Skip to content
Open site navigation sidebar
Go to GoCardless homepage
Pricing
Log inSign up
Go to GoCardless homepage
Log inSign up
Breadcrumb
Resources

What Is Invoice Processing?

Written by

Last editedMay 20222 min read

Late payments can result in a company’s services, supplies and materials being interrupted, as well as hurt supplier relationships. While one or two late payments can be forgiven, continued overdue payments will severely hinder your business.

For this reason, companies need to have an efficient invoice payment process in place. Invoice processing plays a major role in business management. It comprises a series of steps that need to be taken by accounts payable, in order to efficiently manage vendor or supplier invoices, from their receipt to payment.

With the advent of technology, invoice processing has become far more streamlined. Companies can now upgrade their invoicing systems so that invoices are received, recorded, and paid automatically. Invoice processing is now generally performed with specialist invoice automation software, e.g., Invoiced, or Chargebee, and referred to as automated invoice processing.

Now, let’s find out a little more about the invoice payment process.

What is the invoice payment process?

Invoice processing is a term referring to all the steps involved in the tracking and payment of supplier invoices. Whether an invoice is received via email, as a PDF attachment, or as an electronic invoice, it needs to be automatically scanned into the accounting system. From here, the invoice undergoes a designated workflow approval and payment process.

There are several steps involved in the invoice payment process, including receiving the supplier invoice, getting it approved, establishing a payment date, paying the invoice, and recording it in the general ledger.

Steps involved in the invoice payment process

1. Receipt of invoice

The accounts payable department verifies that the stated items or services have been procured. They then match the amount billed to the amount listed on the original purchase order (PO). Any discrepancies must be resolved with the supplier before the invoice can be routed for approval.

2. Approval of invoice

If all the information is correct, the invoice is sent for approval as per company protocol.

3. Payment of invoice

Once the invoice is approved, it will be sent for payment according to the terms agreed with the vendor. Sometimes companies choose to pay invoices early to take advantage of discounts, for example 2% Net 10 (or 2% savings for paying a bill within 10 days).

Benefits of online invoice payment processing

With an established invoice processing workflow in place, your accounts payable department becomes far more efficient. They can quickly and easily track what’s owed to suppliers, make sure payments are approved correctly, and make payments in a timely fashion.

Other advantages of online invoice payment processing include:

  • Consistency in processing vendor invoices more quickly and more efficiently

  • No more mislaying or losing invoices – or having to go back to suppliers for a copy of the invoice

  • A reduction in late payment fees since invoices are paid on time

  • Ability to take advantage of early payment discounts offered by vendors for paying invoices, often within 10 to 15 days

  • The elimination of instances of errors and double data entry across multiple systems

  • Potential to develop more robust supplier relationships

  • Assurance that the supply chain keeps moving smoothly, since suppliers are paid on time

  • Reduces repetitive data entry labor, and enables employees to focus on core business activities

Automated invoice processing software features

Different invoice processing platforms offer varying features, but it’s recommended to look out for the following when considering an automated invoice processing system:

  • Automated approval workflows

  • Standardized coding

  • Dashboards showing which suppliers have been paid

  • Option to see which invoices are awaiting payment, and which need to be approved

  • Ability to integrate with a company’s existing software and systems, e.g., their ERP

Manual invoice processing is time-expensive and error-prone, so it’s surprising how many companies have yet to turn to automated invoice processing. Software helps to simplify the accounts payable process and enable companies to improve cash management, as well as record and review their transactions to ensure they’re legitimate, and ensure suppliers are getting paid on time.

We can help

GoCardless helps you automate payment collection, cutting down on the amount of admin your team needs to deal with when chasing invoices. Find out how GoCardless can help you with ad hoc payments or recurring payments.

Over 85,000 businesses use GoCardless to get paid on time. Learn more about how you can improve payment processing at your business today.

Get StartedLearn More
Interested in automating the way you get paid? GoCardless can help
Interested in automating the way you get paid? GoCardless can help

Interested in automating the way you get paid? GoCardless can help

Contact sales

Try a better way to collect payments, with GoCardless. It's free to get started.

Try a better way to collect payments

Learn moreSign up