_demo\"><\/span>Are you ready for a demo?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\r\n      <p>Choose from a 15 minute intro, to a full product tour 40 minutes.<p>\r\n      <span><a href=\"\/book-a-demo\"><button class=\"demobuttonBlue lydiaclick\">Book a demo<\/button><\/a><\/span>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"cta-image\">\r\n      <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Lydia-Hartles.png\" alt=\"Lydia\">\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-faqs-straight-answers-to-ap-questions\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"faqs_straight_answers_to_ap_questions\"><\/span>FAQs: Straight Answers to AP Questions<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1749032469879\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>What&#8217;s the difference between trade payables and accounts payable?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Trade payables specifically refer to inventory-related debts.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1749032486633\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Is accounts payable a debit or credit?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">AP is a credit, as it represents money owed.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1749032500516\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Typical AP payment terms?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Usually Net 30, Net 60, or Net 90 days.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1749032513210\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Can AP be automated?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Absolutely! Zahara streamlines the entire process.<\/p> <\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1749032532470\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\"><strong>Who manages AP in small businesses?<\/strong><\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Initially, often the owner or finance team handles it.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ready-to-make-ap-easy\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"ready_to_make_ap_easy\"><\/span>Ready to Make AP Easy?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p >Clearly defining accounts payable isn\u2019t just paying bills\u2014it\u2019s smarter cash management and stronger supplier relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p >Ditch those spreadsheets and endless emails. Let Zahara automate your AP tasks, giving you control and clarity without hassle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-you-might-also-like-to-read\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"you_might_also_like_to_read\"><\/span>You Might Also Like to Read<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\n<p >\ud83d\udcda <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/the-best-accounts-payable-automation-software\/\">The Best Accounts Payable Automation Software<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p >\u2696\ufe0f <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/accounts-payable-vs-accounts-receivable-for-business-owners\/\">Accounts Payable vs Accounts Receivable for Business Owners<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\n<p >\ud83d\ude80 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-payable\/benefits-of-accounts-payable-automation\/\">Benefits of Accounts Payable Automation<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>To define accounts payable (AP), think of it like your business&#8217;s &#8220;IOU&#8221; list\u2014it\u2019s the money your company owes suppliers for goods or services you\u2019ve already enjoyed. Typically, these short-term debts are due within 30 to 90 days and are listed as liabilities on your balance sheet. Simply put, when you define accounts payable, you\u2019re keeping &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;What is Accounts Payable?&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":88127,"featured_media":7340,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"iawp_total_views":36,"footnotes":""},"categories":[712],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7339","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-accounts-approvals"],"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>What is Accounts Payable?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Understand what is accounts payable and how it serves as your business&#039;s financial IOU list for goods and services received.\" \/>\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-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"What is Accounts Payable?\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Understand what is accounts payable and how it serves as your business&#039;s financial IOU list for goods and services received.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/\" \/>\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=\"2025-04-14T14:57:44+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-12-09T11:27:47+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Blog-Feature-Landscape-1080-x-1141-1.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=\"Oliver Smith\" \/>\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=\"Oliver Smith\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Oliver Smith\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#\/schema\/person\/48b943e1c37da275d59fe89ca11b41f0\"},\"headline\":\"What is Accounts Payable?\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-04-14T14:57:44+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-12-09T11:27:47+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/\"},\"wordCount\":666,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Blog-Feature-Landscape-1080-x-1141-1.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Accounts Approvals\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":[\"WebPage\",\"FAQPage\"],\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/\",\"name\":\"What is Accounts Payable?\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Blog-Feature-Landscape-1080-x-1141-1.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-04-14T14:57:44+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-12-09T11:27:47+00:00\",\"description\":\"Understand what is accounts payable and how it serves as your business's financial IOU list for goods and services received.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#breadcrumb\"},\"mainEntity\":[{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032469879\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032486633\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032500516\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032513210\"},{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032532470\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Blog-Feature-Landscape-1080-x-1141-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Blog-Feature-Landscape-1080-x-1141-1.png\",\"width\":1920,\"height\":1080,\"caption\":\"A hand holds a magnifying glass over text that asks \\\"What is Accounts Payable?\\\" with details about its role in managing finances and supplier relationships. Zahara logo is in the top-right corner.\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Accounts Approvals\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/category\/accounts-approvals\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"What is Accounts Payable?\"}]},{\"@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\/48b943e1c37da275d59fe89ca11b41f0\",\"name\":\"Oliver Smith\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/00e701937be630d49b3683fa13056588abf5452b9c42e95796ce8550552ba4ea?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/00e701937be630d49b3683fa13056588abf5452b9c42e95796ce8550552ba4ea?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Oliver Smith\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/author\/olivers\/\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032469879\",\"position\":1,\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032469879\",\"name\":\"u003cstrongu003eWhat's the difference between trade payables and accounts payable?u003c\/strongu003e\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Trade payables specifically refer to inventory-related debts.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032486633\",\"position\":2,\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032486633\",\"name\":\"u003cstrongu003eIs accounts payable a debit or credit?u003c\/strongu003e\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"AP is a credit, as it represents money owed.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032500516\",\"position\":3,\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032500516\",\"name\":\"u003cstrongu003eTypical AP payment terms?u003c\/strongu003e\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Usually Net 30, Net 60, or Net 90 days.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032513210\",\"position\":4,\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032513210\",\"name\":\"u003cstrongu003eCan AP be automated?u003c\/strongu003e\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Absolutely! Zahara streamlines the entire process.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},{\"@type\":\"Question\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032532470\",\"position\":5,\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032532470\",\"name\":\"u003cstrongu003eWho manages AP in small businesses?u003c\/strongu003e\",\"answerCount\":1,\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\":\"Answer\",\"text\":\"Initially, often the owner or finance team handles it.\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"What is Accounts Payable?","description":"Understand what is accounts payable and how it serves as your business's financial IOU list for goods and services received.","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-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"What is Accounts Payable?","og_description":"Understand what is accounts payable and how it serves as your business's financial IOU list for goods and services received.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/","og_site_name":"Zahara Accounts Payable Automation Software","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/zaharasoftware","article_published_time":"2025-04-14T14:57:44+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-12-09T11:27:47+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1920,"height":1080,"url":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Blog-Feature-Landscape-1080-x-1141-1.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"Oliver Smith","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@zaharasoftware","twitter_site":"@zaharasoftware","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Oliver Smith","Estimated reading time":"4 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/"},"author":{"name":"Oliver Smith","@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#\/schema\/person\/48b943e1c37da275d59fe89ca11b41f0"},"headline":"What is Accounts Payable?","datePublished":"2025-04-14T14:57:44+00:00","dateModified":"2025-12-09T11:27:47+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/"},"wordCount":666,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Blog-Feature-Landscape-1080-x-1141-1.png","articleSection":["Accounts Approvals"],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":["WebPage","FAQPage"],"@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/","url":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/","name":"What is Accounts Payable?","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Blog-Feature-Landscape-1080-x-1141-1.png","datePublished":"2025-04-14T14:57:44+00:00","dateModified":"2025-12-09T11:27:47+00:00","description":"Understand what is accounts payable and how it serves as your business's financial IOU list for goods and services received.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#breadcrumb"},"mainEntity":[{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032469879"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032486633"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032500516"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032513210"},{"@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032532470"}],"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Blog-Feature-Landscape-1080-x-1141-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Blog-Feature-Landscape-1080-x-1141-1.png","width":1920,"height":1080,"caption":"A hand holds a magnifying glass over text that asks \"What is Accounts Payable?\" with details about its role in managing finances and supplier relationships. Zahara logo is in the top-right corner."},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Accounts Approvals","item":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/category\/accounts-approvals\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"What is Accounts Payable?"}]},{"@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\/48b943e1c37da275d59fe89ca11b41f0","name":"Oliver Smith","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/00e701937be630d49b3683fa13056588abf5452b9c42e95796ce8550552ba4ea?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/00e701937be630d49b3683fa13056588abf5452b9c42e95796ce8550552ba4ea?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"Oliver Smith"},"url":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/author\/olivers\/"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032469879","position":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032469879","name":"u003cstrongu003eWhat's the difference between trade payables and accounts payable?u003c\/strongu003e","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Trade payables specifically refer to inventory-related debts.","inLanguage":"en-GB"},"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032486633","position":2,"url":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032486633","name":"u003cstrongu003eIs accounts payable a debit or credit?u003c\/strongu003e","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"AP is a credit, as it represents money owed.","inLanguage":"en-GB"},"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032500516","position":3,"url":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032500516","name":"u003cstrongu003eTypical AP payment terms?u003c\/strongu003e","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Usually Net 30, Net 60, or Net 90 days.","inLanguage":"en-GB"},"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032513210","position":4,"url":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032513210","name":"u003cstrongu003eCan AP be automated?u003c\/strongu003e","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Absolutely! Zahara streamlines the entire process.","inLanguage":"en-GB"},"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Question","@id":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032532470","position":5,"url":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/accounts-approvals\/what-is-accounts-payable\/#faq-question-1749032532470","name":"u003cstrongu003eWho manages AP in small businesses?u003c\/strongu003e","answerCount":1,"acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Initially, often the owner or finance team handles it.","inLanguage":"en-GB"},"inLanguage":"en-GB"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7339","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\/88127"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7339"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7339\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7340"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7339"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7339"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.zaharasoftware.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7339"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}