In an office, long, long ago, an AP team spent hours manually entering invoices, chasing approvals and correcting errors. But then, with automation software, AP teams achieved new levels of speed and efficiency. Gone were all the manual processes, missed deadlines and lost revenue.

Unfortunately, our beleaguered AP team wasn’t totally out of the woods yet. Rising invoice volumes, cashflow pressures and staffing shortages demanded automation that does more than processing invoices: It needs to understand them.

How AI-powered AP automation is changing the game

Here we arrive in the year 2025, which bears yet another transformation: Artificial Intelligence. It delivers real-time insights, impresses with its predictive power and enables smarter decision-making at every level. AI systems now do the heavy lifting in AP processes: extracting data from invoices, flagging anomalies and even suggesting the right GL codes based on historical behaviour. It can also help identify key suppliers and optimise payment timing. This enables a truly touchless process, freeing teams to focus on what really matters: managing exceptions, strengthening supplier relationships and contributing to strategic goals.

The changing accounts payable roles

Our AP team is now stepping into a new role, from data entry to strategic advisors. Real-time insights enable them to anticipate risks, forecast expenses and guide financial decisions, making them a central player in supporting the CFO’s growth strategy.

The agility and predictive capabilities of AI open the door to a new way of managing finances. The aggregated insights allow the Office of the CFO to better anticipate expenses, optimise cashflow and reduce financial risks, thereby strengthening the company’s performance.

According to PYMNTS research, 78% of CFOs view AI integration in AP processes as crucial, while 73% of mid-sized business executives believe automation boosts cash flow, savings and growth.

Intelligent automation and real-time insights provide AP teams with the tools to make the shift from data entry to performing strategic advisory functions by enabling faster, smarter decision-making at every level of the company. So raise those coffee cups in a toast to removing tedium and creating a more intelligent future in AP!