101 Best Practices for Accounts PayableBy Mary S. Schaeffer *101 practices examined and explained * Best practices delineated for each * Almost best practices identified for those instances where best practices cannot be used * Discussion of concerns relevant to the accounts payable function for each issue * Worst practices highlighted
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!
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
Accounting Control Best Practices, Second Edition Control systems are needed to ensure that a company's assets are used in the most productive manner and that they are not lost through fraudulent activities. However, an excessive use of controls can interfere with the efficient completion of activities within a company. Whether your company is in start-up mode, installing new systems, or simply dissatisfied with existing controls due to fraudulent losses, Accounting Control Best Practices, Second Edition is the reference handbook every accountant and systems analyst can use to ensure that their company has constructed a durable and efficient set of controls. This easy-to-use handbook clearly explains how to develop an effective system of accounting and operational controls and offers the best practices with pragmatic insights and proactive strategies to protect organizations from suffering further substantial losses of assets and reputation that occur from financial dishonesty within an organization. Author and renowned accounting expert Steven Bragg provides control flowcharts in every chapter for all major processes as well as a thorough set of corporate policies designed to support the system of controls. Now containing chapters on budgeting, collections, and acquisition integration, this valuable reference handbook offers essential information on control best practices for: Order entry, credit, and shipment Inventory management Billing Cash-handling Payroll Fixed assets Budgeting Financial reporting Just-in-time manufacturing Petty cash And many more Encompassing all of the major accounting and operational processes with nearly 500 controls presented in basic, intermediate, and advanced layers, from those needed for a very basic paper-based system, to computerized systems, to the use of advanced best practice enhancements in computerized systems, Accounting Control Best Practices, Second Edition is the only guidebook needed to devise a set of controls precisely tailored to every company's system.
The Model Rules of Professional Conduct provides an up-to-date resource for information on legal ethics. Federal, state and local courts in all jurisdictions look to the Rules for guidance in solving lawyer malpractice cases, disciplinary actions, disqualification issues, sanctions questions and much more. In this volume, black-letter Rules of Professional Conduct are followed by numbered Comments that explain each Rule's purpose and provide suggestions for its practical application. The Rules will help you identify proper conduct in a variety of given situations, review those instances where discretionary action is possible, and define the nature of the relationship between you and your clients, colleagues and the courts.
Internal controls are a framework of policies, procedures, analysis and strategies put in place by an organization to prevent fraud, ensure the veracity and reliability of financial and accounting information and to protect the organization's financial assets including - but not limited to - its cash flow. When it comes to accounts payable, not only do strong internal controls help prevent improper and duplicate payments, they tend to lead to a more efficient procure-to-pay process. Controls are all in the details and this book walks professionals through the discrete tasks comprising and impacting the payment function. Internal controls in your accounts payable function really do matter. Ignoring them could cost you in ways you never imagined. Table of Contents Introduction Chapter 1: Why Internal Controls Matter Chapter 2: The Basics of Internal Controls: Theory Chapter 3: The Basics of Internal Controls: In Practice Chapter 4: Fraud Prevention Controls and Practices Chapter 5: Internal Controls and Duplicate Payments Chapter 6: Where Internal Controls Break Down Chapter 7: Purchase Orders and Their Role in Internal Controls Chapter 8: Invoice Processing: The Core of the Accounts Payable Function Chapter 9: Invoice Related Control Issues Chapter 10: When Paying by Check: The Internal Control Migraine Chapter 11: Check Related Control Issues Chapter 12: Corporate Procurement Cards: An Alternative to Paper Checks Chapter 13: Electronic Payment Alternatives: A Better Payment Approach Chapter 14: The Master Vendor File: Where It All Begins Chapter 15: The Travel and Entertainment Component: Expense Reimbursements Chapter 16: Computers, Tablets and Smartphones: The Often-Overlooked Control Component Chapter 17: Controls to Prevent Bribing Foreign Government Officials Chapter 18: Other Issues That Present Control Concerns Chapter 19: The Policy and Procedures Manual: Tying It All Together Glossary Index
Praise for Accounts Receivable Management BestPractices "An excellent reference tool on how to manage the accountsreceivable process for any company. The use of real-life examplesmakes the concepts easy to understand. I recommend the book toanyone who wants to improve cash flow and reduce bad debtloss." —Michael E. Beaulieu, Senior Vice President, Finance CardinalHealth "Rather than simply explaining how to get the greatest returnfrom an investment in accounts receivable, John G. Salek revealshow companies shoot themselves in the foot when management setspolicies and procedures without consideration of the impact on cashflow. Accounts Receivable Management Best Practices isn't just forcredit and collection professionals who often spend more timecleaning up process errors and other corporate 'garbage,' insteadof managing risk. It should be required reading for C-levelexecutives, the sales staff, operations managers, and anybody elsewhose job impacts the order-to-cash cycle." —David Schmidt, Principal, A2 Resources Coauthor of PowerCollecting: Automation for Effective Asset Management "Enhancing a company's competitive profile is all about givingenough customers the right product, at the right price, at theright time. This author's real-world approach to accomplishing thisgoal through the prism of receivables management makes this book amust-read for those companies looking to make their mark as anorganization that cares about its customers as well as their ownneed to produce financial results." —Bruce C. Lynn, Managing Director The Financial ExecutivesConsulting Group, LLC "I have worked with John Salek since 1992, both as his clientand as a project manager working with his organization. Hisknowledge of receivables management . . . the technology, theprocesses, and the formula for success . . . are unsurpassed in thefield." —Stephen L. Watts, Manager, Global Receivables (retired)General Electric Medical Systems "Mr. Salek has written a masterpiece on the intricacies andmanagement of the accounts receivable portfolio. I would recommendthis book to CFOs, controllers, treasurers, credit managers, andsmall business owners." —Steve Kozack, Credit Manager Lennox Hearth Products "Written by an author who has been in the trenches and citesactual examples. This is not written in theory, but frompractice." —Milt Dardis, Collection Consultant Dardis &Associates
Your most trusted employee. Your right hand. However, something just doesn't feel right about your business. Could an employee be stealing from you? Certainly you're mistaken, right? After all, this person helped you grow your business, has full access to everything from passwords to bank statements. Sure, that gives your employee the opportunity, but he or she would never take advantage of it. We lock our cars and our houses to protect ourselves. What do you do to protect your business? This book is designed to help you prevent, detect, and investigate embezzlement. You will learn how opportunity, pressure, and rationalization are the basis for fraud. Kelly Paxton is a former federal agent who was used to dealing with "bad guys." Once she started working embezzlement cases, she quickly realized that honest people steal. So, arm yourself with her knowledge, insight, and tips on how to protect your future today. Here's what some experts in the field have to say about Embezzlement: How to Detect, Prevent, and Investigate Pink-Collar Crime: "A thoroughly enjoyable and accessible read -- chock full of stories that bring the subject of pink-collar crime to life. Kelly Paxton helps us understand that fraud happens in all aspects of our personal and professional lives. She opens our eyes to the realities of fraud and gives thoughtful tips to deal with it. A must-read for everyone -- whether you have seen or experienced fraud first-hand or not." --BETHMARA KESSLER-SPEAKER, Chair, ACFE Board of Regents "What a fantastic book by fraud-fighter Kelly Paxton! It's an easy read that combines interesting embezzlement stories, relevant fraud concepts, and excellent fraud prevention tips. Kelly's discussion of what constitutes pink-collar crime was enlightening. This is a must-read for any conscientious business owner looking for practical advice on reducing their exposure to employee fraud." --TRACY COENEN, Forensic Accountant "Fraud comes in many forms--from simple theft by swiping a few dollars from your mom's wallet to technically sophisticated, movie-ready Casino Royale-like scripts. The word "fraud" is so generic that one can find myriad applications, making seemingly everyone an expert in such a loosely defined field. In the past twenty years, I've seen FBI agents turned celebrity thanks to movies like Wolf on Wall Street alongside famed convicted hacker hoodlums, each professing to know and teach about fraud. Their backgrounds and experiences make them interesting, perhaps even sexy (if fraud could ever be considered sexy), but it doesn't make them well-rounded like Kelly Paxton. Paxton's dedication and earnest work on pink-collar crime dates back a decade. Her focus, experience, and resilience in professing, sharing, and training in this unique and often overlooked criminal activity stands alone. Embezzlement exemplifies real experiences, tactics, and investigative solutions for this least-suspecting yet growing criminal element representing nearly half of the total labor force: Women. Fraud examiners, investigators, and industry pros will be grabbing Embezzlement off the shelf and find it hard to put down." --CYNTHIA HETHERINGTON, President, Hetherington Group
A tax-smart guide to keeping more of the wealth you build Three obstacles to wealth-lawsuits, income taxes, and estate taxes-can and will destroy the financial achievements of those who fail to properly safeguard their assets. In this book, attorney and tax strategist J.J. Childers lays out a plan for combating these forces so that anyone willing to learn and apply the secrets of the wealthy can do so in a smart, simple, and effective way. J.J. Childers (Little Rock, AR) is a licensed attorney specializing in wealth structures that reduce taxes and shield assets. He speaks on these topics to thousands of individuals, investors, and small business owners each year. His unique ability to explain complicated strategies in simple terms has made him one of the nation's most sought-after speakers and practitioners on asset-protecting legal structures.
ACCOUNTING BEST PRACTICES Seventh Edition Today's accounting staffs are called on to work magic: process transactions, write reports, improve efficiency, create new processes—all at the lowest possible cost, using an ever-shrinking proportion of total corporate expenses. Sound impossible? Not if your staff is using the best practices for accounting. Fully updated in a new edition, Accounting Best Practices, Seventh Edition draws from renowned accounting leader Steven Bragg's extensive experience in successfully developing, operating, and consulting various accounting departments. This invaluable resource has the at-your-fingertips information you need, whether you've been searching for ways to cut costs in your accounting department, or just want to offer more services without the added expense. The best practices featured in this excellent step-by-step manual constitute need-to-know information concerning the most advanced techniques and strategies for increasing productivity, reducing costs, and monitoring existing accounting systems. This new edition boasts over 400 best practices, with fifty new to this edition in the areas of taxation, finance, collections, general ledger, accounts payable, and billing. Now featuring a corresponding seven-minute podcast for each chapter found on the book's companion website, Accounting Best Practices is the perfect, do-it-yourself book for the manager who wants to significantly boost their accounting department.
