Online Class: Accounts Payable Training

no certificate
with CEU Certificate*
-
14Lessons
-
40Exams &
Assignments -
5,546Students
have taken this course -
7Hours
average time -
0.7CEUs
Course Description
Managing Accounts Payable: A Comprehensive Guide for New Managers
Stepping into the role of a manager for an accounts payable (A/P) department requires more than just a familiarity with invoicing or check processing. In today's rapidly evolving financial landscape, it demands an integrated understanding of multiple facets, from customer relations and vendor management to the nuances of modern technologies shaping the field. This course aims to provide a robust foundation for budding A/P managers, enriched with expert insights and best practices.
Why This Course?
Accounts payable is the backbone of a company's financial operations. However, it's not merely about disbursing payments. It's about establishing robust internal controls, fostering healthy vendor relationships, ensuring seamless transactions, and navigating the intricacies of contemporary technologies. Our course goes beyond traditional learning, offering guidance from seasoned professionals who have navigated the complexities of the A/P world for years.
What You Will Learn:
-
Lesson 1: What Is a Manager?
Dive into the realm of management, exploring the responsibilities and expectations from an A/P department leader. Understand the balance between leadership and teamwork, and the pivotal role a manager plays in optimizing operations. -
Lesson 2: Handling Invoices
Discover best practices in invoice management. From accurate recording to timely approvals, learn how to ensure a smooth invoicing process. -
Lesson 3: Checks
Understand the intricacies of check processing, from issuance to reconciliation. Explore modern alternatives and the evolving landscape of digital transactions. -
Lesson 4: Preventing Errors
Errors can be costly. Delve into meticulous procedures and checks that can be implemented to minimize discrepancies. -
Lesson 5: Customer Service, Internal Controls, and the Annual Audit
Grasp the importance of impeccable customer service, the establishment of robust internal controls, and preparations for the annual audit to ensure transparency and trust. -
Lesson 6: Fraud: Vendor, Employee, and Check
In a world where frauds are becoming increasingly sophisticated, arm yourself with knowledge and preventive measures to shield your organization. -
Lesson 7: How Companies Use Technology in Accounts Payable
From AI to automation, understand how modern technologies are reshaping A/P processes, offering efficiency and accuracy. -
Lesson 8: Traditional Functions and the 21st Century
While we embrace new methodologies, the core functions remain vital. Revisit traditional A/P roles and understand their relevance today. -
Lesson 9: Using the Internet in Accounts Payable
Harness the power of the internet for vendor communication, online transactions, and more, while ensuring security and compliance. -
Lesson 10: Master Vendor Files
Master the art of maintaining comprehensive vendor databases, ensuring seamless transactions, and optimizing vendor relations. -
Lesson 11: Problems Caused by Discounts and Other Deductions
Learn to navigate challenges posed by early payment discounts, rebates, and other deductions, ensuring mutual benefit and maintaining vendor relationships. -
Lesson 12: Independent Consultants
In the gig economy, working with freelancers and consultants is commonplace. Understand the financial nuances and compliance requirements associated with such engagements. -
Lesson 13: 1099 Income Tax Forms
Dive into tax implications and the importance of accurate 1099 form submissions, ensuring compliance and transparency. -
Lesson 14: High-level Accounts Payable Concepts
Wrap up your learning with a dive into advanced A/P concepts, preparing you for the strategic aspects of accounts payable management.
Expertise at Your Fingertips:
Benefit from the wisdom of our guest lecturer, a veteran disbursement manager with a wealth of A/P experience. Their expert tips, real-life examples, and best practices will provide invaluable insights.
Embark on this comprehensive journey and arm yourself with the knowledge and skills required to lead an A/P department effectively in the modern business world. This isn't just a course; it's your roadmap to success in the world of accounts payable management. Join us and shape your future as a competent, forward-thinking A/P manager.
Course Motivation
In today's fast-paced business world, few areas are as important to a company as having a successful Accounts Payable Manager. More and more companies are understanding the importance of having a manager in Accounts Payable who go above and beyond what is normally called for. For too long, businesses thought that having someone in Accounts Payable who was persistent and would keep at an account until it was caught up was what it took but that model is evolving. As businesses are changing, the way that things have been done in the past is changing, as well.
Designed for the new manager of an Accounts Payable department, this course will help the student step into their new role and take a commanding and successful lead. However, this course will also prove useful for anyone who is already in Accounts Payable and is seeking to expand their knowledge. In other words, this course will take what you know and it will enhance it by adding proven management principles to your practices.
In the marketplace today, Accounts Payable is more than just processing checks, mailing them and filing away mountains of back-up paperwork. A good Accounts Payable manager understand all parts of the department everything from customer service and vendor management to check requests and purchase orders.
Finally, this course will show you how to handle invoices, how to process checks, dealing with audits and ensuring that your department operates as error-free as possible. You'll be getting expert advice from a well-seasoned disbursement manager with extensive Accounts Payable experience.
You'll learn what it is that a manager does and how to best operate an Accounts Payable department and you'll find ways to help motivate the people you manage into being the best possible performers.
This course will also discuss the following areas:
- What is a manager: You'll learn what a manager is, what a manager does, and the importance of always being on top of what is happening within your department. You will also learn the key to managing your Accounts Payable department and how to best become a valuable asset to your company.
- Invoice handling: The student will understand the process of tracking invoices from the moment they arrive in the department until the final check is cut. Students will also be walked through a step-by-step process to bring order to what might be a chaotic system.
- Checks: The lesson will address to core of the Accounts Payable department and will help the student to understand areas that might need to be examined and worked on.
- Preventing errors: Students will discover that duplication and missing invoices are among the most common problems in the Accounts Payable department and will be given real-world solutions that they can apply in reducing errors.
- Customer service, internal controls and the annual audit: Students will understand how the aspects of customer service apply to their department and will examine the concepts of internal controls and the annual audit.
- Fraud: Vendor, Employee, and Check: This section of the course will instruct the student on the importance of overseeing things to ensure there is no fraud taking place, either due to a vendor or employee check mismanagement.
- How companies are using technology in Accounts Payable: The student will learn more information about using the information in the Accounts Payable department, as well as address software solutions that can make their department run more smoothly.
- The importance of Master Vendor Files: Students will see how Master Vendor Files are an important way to help ensure that vendors are paid in a timely manner and errors are avoided. In addition, the files are invaluable tools to monitor fraud and error.
By the end of this course, the student will have a thorough knowledge of what it takes to manage a successful Accounts Payable department and how to implement changes needed in order to make it operate more efficiently.
- Completely Online
- Self-Paced
- Printable Lessons
- Full HD Video
- 6 Months to Complete
- 24/7 Availability
- Start Anytime
- PC & Mac Compatible
- Android & iOS Friendly
- Accredited CEUs

Course Lessons
Lesson 1. From Team Member to Leader: Navigating New Dynamics and Building Respect
A manager guides their team in executing tasks and making critical decisions with precision and foresight, all while maintaining harmony and efficiency within the workplace. Balancing challenges and rewards, managers also play a crucial role as representatives in the sales and customer service process of the company.Lesson 2. Revamping Invoice Management: A Path to Efficiency and Success
Efficient accounts payable management requires a comprehensive, process-driven approach that ensures invoices are tracked from arrival to payment. Implementing step-by-step practices can eliminate routine inefficiencies and improve both internal and vendor satisfaction.Lesson 3. Streamlining the Check-Cutting and Mailing Process
Adopting frequent check-cutting schedules and thorough approval procedures helps businesses handle routine and urgent payment needs without compromising other operations. Balancing rush checks with improved processes leads to better financial management and reduced system abuse.Lesson 4. Enhancing Invoice and Payment Accuracy
Prevent payment duplications by instituting systematic invoice logging, software verification, and the strategic use of purchase orders. Tailor your process to include dedicated roles for oversight and utilize digital logging to mitigate lost invoices.Lesson 5. The Unsung Role of Back-office Team in Public Relations
Effective customer service requires that every interaction, regardless of the counterpart, reflects positively on the company, highlighting the importance of training back-office staff. Building rapport with colleagues through informal events can further promote goodwill and understanding internally.Lesson 6. Guard Against Vendor Fraud
Fraud spans many forms, including counterfeit money and credit card misuse, necessitating ongoing education and control development. Awareness and proactive staff training are crucial in identifying and preventing these deceptive practices.Lesson 7. The Role of Technology in Streamlining Accounts Payable
Technology transforms accounts payable by digitizing logging, tracking, and authorizing, minimizing paper trails and enhancing workflow transparency. These advancements allow for significant office space reduction and support global virtual teams, optimizing operational costs and productivity.Lesson 8. Navigating Employee Travel Expenses in Modern Workplaces
Creating clear travel reimbursement policies and setting spending caps can help manage employee expenses while considering dietary needs and economic differences between cities. Opting for structured expense categories or corporate-booked travel can enhance cost control and prevent misuse.Lesson 9. Online Accounts Payable: Weighing Pros and Cons
Internet integration in accounts payable facilitates seamless digital transactions from invoicing to payments, enhancing speed and data handling efficiency. However, to preserve control and backup, businesses are encouraged to hybridize systems with both online and traditional paper records.Lesson 10. Streamlining Vendor Management: An Overview of Master Vendor Files
Implementing master vendor files aids in consistent vendor identification and prevents financial discrepancies by structuring transactions with vendor numbers. For optimal efficacy, these files require ongoing maintenance, secure handling, and regular review to align with financial expectations.Lesson 11. Navigating the Challenges of Discounts and Deductions
Effective management of discounts requires stringent workflow controls to prevent overpayment and ensure accurate invoicing. Strategies for correction include requesting refunds, crediting future bills, or halting payment transfers on flawed transactions.Lesson 12. Understanding the Value of Consulting Services
While independent consultants can address various issues like improving work-flow and fraud prevention, their fees can be opaque compared to product transactions. Companies should establish clear spending limits and expectations to ensure consultants offer the best value.Lesson 13. A Comprehensive Guide to Filing 1099 Income Tax Forms for Your Company’s Contractors
Businesses hiring contractors earning over $600 a year are obliged to issue 1099 forms, maintaining one for themselves while sharing copies with the IRS and the contractor. These forms must be aligned with the calendar year, filed by the end of January, and submitted electronically when exceeding 250 forms.Lesson 14. Deep Dive into File Audits
Policy effectiveness in accounts payable hinges on garnering support from upper management, just as frontline staff need to buy into well-reasoned, clearly explained procedures.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate effective decision-making skills by evaluating complex situations and making judicious, informed choices in managing an accounts payable department
- Identify and apply proactive strategies to anticipate staffing needs, financial forecasts, and departmental challenges to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the accounts payable department
- Demonstrate how to implement a streamlined invoice-handling process to increase efficiency in the accounts payable department by reducing processing time and errors.
- Evaluate and identify bottlenecks in the current invoice approval process by analyzing invoice arrival and return time data to enhance payment timelines and vendor satisfaction.
- Define and demonstrate the check-cutting process to ensure that 100% of checks are accurately logged and signed for verification.
- Identify and implement strategies to reduce rush check abuse, achieving a 50% reduction in rush check requests by applying improved internal processes.
- Identify strategies to reduce duplicate payments, such as enhancing software systems and implementing purchase order tracking.
- Demonstrate the ability to create a comprehensive system for logging invoices to reduce invoice-handling and check-processing errors.
- Define strategies to improve internal public relations by hosting events and engaging actively with other departments.
- Identify and implement internal controls to prevent errors and fraud within the accounts payable department through regular random checks and audits.
- Demonstrate procedures to prevent employee fraud by implementing strict cash handling policies and encouraging regular employee vacations for fraud detection.
- Identify and analyze potential red flags in accounting records to detect vendor fraud by comparing invoice amounts and purchase order numbers.
- Identify and describe how technology streamlines the accounts payable process, including logging, shipping, authorizing, storage, bookkeeping, and bill payment.
- Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
Additional Course Information

- Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
- Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
- Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
- View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
- Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media

Choose Your Subscription Plan
No Certificate / No CEUs
This course only
Includes certificate | X |
Includes CEUs | X |
Self-paced |
![]() |
Instructor support |
![]() |
Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificate & CEUs
This course only
Includes certificate |
![]() |
Includes CEUs |
![]() |
Self-paced |
![]() |
Instructor support |
![]() |
Time to complete | 6 months |
No. of courses | 1 course |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate |
![]() |
Includes CEUs |
![]() |
Self-paced |
![]() |
Instructor support |
![]() |
Time to complete | 12 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
Certificates & CEUs
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate |
![]() |
Includes CEUs |
![]() |
Self-paced |
![]() |
Instructor support |
![]() |
Time to complete | 24 Months |
No. of courses | 600+ |
Student Testimonials
- "I Learned many things in this course which is very helpful for my career. All lessons were clear, well explained with example and addition link for advanced learning." -- Brandy R.
- "I don't think any changes need to be made. The information is very useful and laid out in a way that helps someone who is not familiar with Accounts Payable to have a better understanding of how AP funtions." -- Lawerence R.
- "I learned a lot from this course and I am now the manager of our Accounts Payable Department, Thank you!" -- Andrea R.
- "Well planned, awesome material." -- Carol B.
- "Over all after all is said and done I think this is a good course and the instructor is a fine instructor. In the future I might just take another course. I will never get to the point where I think I just too smart or know everything to take a class. I thank you for providing me with this excellent opportunity." -- Larry S.
- "I really liked the procedure of accounts payable from receiving the invoice to cutting the check to filing." -- Larry S.
- "The different process ideas were very helpful." -- SARAH B.
- "I appreciated the promptness of the instructor's grading, and her comments were always encouraging and inspiring." -- Sylvia T.
- "I actually found all parts very helpful, but I'd say overall, learning how to effectively set up and monitor an Accounts Payable system would be at the top of the list. Once the system is in place with proper log-in, signatures from the proper authorities/departments, payment processes, audits, etc., the whole Accounts Payable department is on its way to being one of the most structured parts of the organization." -- Sylvia T.
- "This course was great!" -- Tabitha C.
Related Courses
-
36 hours 3.6 CEUs Ultimate Secretary Training Bundle + More Info
-
26 hours 2.6 CEUs Human Resources Productivity Course Bundle + More Info
-
6 hours 0.6 CEUs Debt Reduction + More Info
-
7 hours 0.7 CEUs Collaboration Skills + More Info
-
7 hours 0.7 CEUs Innovative Thinking Skills + More Info
-
7 hours 0.7 CEUs Understanding Financial Statements + More Info
-
5 hours 0.5 CEUs Creating and Managing a Non-Profit Organization + More Info
-
9 hours 0.9 CEUs English Grammar Level 2 + More Info
-
7 hours 0.7 CEUs Financial Analysis 101: Planning and Control + More Info
-
3 hours 0.3 CEUs Job Performance Appraisals - A How To Guide + More Info
-
8 hours 0.8 CEUs Teaching Grammar to ESL Students + More Info
-
10 hours 1.0 CEUs Global Anti-Corruption and Bribery + More Info
-
6 hours 0.6 CEUs Sustainable Development for Business + More Info
-
25 hours 2.5 CEUs Algebra 101: Beginner to Intermediate Level + More Info
-
5 hours 0.5 CEUs Habits of Millionaires + More Info
-
9 hours 0.9 CEUs Customer Relationship Management + More Info
-
7 hours 0.7 CEUs Employment Law Fundamentals + More Info
-
5 hours 0.5 CEUs Lawful Employee Termination + More Info
-
5 hours 0.5 CEUs Creative Thinking Skills + More Info
-
2 hours 0.2 CEUs Mindfulness in the Workplace + More Info
-
6 hours 0.6 CEUs Workplace Violence: A Guide to Responding and Preventing + More Info
-
5 hours 0.5 CEUs Team Building 101 + More Info
-
6 hours 0.6 CEUs Business Branding 101 + More Info
-
14 hours 1.4 CEUs QuickBooks Online + More Info
-
9 hours 0.9 CEUs Microsoft Project Level 1 + More Info
-
7 hours 0.7 CEUs Creating an Effective Sales Team + More Info
-
8 hours 0.8 CEUs Strategic Planning + More Info
-
17 hours 1.7 CEUs Basic Math 101 + More Info
-
5 hours 0.5 CEUs Critical Thinking Skills + More Info
-
9 hours 0.9 CEUs Product Management 101 + More Info
-
6 hours 0.6 CEUs Goal Setting for Business + More Info