Best Accounts Payable Automation Software Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best accounts payable automation software:
Our one-on-one guidance will help you find the perfect fit.
Managing accounts payable can feel like an endless struggle, especially if your current accounts payable automation software is outdated and inefficient. You’re likely dealing with slow approval processes, human errors, and lack of visibility into your cash flow—all while juggling vendor relationships and compliance demands. These challenges can pile up, costing your business both time and money.
As a CFO, you need a solution that streamlines your workflow without adding complexity, so you can focus on high-level strategies instead of being bogged down by manual tasks.
With years of experience in evaluating financial technology, I’ve helped several businesses implement solutions that solve real-world problems. My expertise in digital software, specifically in financial tools, equips me to guide you in finding the right tools for your business.
To help you get started in your search, I tested and reviewed several tools to identify the best options on the market for accounts payable automation. These selections are based on practical testing and insights from working with financial operations teams. As such, this list is tailored to help you find the most effective, user-friendly tools that align with your business needs, giving you confidence in making your next software investment.
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Best Accounts Payable Automation Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top accounts payable automation software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best for vendor payouts | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
2 | Best for automated three-way matching | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
3 | Best for all-in-one cash management | Free demo available | From $149/month | Website | |
4 | Best for streamlining invoice data capture | Free trial for 500 pages | From $499/month for up to 5,000 pages (or invoices) | Website | |
5 | Best for custom approval workflows | 30-day free trial | From $1.40/month | Website | |
6 | Best for small CPG businesses | 30-day free trial | From $149/month | Website | |
7 | Best for small businesses | Free trial + free plan available | From $18.50/month + $8/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
8 | Best for AI-driven invoice automation | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
9 | Best for multi-currency support | Free demo available | From $98/month | Website | |
10 | Best for startups | Free plan available | Pricing upon request | Website |
Best Accounts Payable Automation Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best accounts payable automation software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer an in-depth look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Payouts is an accounts payable automation platform tailored to streamline financial processes for businesses in affiliate marketing, influencer platforms, and digital advertising networks. By focusing on automation and efficiency, Payouts simplifies vendor payments, invoicing, and accounts payable workflows.
Why I picked Payouts: Payouts excels in automating complex payment workflows, making it ideal for teams managing high transaction volumes across vendors and partners. Its AP automation capabilities ensure that vendor payments are processed accurately and on time, reducing administrative workload and improving financial transparency. Additionally, the platform's vendor management tools provide centralized oversight for communication, payment tracking, and compliance, helping businesses maintain strong relationships with partners.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include support for multiple payout methods, such as fiat and cryptocurrencies and global accounts that facilitate transactions in local currencies. Overall, these features reduce conversion costs and simplify international payments. The platform also offers advanced invoicing tools that ensure precise and timely billing and advanced AP workflows that minimize errors and delays.
Integrations include PayPal, Venmo, Payoneer, impact.com, CJ Affiliate, Everflow, Zelle, Priority, Tune, System1, and NetSuite.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports scaling operations
- Multiple payout methods
- Comprehensive automation of accounts payable processes
Cons:
- May require time to fully customize
- Potential challenges integrating with existing systems
Procurify is a cloud-based procurement and spend management platform designed to help organizations gain real-time visibility and control over their purchasing processes.
Why I picked Procurify: Procurify's accounts payable automation software offers automated data capture using optical character recognition (OCR) technology, which extracts invoice details and reduces manual data entry errors. This automation ensures that invoices are processed quickly and accurately, freeing up your team to focus on more strategic tasks. Another valuable feature is the customizable approval workflows. You can set up approval processes that align with your organization's hierarchy and policies, ensuring compliance with internal controls.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automated three-way matching that compares invoices with purchase orders and goods received notices to verify accuracy. The software's real-time tracking and notifications also help keep stakeholders informed about invoice statuses. Additionally, its centralized vendor database allows you to streamline vendor management and payment processes with ease.
Integrations include QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Desktop, NetSuite, Sage Intacct, Microsoft Dynamics 365, API, and PunchOut.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- The mobile app allows for approvals and management on the go
- Offers customizable reporting
- Real-time budget tracking
Cons:
- Editing purchase order requests can be cumbersome
- Could use more advanced analytics features
Centime is a comprehensive cash management and business banking software that provides automation for accounts receivable and accounts payable processes, along with cash flow forecasting and KPI tracking. It helps improve collections effectiveness, reduce past-due payments, and enhance working capital for businesses of all sizes.
Why I picked Centime: Centime is a unique accounts payable automation software because it integrates cash management into a single platform. This integration allows you to automate invoice processing, route approvals, make payments, track performance, and more. The software also allows for instant capture of invoice data using AI, streamlines invoice coding and routing, and integrates with accounting systems, which is crucial for maintaining financial accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include accounts payable automation, which streamlines invoice processing and payment planning. The cash flow forecasting tool provides businesses with a 13-week rolling forecast to aid in liquidity planning. Additionally, Centime's working capital credit feature allows companies to access short-term credit lines from leading banks.
Integrations include NetSuite, QuickBooks, and Sage Intacct.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Monitors key performance indicators, days sales outstanding, and days payables outstanding
- Tracks bills and bill payments in one window
- Combines accounts payable and accounts receivable management with cash flow tracking
Cons:
- Lacks a free trial with actual company data
- May be costly for smaller businesses
Nanonets is an AI-powered document processing and management platform. With AI and ML, it helps users transfer invoice data to their systems in order to cut down on manual data entry. It’s less of a full AP automation system, instead connecting with other systems to streamline invoice processing.
Why I picked Nanonets: Nanonet's OCR technology can capture unstructured data from more than just invoices. IDs, bank statements, and other important documents are viable, and it can do so from multiple channels.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include expense category automation, customizable workflows, and automated exception handling. Nanonets also let you either train an AI model from scratch or choose one of their prebuilt models depending on what kind of data you need to pull from documents.
Integrations include Dropbox, Gmail, Google Drive, Google Sheets, QuickBooks, Sage, SharePoint, Xero, and Yardi.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Organized and navigable UI.
- Several prebuilt AI models available for data capture.
- Can capture data from almost any business document.
Cons:
- Process to set up invoice mapping and tagging can be tedious.
- Can be expensive for companies with lower AP volume.
Xero is a cloud-based accounting software designed primarily for small to medium-sized businesses, aimed at simplifying various financial tasks. It offers a comprehensive suite of features including online invoicing, bank reconciliation, expense management, payroll processing, and project tracking.
Why I picked Xero: It offers accounts payable automation that reduces manual data entry errors and prevents overpayments or underpayments. The system allows for the customization of approval workflows, enabling mobile authorizations and maintaining a clear audit trail, which enhances both security and operational efficiency. Additionally, Xero tracks early payment opportunities, helping businesses save money and strengthen supplier relationships. The real-time cash flow insights provided by Xero's integration with accounting software aid in strategic financial planning and decision-making.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include online invoices, bank connections, claim expenses, bank reconciliation, payroll, multi-currency accounting, contact management, and sales tax calculation. The software also offers an accounting dashboard for a detailed view of finances, including bank balances and outstanding invoices.
Integrations include Hubdoc, Stripe, Xero Practice Manager, Shopify integration by Xero, HubSpot CRM integration, Xero Analytics Plus, Xero Inventory Plus, Xero Workpapers, Spendesk, and Dext.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Good reporting features
- Cloud-based accessibility
Cons:
- May not be suitable for large enterprises
- Mobile app is not as robust as desktop version
Settle is a product designed to help small CPG businesses manage their payments and cash flow by automating the accounts payable process. It’s geared towards companies that want a simpler way to manage vendor payments, optimize working capital, and gain more control over their financial operations.
Why I picked Settle: Settle gives you tools to schedule and pay bills automatically, allowing you to better manage your outgoing cash flow. The platform lets you choose when and how to pay vendors and even helps you access financing options if you need them. You can also easily track your payment history in one place, which makes managing multiple vendors a lot easier. For businesses that rely on tight cash flow management, Settle offers flexible payment terms to help improve financial stability.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include detailed cash flow forecasting, which helps you predict your financial needs based on upcoming payments. Additionally, it offers customizable approval workflows, ensuring your team can review and approve payments before they’re processed.
Integrations include QuickBooks Online, NetSuite, Shopify, Amazon, Cin7, Google, and Xero.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive financial dashboard
- Automated invoice management
- Inventory management and forecasting
Cons:
- Could offer more customization for specific workflows
- Complex setup
Melio is an online payment platform designed to simplify bill payments for small businesses. It allows you to pay vendors, suppliers, and contractors using bank transfers or credit cards.
Why I picked Melio: Melio makes it easy to manage your accounts payable by letting you pay bills online, even if your vendors prefer checks. You can choose to pay via bank transfer or credit card, but your vendors get paid the way they want without any extra hassle for them.
It's also simple to schedule payments, helping you avoid late fees and better manage your cash flow. With quick bill syncing, you and your team can keep track of everything in one place.
In my opinion, it’s a good option for small businesses or even sole proprietorships that need to keep their costs low and don’t need much more than the basics.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include 1099 report generation, the ability to create approval workflows in a few clicks, and OCR for invoice data capture. It notably lets businesses pay vendors with credit cards, even if the vendors don’t accept cards. Plus, Melio can grab relevant data from synced accounting software if needed.
Integrations include Amazon Business, FreshBooks, QuickBooks, and Xero. It also integrates with Microsoft Dynamics Business Central.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Can schedule payments ahead of time
- Can pay vendors with credit cards even if they don’t accept them
- Simple and intuitive interface
Cons:
- No automation features beyond the basics
- Setting up new vendors could be improved
DOKKA is a digital tool designed to automate accounting processes, specifically focusing on the management and processing of invoices through artificial intelligence (AI). With a user-friendly approach, DOKKA aims to enhance productivity and reduce manual efforts, making it a helpful ally for finance teams.
Why I picked DOKKA: DOKKA excels in AI-driven invoice automation, a key component of its accounts payable automation software. It adeptly processes and categorizes invoices, extracting relevant data with high accuracy. This capability significantly reduces the time and errors associated with manual data entry, ensuring a smooth, automated workflow.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include its intelligent document management system, which uses AI to categorize and file documents automatically. The tool also automates both 2-way and 3-way PO matching, making the matching process more efficient. Additionally, DOKKA features customizable workflows that allow businesses to tailor the software to their specific needs, while its user-friendly interface, designed similarly to popular email apps like Gmail, makes navigation intuitive.
Integrations include NetSuite, SAP Business One, Microsoft Dynamics, Acumatica, Priority, QuickBooks, Xero, and Sage.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers enhanced collaboration features
- Provides customizable workflows
- Highly accurate data extraction
Cons:
- Doesn't offer a free trial
- Price may be too high for small businesses
Klippa Invoice Processing is a cloud-based solution designed to automate your accounts payable tasks. By leveraging advanced Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology, it extracts data from invoices, reducing manual entry and minimizing errors.
Why I picked Klippa Invoice Processing: One key feature of Klippa Invoice Processing is its ability to handle invoices in multiple languages and currencies. This is particularly beneficial if your business operates internationally, as it ensures accurate data extraction and processing regardless of the invoice's origin. Additionally, the platform offers customizable approval workflows, allowing you to set up multi-level authorization flows that align with your company's policies. This flexibility helps maintain control over expenditures and ensures compliance with internal procedures.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include automatic detection of duplicate invoices and potential fraud, automatic currency conversion based on daily rates or custom settings, and various export formats for invoices, accommodating different organizational needs.
Integrations include AFAS Software, SAP, Exact Online, Odoo, Twinfield, Oracle Netsuite, Xero, Okta, QuickBooks, and Microsoft Entra ID.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- OCR technology reduces manual data entry
- Customizable approval workflows
- Fraud detection through duplicate claim identification
Cons:
- Initial setup may require time
- Most integrations are add-ons
Airbase is a cloud-based spend management platform that helps businesses control employee spend and management payments. The platform supports customized spend management policies and corporate card use and monitoring.
Why I picked Airbase: Airbase is a spend management platform, which means AP automation—but it leans more toward expense management. If you have employees with corporate cards, this software has features that help you manage their spending and make sure they aren’t running up unnecessary expenses on the company’s dime.
Standout features & integrations:
Features include its ability to create virtual cards for employees, integrate with Amex cards, monitor spend, and sync card transactions to your accounting software with detailed rule-setting. Airbase also pays cashback on card use, too. Other features include contract amortization, customizable expense approval rules for different departments, spend and invoice communications, and reporting and analytics.
Integrations include NetSuite, QuickBooks, Sage Intacct, and Xero. Airbase can also integrate with HR systems, like BambooHR, HR Partner, Namely, OneLogin, PayChex, and Zenefits.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Maintains all invoice information and communications in an inbox for each invoice.
- Real-time reporting for all non-payroll spend.
- Helps manage company spend and corporate credit cards alongside AP.
Cons:
- Visit WebsiteOpens new window
- Mobile app functionality is limited.
- Less AP functionality than dedicated AP automation solutions.
Other AP Automation Software Options
Here are a few more worthwhile options that didn’t make the best AP automation software list:
- Stampli
For collaboration
- BILL
For international payments
- Bonsai
For freelancers
- Tipalti
For global accounts payable automation
- Xledger
For multi-entity financial management
- Pairsoft
For fast-growing businesses
- Teampay
For fast-moving teams
- Basware
For predictive analytics and benchmarking
- Quadient AP By Beanworks
For managing multiple locations or divisions
- MineralTree
For financial services firms
Related Financial Software
If you still haven't found what you're looking for, check out some other, closely related tools we've tested and evaluated:
- Accounting Software
- Accounts Payable Software
- Expense Report Software
- Expense Tracking Software
- Financial Reporting Software
- ERP Software
- POS Systems
- Billing Software
- Forecasting Software
- Merchant Account Services
Accounts Payable Automation Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best accounts payable automation software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points—like reducing manual data entry errors and improving invoice processing speed. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total weighting score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Automate invoice processing
- Manage approval workflows
- Integrate with ERP systems
- Facilitate payment processing
- Provide analytics and reporting
Additional Standout Features (25% of total weighting score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- AI-powered fraud detection
- Dynamic workflow automation
- Vendor management portal
- Customizable invoice coding
- Real-time audit trails
Usability (10% of total weighting score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Mobile accessibility
- Customizable dashboards
- Ease of navigation
- Integration with existing tools
Onboarding (10% of total weighting score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Comprehensive documentation
- Onboarding webinars
- Access to chatbots for support
Customer Support (10% of total weighting score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 customer service availability
- Dedicated account managers
- Multi-channel support options
- Response time and resolution rate
- Availability of support forums
Value For Money (10% of total weighting score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Transparent pricing models
- Availability of free trials
- Cost vs. feature set
- Discounts for annual subscriptions
- No hidden fees
Customer Reviews (10% of total weighting score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- Overall satisfaction rating
- Comments on ease of use
- Feedback on customer service
- Reports on system reliability
- Opinions on feature set completeness
How to Choose Accounts Payable Automation Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through the software selection process, keep these factors in mind:
Factor | What to Consider |
---|---|
Scalability | Will this software grow with your business? |
Integrations | Does it integrate with your existing systems? |
Customizability | Can you tailor it to fit your specific needs? |
Ease of Use | Do the people who'll use it find it user-friendly? |
Budget | Does it fit within your financial constraints? |
Data Security | Are there measures in place to protect your data? |
Support | Is there reliable customer support available? |
Compliance | Does it help you stay compliant with regulations? |
Trends in Accounts Payable Automation Software
In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different accounts payable automation software vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: AI and ML are transforming AP automation by enabling accurate cash flow predictions, enhancing fraud detection, and automating complex decision-making processes. For instance, Medius incorporates AI to streamline invoice processing and financial decision-making.
- Hyperautomation: This trend leverages multiple technologies like RPA and AI to automate as many AP processes as possible. It goes beyond simple automation by integrating different systems for greater efficiency and error reduction. For example, Mysa highlights how hyperautomation streamlines operations to make them faster and more efficient.
- Advanced Data Analytics: More AP solutions are incorporating advanced analytics to provide deeper insights into spending patterns and financial health. These tools help businesses make more informed decisions. NetSuite, for example, uses analytics to offer insights into expense management and cash flow.
- Blockchain Technology: Blockchain is being used for secure and transparent transaction records, reducing the risk of fraud and errors. This technology provides an immutable ledger, ensuring that all transactions are verifiable. Some vendors are even starting to explore blockchain for secure and efficient invoice processing.
- Fraud Prevention Features: Enhanced security measures, including automated fraud detection algorithms, are becoming more prevalent. These features help in identifying and preventing fraudulent activities before they impact the business.
What Is Accounts Payable Automation Software?
Accounts payable automation software is designed to automate the accounts payable process, including invoice processing and payment approvals—helping improve overall payment management for organizations.
These tools are typically used by accounts payable professionals, finance teams, and bookkeepers to save time and reduce manual errors. They often include key features such as automated invoice matching, payment scheduling, recurring billing, and real-time reporting to help with increasing efficiency, reducing costs, and improving accuracy.
Overall, accounts payable automation software make managing accounts payable faster and more reliable.
Features of Accounts Payable Automation Software
When selecting accounts payable automation software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Invoice Management: Streamlines the processing, tracking, and approval of invoices, making it easier to manage large volumes of invoices efficiently.
- Purchase Order Matching: Automatically matches purchase orders with invoices and receipts to ensure accuracy and prevent discrepancies.
- Optical Character Recognition (OCR): OCR pulls data from paper and PDF invoices scanned in or sent via email to do the data entry for you.
- Workflow and Approval Automation: Automates the routing of invoices and payments through predefined approval workflows, reducing manual intervention and speeding up processing times.
- Payment Processing: Facilitates electronic payments to vendors, reducing the need for paper checks and minimizing processing errors.
- Reporting and Analytics: Provides real-time insights and detailed reports on accounts payable activities, helping businesses make informed financial decisions.
- Vendor Management: Maintains detailed records of vendor information and interactions, improving vendor relationships and ensuring compliance with agreed terms.
- Document Management: Allows for the electronic storage and retrieval of documents, reducing paper clutter and enabling quick access to important files.
- Three-Way Matching: Ensures that the invoice, purchase order, and receipt of goods match before processing payment, preventing fraud and errors.
- Batch Processing: Enables the processing of multiple invoices and payments in a single batch, saving time on billing management and reducing administrative workload.
Benefits of Accounts Payable Automation Software
Implementing accounts payable automation software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Increased Visibility: Centralized data and real-time reporting provide better insights into your accounts payable process and overall financial health.
- Time Savings: Automating repetitive tasks like data entry and invoice processing frees up your team's time for more important work.
- Error Reduction: The software minimizes human errors by automatically capturing and matching invoice data with purchase orders.
- Improved Cash Flow Management: Real-time monitoring of invoices and payments helps you better manage your cash flow and forecast future needs.
- Enhanced Compliance: Automation ensures that all invoices are processed according to regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance.
- Better Vendor Relationships: Faster and more accurate payment processing keeps vendors happy and may lead to better payment terms or discounts.
- Cost Savings: Reducing manual processes lowers administrative costs and decreases the likelihood of costly errors.
Costs and Pricing of Accounts Payable Automation Software
Costs typically vary based on features, team size, and add-ons, but I've found that there's a decently consistent pricing range for each level of accounts payable automation tool. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included:
Plan Type | Average Price (per user, per month) | Common Features |
---|---|---|
Free | $0 | Basic invoice processing, limited document storage, email support, and basic reporting. |
Startup | $20-30 | Invoice processing, document storage, email and chat support, basic integrations, and reporting. |
Business | $50-70 | Advanced invoice processing, enhanced document storage, multi-user access, advanced integrations, and detailed reporting. |
Enterprise | $100-150 | Comprehensive invoice processing, unlimited document storage, dedicated support, custom integrations, and advanced analytics. |
Accounts Payable Automation Software FAQs
Got more questions about AP automation or what to keep in mind when looking for a solution? Here are a few common questions and answers:
What are the main benefits of automating AP?
Here’s what AP software can do for your finance department:
- Save time: Your team does far less manual data entry, vendor communications, and so on.
- Cut labor costs: You don’t need to bring on more AP team members as your business grows—the software helps handle increasing payment volume.
- Reduce errors: Automation reduces the chance of errors that manual entry could lead to.
- Data visibility: Financial reports update in real time. You get current data to make decisions, not past data.
What tasks can AP automation solutions handle?
Here’s what AP automation can handle for you:
- Approval and routing of purchase requisitions, POs, and invoices.
- Invoice data capture through OCR and AI.
- Communications with vendors and suppliers.
- Payments, especially recurring payments.
How do you implement AP automation?
To implement AP automation, start by evaluating your current AP processes and identifying your needs. Build a business case to get stakeholder buy-in. Document your requirements and choose an AP automation vendor that fits your needs. Create and execute an implementation plan with clear steps and timelines.
How much time does AP automation save?
AP automation can save significant time by reducing manual tasks. On average, you can expect to save 60% to 80% of the time typically spent on invoice receipt and data capture. This efficiency allows your team to focus on higher-value tasks.
How can RPA and AI be used for accounts payable automation?
RPA (Robotic Process Automation) and AI (Artificial Intelligence) can automate repetitive tasks like invoice processing, data entry, and validation. These technologies make your accounts payable workflow more efficient and accurate, reducing errors and speeding up processing times.
How do you handle exceptions in AP automation?
Handling exceptions in AP automation involves setting up workflows to manage discrepancies like invoice mismatches or missing information. Your team can review and resolve these exceptions manually or use machine learning algorithms to identify and correct common issues over time.
What security measures are in place for AP automation software?
AP automation software typically includes several security measures like data encryption, user access controls, and audit trails. These features help protect your financial data from unauthorized access and ensure compliance with industry standards.
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