INSIGHTS
WHY AUTOMATING ACCOUNTS PAYABLE MAKES SENSE
What does automated accounts payable mean?
Modern accounting software is designed to digitally process supplier invoices, regardless of the manner in which it is received by the business. The Xero Cloud Accounting solution delivers exactly this. By automating the accounts payable process with Xero, you can:
- Scan paper invoices into the system, or upload digital invoices.
- Rely on the software to advise you when a payment is due.
- Approve and pay invoices directly through the software.
Here’s why automation matters:
- Minimise processing errors
Errors during the processing of invoices can lead to business owners missing payments, as well as over- or under payments. By utilising Xero software, the data required to process a supplier payment is digitally extracted from your invoices automatically.
- Speed up invoice approval
When automating your accounts payable, you can set a timeline for your invoices and leave the software to do the rest – it can match invoices to purchase order numbers and send it through to the approvers. The invoice can then be approved, denied, or halted for further review. The entire process is recorded, so if something goes wrong, the business owner will know exactly what happened.
- Benefit from early payment discounts
Paying your suppliers under preferential payment timelines allows you to take advantage of early settlement discounts. Your software can track early payment discounts and with the fast approval process in order, you will be able to meet these deadlines.
- Improved security and peace of mind
When utilising software to pay your suppliers, all cash transfers occur online under secure protocols. All transactions are also recorded, which is serves to prevent fraud and protect your business against processing errors.
- Keep track of your business’ cash flow
Automated accounts payable is linked to a business’ online accounting software and this allows business owners to monitor their cash flow. All transactions are recorded, and business owners can now keep track of their spending, compare incoming and outgoing cash, and pre-empt cash flow problems before it is too late.