The accounts payable process moves a supplier invoice from receipt to a supported accounting record and the authorized payment workflow. A typical sequence is:
- Receive and index the invoice through an approved intake channel.
- Validate required information, check for possible duplicates and match supporting records where applicable.
- Apply approved coding and route discrepancies or missing information for resolution.
- Obtain the required invoice approval and payment authorization.
- Prepare or execute the authorized payment according to the assigned role.
- Reconcile records and payment status, retain supporting evidence and review outstanding items.
Exceptions remain visible until the required evidence or decision is available. ARDEM can manage the steps in scope while your team retains its approval and authorization controls. Explore the AP workflow and services and an illustrative operating review.
Who Owns the Work Between the Steps?
An accounts payable workflow should define more than the sequence from invoice receipt to payment. It should identify who resolves missing information, investigates mismatches, follows up on approvals, and confirms acceptance by the next system. Automation can support repeatable work; manual and automated workflows both need documented controls and accountable follow-through. See managed accounts payable services for the broader operating model, or invoice processing services for capture, validation, matching, and delivery.