Accounts Payable - Planning, Organising and Achieving Best Practice

This DIXONTECH course provides participants with advanced knowledge and tools to manage the accounts payable (AP) function efficiently. It emphasizes process optimization, internal controls, and best practices in AP operations. Participants will learn how to plan and organize payment cycles, prevent fraud, manage supplier relationships, and leverage technology for automation. The training aligns with global standards to achieve excellence and accuracy in financial operations.

TRAINING TOPICS

• Role and structure of the accounts payable function
• Planning and controlling payment processes
• Supplier management and communication
• Internal controls, compliance, and fraud prevention
• Performance measurement and benchmarking
• Automation and digital transformation in AP

BY THE END OF THIS TRAINING COURSE, DELEGATES WILL BE ABLE TO:

Implement efficient and compliant accounts payable systems.

• Plan and monitor AP operations effectively
• Improve accuracy and timeliness of payments
• Apply internal controls to reduce risk
• Manage vendor relationships strategically
• Optimize cash flow through payment scheduling
• Leverage automation for AP efficiency
• Benchmark AP performance against best practices

TRAINING IS TAILORED TO

Finance and accounting professionals aiming to enhance AP efficiency.

• Accounts Payable and Receivable Officers
• Finance and Treasury Professionals
• Procurement and Supply Chain Managers
• Accounting Supervisors and Team Leaders
• Auditors and Compliance Officers
• ERP and System Accountants
• Business Process Improvement Specialists

TRAINING METHODOLOGY

DIXONTECH applies a practical approach combining process mapping, interactive simulations, and case studies. Participants engage in hands-on exercises to design efficient AP workflows, analyze KPIs, and develop strategies for achieving operational excellence through planning, control, and technology.

DAY 1

UNDERSTANDING THE ACCOUNTS PAYABLE FUNCTION

• Objectives and responsibilities of accounts payable
• AP’s role in the financial control framework
• Key documents: invoices, POs, and GRNs
• Workflow from purchase to payment
• Relationship between AP, procurement, and finance
• Common challenges in AP management
• Identifying inefficiencies in payment processes

DAY 2

PLANNING AND ORGANIZING ACCOUNTS PAYABLE OPERATIONS

• Setting AP goals aligned with business objectives
• Structuring AP departments for optimal efficiency
• Developing process flowcharts and accountability maps
• Payment scheduling and cash management alignment
• Delegation of authority and approval hierarchies
• Prioritizing workload and time management
• Case study: designing an AP control framework

DAY 3

INTERNAL CONTROLS, COMPLIANCE, AND RISK MANAGEMENT

• Key principles of internal control in AP
• Preventing errors, fraud, and duplicate payments
• Segregation of duties and approval limits
• Audit trails and documentation standards
• Regulatory compliance and policy alignment
• Using analytics for fraud detection
• Workshop: identifying control gaps

DAY 4

SUPPLIER MANAGEMENT AND RELATIONSHIP OPTIMIZATION

• Vendor selection, onboarding, and evaluation
• Building trust and transparency with suppliers
• Negotiation and payment terms optimization
• Resolving disputes and managing exceptions
• Measuring vendor performance with KPIs
• Collaboration between AP and procurement teams
• Practical session: improving supplier engagement

DAY 5

AUTOMATION, PERFORMANCE, AND BEST PRACTICES

• Leveraging ERP and e-invoicing systems
• Automating invoice capture and approvals
• KPIs and metrics for AP performance management
• Benchmarking AP processes with global standards
• Continuous improvement and digital readiness
• Sustainability and ESG considerations in AP
• Developing an action plan for AP excellence