In the dynamic landscape of finance and accounting, staying ahead of the curve is essential for any organization’s success. In 2023, the importance of managing accounts payable (AP) effectively cannot be overstated. AP departments play a crucial role in an organization’s financial health, and to gauge their performance, businesses rely on a set of benchmarks and metrics. In this blog, we’ll explore the most valuable and widely used AP benchmarks and metrics in 2023.
Days Payable Outstanding (DPO)
DPO is a fundamental metric that indicates how long it takes for a company to pay its suppliers after a purchase. A higher DPO suggests that a company is taking longer to settle its accounts payable, which can be advantageous for cash flow management. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance between extending payment terms and maintaining healthy supplier relationships.
Invoice Accuracy Rate
This metric assesses the accuracy of invoices processed by the AP department. It calculates the percentage of invoices that are error-free and require no additional corrections or clarifications. A high accuracy rate reduces the risk of payment delays and disputes.
Early Payment Discount Capture Rate
Many suppliers offer discounts to incentivize early payment. The Early Payment Discount Capture Rate measures the percentage of available discounts that the company actually captures. Maximizing this rate can lead to substantial cost savings.
Invoice Processing Cost per Invoice
Calculating the cost of processing each invoice provides insights into the efficiency of your AP operations. Lowering the cost per invoice can free up resources for more strategic financial activities.
Supplier Payment Timeliness
This metric tracks the percentage of invoices paid on time. Maintaining a high supplier payment timeliness rate is essential for fostering strong supplier relationships and ensuring a reliable supply chain.
Accounts Payable Turnover Ratio
This ratio evaluates how quickly a company pays off its suppliers and replenishes its accounts payable. A high turnover ratio indicates efficient management of payables, while a low ratio may suggest liquidity issues.
Invoice Approval Cycle Time
Efficient invoice approval processes are critical for timely payments. Tracking the average time it takes to approve invoices helps identify bottlenecks and streamline workflows.
Unmatched Invoices
Unmatched invoices are those that cannot be matched with purchase orders or receipts. Reducing the number of unmatched invoices minimizes errors and ensures that all payments are legitimate.
Supplier Satisfaction Surveys
Although not a traditional metric, conducting regular supplier satisfaction surveys can provide valuable feedback on your AP department’s performance. Happy suppliers are more likely to offer favorable terms and maintain strong business relationships.
Late Payment Penalties and Interest Costs
Tracking the costs associated with late payments, such as penalties and interest, can reveal the financial impact of delayed AP processes. Minimizing these costs is a direct benefit to the bottom line.
In 2023, accounts payable departments are under increasing pressure to optimize their processes, improve cash flow management, and enhance supplier relationships. To achieve these goals, businesses are relying on a diverse set of benchmarks and metrics. These measurements provide valuable insights into AP performance, helping organizations make informed decisions and adapt to ever-changing financial landscapes. By leveraging these valuable metrics, businesses can ensure that their accounts payable operations remain efficient, cost-effective, and adaptable in the years to come.
Itemize is a no-code AP automation solution that turns piles of paper into actionable information. Providing a set of practical and easy-to-AP features, the Itemize Drive streamlines complex construction processes, cuts costs, and helps keep projects on track. You’re covered by everything from ensuring invoice processing to ensuring contractor compliance. Learn more about Itemize Finance Automation solution.
Book a Demo to see the platform in action.
