Accounts Payable: Accounting and Management Best Practices

Why Attend

Accounts Payable (AP) is not just processing checks, mailing them and then filing the backup paperwork. To truly and effectively manage accounts payable, one must understand the AP department’s building blocks including, but not limited to customer service, vendor management, check requests and Purchase Orders (POs).

This course will discuss how to handle invoices, process checks, prevent errors, conduct annual audits, and use technology in the department. You will also learn the best practices to adopt in your AP department and how to develop your department into an effective business partner.

Course Methodology

This course demonstrates theoretical and practical core topics in addition to introducing Excel in managing accounts payable. The course also features role playing and presentations by participants.

Course Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will be able to:

Target Audience

Managers of accounts payable, AP staff and professionals as well as clerks and specialists who wish to advance their career. The course is also beneficial to professionals in accounting, finance, purchasing and procurement who work closely with accounts payable.

Target Competencies

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Location:

South Africa

Training Dates:

Each course starts every Monday of each week. Please book your training on a date that is a Monday.

Course Duration:

Unit Standard:

NQF Level:

Number of Credits:

Course Fees

Note: Please fill in the online application form on the left or bottom if this page to receive a quotation with detailed pricing from AATICD.

How to Apply:

To Apply Simply Fill in the Online Enquiries / Applications form on the Right Sidebar or Bottom of this website https://www.aaticd.co.za

NB: Terms and Conditions for Payment and Refunds

1.1. Full payment for the training workshop must be made at least 5 days before the scheduled workshop date.

1.2. Payment can be made via bank transfer, credit card, or any other agreed-upon method.

1.3. A confirmation of payment will be issued upon receipt of funds.

1.4. Any form of Payment means that trainee / delegate / client receiving the training accepts the training and agrees to these terms and conditions.

2. Cancellation and Refund Policy

2.1. Cancellations made 30 days or more before the workshop date will be eligible for a full refund, minus any administrative fees.

2.2. Cancellations made 15 to 29 days before the workshop date will be eligible for a 50% refund of the total payment.

2.3. Cancellations made less than 14 days before the workshop date will not be eligible for a refund.

2.4. Participants who fail to attend the workshop without prior notice will not be eligible for a refund.

3. Rescheduling

3.1. If a participant wishes to reschedule, a request must be submitted at least 14 days in advance, subject to availability.

3.2. A rescheduling fee may apply.

4. Workshop Cancellation by the Organizer

4.1. AATICD reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the workshop due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to low enrolment, trainer unavailability, or force majeure events.

4.2. In the event of cancellation by AATICD, participants will be offered a full refund or the option to attend a rescheduled session.

4.3. AATICD is not responsible for any additional costs incurred by participants, such as travel or accommodation expenses.

5. Refund Processing

5.1. Approved refunds will be processed within 7 business days from the date of cancellation approval.

5.2. Refunds will be issued using the original payment method unless otherwise agreed.

6. Contact Information

For any questions regarding payments and refunds, please contact us at:

Email: apply@aaticd.co.za

Phone: +27 73 016 5042

By registering for the workshop, participants agree to abide by these terms and conditions.

In-House Trainings are also available for 3 or more delegates for any duration. Please consult with our Administration for such In-House training bookings.

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Course Outline

• • The important role of AP
    • The meaning of managing accounts payable
    • The functions of management
    • The big picture: accounts payable and the financial health of organizations
    • The functions of the accounts payable department and the role of AP staff
      • Accounts payable impact on working capital and cash management
  • Accounting essentials for accounts payable
    • Accounts payable terminologies
    • General ledger and sub-ledger
    • Preparing for month-end close and accruals
  • Accounts payable processes and best practices
    • Invoice handling and routing
    • The three-way matching
    • Methods of payment processing
    • Maintaining the vendor master file
    • Travel and Entertainment (T&E)
    • Procurement Cards (P-Cards)
    • Electronic payment options
  • Key topics in accounts payable management
    • Operational analysis and benchmarking
    • Continuous process improvement
    • Developing performance metrics
    • Applying best practices in your organization
    • Identifying proper internal controls
    • The annual audit as an added-value
    • Impact of AP outsourcing
    • Detecting fraud in accounts payable
    • Disaster recovery planning
  • The behavioral side of managing accounts payable department
    • Improving the image of the AP department
    • Ways to motivate AP staff
    • Organizing the AP department
    • Closing the communication gap
    • Dealing with internal and external disputes
    • Importance of internal customer service
    • Providing customer service to vendors
  • Accounts payable department as a real business partner
    • When should we pay our suppliers
    • Understanding cost of funds
    • Evaluating early payment discount
    • Pros and cons of early or late payments
    • Relationship with the treasury department
  • Using Microsoft Excel in managing accounts payable
    • Interface between the accounts payable system and Excel
    • Using pivot tables to extract valuable information
    • Preparing and analyzing accounts payable aging
    • Accounts payable role in improving suppliers commercial terms