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Accounts Payable: From Accounting to Strategic Management

How many organisations lose valuable time and resources because their Accounts Payable processes are reactive rather than strategic? Late payments strain supplier relationships, errors introduce financial and compliance risks, and [...]

  • Course ID: AFB004
  • Delivered by London Elite Training
  • Course Introduction

How many organisations lose valuable time and resources because their Accounts Payable processes are reactive rather than strategic? Late payments strain supplier relationships, errors introduce financial and compliance risks, and manual processes drain efficiency.

The Accounts Payable: From Accounting to Strategic Management course tackles these challenges head-on. Over five intensive days, participants will explore the evolving role of AP in organisational financial health, strengthen their accounting foundations, and develop the management, analytical, and leadership capabilities needed to transform AP into a value-adding function.

By blending technical expertise, process optimisation, technology, and people management, this programme equips delegates to reduce risk, improve cash flow, enhance vendor relationships, and contribute strategically to financial performance.

  • Course Objectives

Programme Value Proposition

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

  • Apply accounting principles confidently within AP
  • Improve cash flow and working capital management
  • Reduce operational, financial, and fraud risks
  • Lead and motivate AP teams effectively
  • Build strong, professional vendor relationships
  • Use data and reporting to support strategic decision-making
  • Transform Accounts Payable from a reactive function into a strategic financial partner
  • Who Should Attend

Tuition Fee

£4,900

Duration

  • 5 Days

Credits

  • Global Locations
  • London
  • Dubai
  • Barcelona
  • Paris
  • Online
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Corporate groups of 5+ are eligible for a 15% discount. Inquire here

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Speak with a course consultant to see if this programme fits your career goals.

  • Course Outline
DAY 01
Accounts Payable and the Financial Health of the Organisation
  • Introduction to Accounts Payable (AP): definition, scope, and evolution
  • The role of Accounts Payable in the business lifecycle
  • Key AP management functions and responsibilities
  • Roles and expectations of Accounts Payable professionals
  • The impact of AP on:
    • Working capital
    • Cash flow
    • Liquidity and financial stability
  • Overview of the Accounts Payable processing workflow
  • Common AP challenges and inefficiencies in modern organisations
  • From transactional processing to strategic contribution

Outcome:
Participants understand why AP is central to financial health and how poor AP practices directly affect organisational performance.

DAY 02
Accounting Fundamentals for Accounts Payable Professionals
  • Overview of essential accounting principles for AP
  • Applying double-entry accounting to AP transactions
  • Understanding:
    • General Ledger vs. Accounts Payable Sub-ledger
  • Month-end accounting processes:
    • Accruals
    • Cut-off procedures
    • Adjustments
  • Control accounts and reconciliation techniques
  • Developing and implementing a sub-ledger reconciliation plan
  • Ensuring accuracy, compliance, and audit readiness in AP records

Outcome:
Participants gain confidence in accounting fundamentals and improve accuracy and control in AP reporting.

DAY 03
Accounts Payable Management, Controls, and Risk
  • Techniques for managing AP cash flow and payment cycles
  • Payment prioritisation and optimisation strategies
  • Benefits and challenges of automating AP processes
  • Designing and implementing effective internal controls in AP
  • The role of AI, outsourcing, and shared services in AP operations
  • Identifying risks in the AP process:
    • Operational
    • Financial
    • Compliance
  • Fraud risks in Accounts Payable:
    • Common fraud schemes
    • Red flags and warning signs
  • Fraud prevention and detection techniques

Outcome:
Participants learn how to protect the organisation from risk while improving efficiency and control.

DAY 04
Vendor Management and Leading the Accounts Payable Function
  • The image and reputation of the Accounts Payable department
  • AP as an internal service function and external business partner
  • Motivating and managing Accounts Payable staff
  • Organising the AP department for efficiency and accountability
  • Managing internal and external disputes professionally
  • Delivering excellent customer service to vendors
  • Vendor relationship management strategies
  • Creating and maintaining vendor profiles for effective management
  • Strengthening supplier trust and collaboration

Outcome:
Participants develop leadership and relationship management skills to elevate AP’s credibility and influence.

DAY 05
Using Excel, Data, and Reporting to Drive AP Performance
  • The role of Excel in managing and analysing Accounts Payable
  • Integrating Excel with AP and ERP systems
  • Using Pivot Tables to extract insights from AP data
  • Preparing and analysing Accounts Payable aging reports
  • Identifying payment trends, bottlenecks, and risks
  • Designing and building an Accounts Payable Dashboard
  • Developing AP reports for management review and decision-making
  • Using AP data to support strategic financial decisions

Outcome:
Participants gain practical analytical tools to communicate insights, support management decisions, and continuously improve AP performance.

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