Managing accounts payable (AP) is more than just paying invoices—it also means keeping systems in order, maintaining strong supplier relationships, and avoiding financial headaches. However, with time, some roadblocks can start to slow things down, creating challenges that affect the company as a whole. The good news? Many of these accounts payable challenges are resolvable.
So, what are the biggest challenges in accounts payable, and how do you remedy them? Let’s explore how smarter practices, automation, and improved workflows can help you save time and reduce errors.
1. Too Much Manual Data Entry
If your system continues to use spreadsheets, there is a high likelihood of errors creeping into it—payment going to the incorrect vendor, duplicates being created or even typos. As a result, it becomes tedious, and when your company expands, this approach quickly becomes unmanageable.
- The Fix: Switching to an automated system mitigates human errors and speeds up the entire process. For example, optical character recognition (OCR) technology cuts out the need for manual input by extracting information from invoices. Automation increases accuracy as well, allowing the team to concentrate on solving more important problems instead of tracking documents.
2. Slow Invoice Approvals
Approving invoices can take longer than it should, especially when multiple approvals are required. If key decision-makers are away or emails slip through the cracks, payments get delayed. This can result in late fees, strained supplier relationships, and cash flow disruptions.
- The Fix: Setting up an automated workflow keeps invoices moving. Instead of relying on email chains or physical signatures, digital systems route invoices to the right people instantly. If someone is out of the office, approvals can be reassigned. Automated reminders can also help prevent things from getting lost in the shuffle.
3. No Real-Time Visibility
Not knowing exactly how much is owed or when payments are due creates unnecessary stress. Without a clear view of outstanding invoices, your business may struggle with cash flow, pay late fees, or miss early payment discounts.
- The Fix: Consider using an AP dashboard that offers a real-time snapshot of pending invoices, payment deadlines, and overall cash outflows. When everything is in one place, it’s easier to plan, allocate funds, and make well-informed business decisions.
4. Compliance Headaches
Keeping up with compliance is one of the biggest challenges in the accounts payable process. Tax regulations shift, and new reporting requirements appear. Without a system that tracks these updates, you risk filing errors or audit issues.
- The Fix: Accounting software with built-in compliance features makes it easier to stay on top of tax obligations. Automated updates keep records aligned with the latest rules, and digital audit trails ensure everything is documented properly. A well-trained accounts payable team also helps businesses stay on the right side of regulations.
5. Fraud Risks
Fraud happens more often than businesses realise, and without the right controls, it can go unnoticed until real damage is done. AP departments can be an easy target for fraud, from invoice scams to unauthorised payments, leading to significant financial losses and legal complications.
- The Fix: Setting up internal controls minimises risk. Segregating duties—so the person approving an invoice isn’t the one processing the payment—lowers the chance of internal fraud. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for payment approvals offers an extra layer of security. Automated alerts can also help flag unusual transactions, stopping suspicious activity before it escalates.
6. High Processing Costs
Paper invoices, storage, labour—traditional AP processes are time-consuming and expensive. Costs add up when a business has to dedicate extra staff and resources to keep things moving.
- The Fix: Shifting to paperless processing significantly cuts expenses because digital invoicing eliminates printing and storage costs. Automation reduces the number of staff hours spent on data entry and approvals. Over time, these savings add up, making the transition well worth the investment.
7. Managing Vendor Information
Keeping track of vendor details isn’t as simple as it seems. Payment terms change, contact details get updated, and banking information needs verification. A disorganised vendor database can lead to misdirected payments or compliance issues.
- The Fix: Invest in a centralised vendor management system that keeps everything in one place—updated contact details, payment terms, and contract agreements. Businesses that maintain accurate vendor records streamline payment processes and avoid unnecessary complications.
8. Data Inconsistencies
One system says an invoice is paid; another still shows it as outstanding. Discrepancies in financial records make it harder to close the books at the end of the month and raise the risk of overpayments or missed payments.
- The Fix: Integrating AP software with accounting platforms ensures data syncs correctly across all systems. Regular reconciliation—cross-checking invoice records with bank statements—helps catch discrepancies early.
9. Scaling Up Without Bottlenecks
What worked when a business had 20 invoices a month won’t work when it’s dealing with 2,000. As a company grows, AP processes that once seemed manageable can suddenly become major bottlenecks.
- The Fix: You have to pick scalable AP automation to ensure that as transaction volumes grow, efficiency doesn’t decline. For instance, cloud-based systems can handle larger workloads without requiring constant manual intervention. Growth becomes smoother, and AP teams aren’t overwhelmed.
10. Environmental Impact
Traditional AP processes aren’t just inefficient—they also create excessive paper waste, making them one of the biggest yet most overlooked accounts payable issues. Stacks of paper invoices, printed approvals, and physical storage create clutter and unnecessary waste.
- The Fix: Digital invoicing and electronic payments eliminate paper waste while speeding up transactions. Many businesses are now embracing eco-friendly AP solutions to lower their carbon footprint while boosting day-to-day efficiency.
Overcoming Challenges in the Accounts Payable Process
Accounts payable can be a source of frustration—or a well-oiled system that keeps a business running smoothly. The difference comes down to how challenges are handled. Investing in automation, setting up better workflows, and keeping vendor data organised make AP processes faster, safer, and more cost-effective.
Adapting to smarter AP practices saves time and helps businesses avoid unnecessary expenses, stay compliant, and maintain solid relationships with vendors. Making these changes now means fewer headaches down the road.
Streamline Your Accounts Payable with W Advisory
At W Advisory, we help businesses simplify and optimise their accounts payable processes with smart, tech-driven accounting solutions. Whether you need automated bookkeeping, tax compliance assistance, or a modern approach to managing cash flow, our experienced team provides customised accounting support to keep your finances in order.
Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help your business operate more efficiently.