Bookkeeping

How to Outsource Your Accounts Payable in 5 Key Steps

accounts payable outsourcing services

If your current accounts payable process has considerable cash leaks or issues, moving to outsourced AP may improve budget optimization even after the cost of service fees. The average cost to process an invoice is as high as $15, and outsourcing or automation may offer up to a sixfold reduction in processing costs. Accounts payable outsourcing offers a pathway for companies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and focus on their core business activities. By selecting the right partner, leveraging technology effectively, and managing the outsourced relationship strategically, businesses can transform their accounts payable function into a source of competitive advantage.

accounts payable outsourcing services

Your invoice processing costs are too high

By evaluating potential providers’ capabilities, assessing cost and value, and verifying security and compliance measures, you can select the best accounts payable service provider for your business needs. With the right partner in place, your organization can unlock the potential of accounts payable outsourcing and drive the success of your financial operations. So while implementing an accounts payable automation system in-house can help reduce invoice processing costs and improve efficiency, you will still have to have in-house employees dedicated to AP functions.

accounts payable outsourcing services

Cost reduction

Accuracy and efficiency are paramount in accounts payable management, and outsourcing providers excel in these areas. Outsourcing partners can minimize errors and ensure timely and accurate invoice processing and payments with robust processes, quality accounts payable outsourcing control measures, and cutting-edge technologies. This, in turn, strengthens vendor relationships and preserves a company’s reputation. Companies are constantly seeking ways to streamline operations, reduce costs, and optimize efficiency.

Supervisor, Client Accounting

  • Accounts payable outsourcing is the process of hiring and using an outside vendor to manage and execute certain AP tasks, such as processing and paying invoices.
  • By carefully considering the cost and value of different accounts payable service providers, you can make an informed decision that will deliver the best return on investment for your business.
  • This is especially the case for paper-based processes and those manually entering data, chasing down approvals, and heavy PO-based processes.
  • Evaluate the provider’s technological infrastructure, including their software solutions, automation tools, data management systems, and integrations with other platforms you may be using.
  • By partnering with us, you can tap into the vast pool of talented professionals in Latin America, drive growth, and increase the financial health of your company.
  • But many U.S. companies initially lured to offshore locations like India and the Philippines by bottom-of-the-barrel pricing are also rethinking their strategy.

But without the right efficiencies and reporting tools, the risk of payments fraud and vendor non-compliance escalates as businesses grow. In fact, according to the 2018 Payments Fraud and Control Survey by the Association for Financial Professionals (AFP), 78% of all organizations surveyed were hit by payments fraud in 2017. Among those that were hit by fraud, 92% said the attacks collectively cost at least 0.5% of their organization’s annual revenue. According to one study, 78% of best-in-class businesses had adopted e-invoice processing technology compared to just 38% of their struggling competitors. The study also revealed that best-in-class AP departments who relied on procure-to-pay (P2P) automation derived the most strategic value.

How Outsourcing NetSuite Accounting Boosts Efficiency and Reduces Costs

For instance, you can implement Stampli’s best-in-class AP Automation software and train your team within days. It would take you a week just to set up introductory calls with outsourced vendors. Potentially reduced costs – It’s possible that outsourcing your AP duties will be more cost-effective than hiring and training your own team. You won’t have insurance, pensions, or office space and equipment to worry about, so depending on your situation, outsourcing may save you money.

  • By doing so, organizations can focus on their core competencies while benefiting from enhanced accuracy, cost savings, and access to state-of-the-art technologies.
  • By establishing clear expectations and maintaining a strong working relationship with the outsourcing provider, businesses can maintain appropriate control over their accounts payable processes.
  • They strive to offer cost savings, improved efficiency, and increased visibility and control for their clients.
  • Outsourcing accounts payable processes can also give businesses enhanced visibility and control over financial transactions.
  • When assessing the cost and value of outsourcing AP services, it’s important to consider not only the upfront costs but also the long-term benefits.
  • AP automation software is also designed with features that allow for scheduled payments.

While outsourcing helps a company cut costs and improve its service levels, it can often limit their independence. However, when you outsource the task to a third-party provider, error reporting can be problematic. It’s easy to supervise your in-house invoice processing activities as your employees are always visible and accessible. Most businesses https://www.bookstime.com/ still use outdated and expensive systems like optical character recognition (OCR), or even paper invoicing, to manage their AP processes. Ineffective AP processes could compromise a company’s reputation and supply chain. If the third-party AP provider you hire is making late payments, the behavior reflects poorly on your brand—and no one else.

accounts payable outsourcing services