Unless you are satisfied with an accounts payable function that is expensive, inefficient, makes lots of duplicate and improper payments, permits fraud and is continually in hot water with state and federal regulators, it is critical that the foundation of the accounts payable department be as strong and impenetrable as possible. This is not as simple as you might think. To create a solid foundation, best practices must be used and strong internal controls integrated throughout the function. For all that to happen, a good understanding of the fundamentals of the accounts payable function is required. That is the goal of this book and it is a lot more complicated than many realize. Now many professionals reading this book will already know some of what's included. After all, we all know how to pay bills. For starters, there's a right way and a wrong way to handle the functions related to paying invoices. What's more, the function is changing thanks to technology, new frauds and increased regulatory requirements. So, while some of the fundamentals have stayed the same for many years, a lot has changed. And, that's just the tip of the iceberg; there's a lot more to the accounts payable function than just paying bills (invoices). Table of Contents Preface Chapter 1: The Foundation of the Accounts Payable Function Chapter 2: Master Vendor File: Where the Process Should Begin Chapter 3: Invoice Processing: The Reason Accounts Payable Exists Chapter 4: Checks: The Original (and Least Efficient) Payment Vehicle Chapter 5: Purchase Cards: Streamlining the Payment Process for Small Purchases Chapter 6: Electronic Payments: The Most Efficient Payment Vehicle Chapter 7: Operational Issues: Invoice Handling and Processing Chapter 8: Operational Issues: Payments Chapter 9: Inaccurate Payments and Payment Auditing Chapter 10: Expense Reimbursement (Travel & Entertainment) Chapter 11: Check and P-card Payment Fraud: Detection and Prevention Chapter 12: Electronic Payment Fraud Detection and Prevention Chapter 13: Fraud: Other Types Affecting the Account Payable Function Chapter 14: The Accounts Payable Policy and Procedures Manual Chapter 15: Regulatory Issues Affecting the Accounts Payable Function: A Lot More than Just 1099s Chapter 16: Using Technology to Run a More Efficient Accounts Payable Function Chapter 17: Internal Controls: The Glue that Holds a Best Practice Function Together Chapter 18: Enhancing Operational Productivity in Accounts Payable: The Ongoing Challenge Chapter 19: Enhancing Payment Productivity: The Electronic Payment Challenge Chapter 20: Enhancing the Bottom Line: Where AP Can Bring in Cash Chapter 21: Vendor Relations: An Often-Overlooked Issue Chapter 22: The Future of the Accounts Payable Function Glossary Excerpt: 101 Best Practices for Accounts Payable Index About Mary S. Schaeffer and AP Now

Have you ever wondered where your processes stand against industry leaders or how you can take your services and organizational procedures to state of the art levels? Are you frustrated because you don't think you have the finanical or human resources needed to employ 'best' practices? This handy resource provides documented strategies and tactics for accounts payable used by several highly admired companies. You'll gain practical knowledge you can turn into "Best" (or Almost Best) Practices as well as examples of practices to avoid. Order your copy today!

The text and images in this book are in grayscale. A hardback color version is available. Search for ISBN 9781680922929. Principles of Accounting is designed to meet the scope and sequence requirements of a two-semester accounting course that covers the fundamentals of financial and managerial accounting. This book is specifically designed to appeal to both accounting and non-accounting majors, exposing students to the core concepts of accounting in familiar ways to build a strong foundation that can be applied across business fields. Each chapter opens with a relatable real-life scenario for today's college student. Thoughtfully designed examples are presented throughout each chapter, allowing students to build on emerging accounting knowledge. Concepts are further reinforced through applicable connections to more detailed business processes. Students are immersed in the "why" as well as the "how" aspects of accounting in order to reinforce concepts and promote comprehension over rote memorization.

The University of North Georgia Press and Affordable Learning Georgia bring you Principles of Financial Accounting. Well-written and straightforward, Principles of Financial Accounting is a needed contribution to open source pedagogy in the business education world. Written in order to directly meet the needs of her students, this textbook developed from Dr. Christine Jonick's years of teaching and commitment to effective pedagogy. Features: Peer reviewed by academic professionals and tested by students Over 100 charts and graphs Instructional exercises appearing both in-text and for Excel Resources for student professional development