Practical Accounts Payable Management from Order to Payment

Take control of the entire accounts payable cycle with practical steps that reduce risk, improve accuracy, and keep your processes audit-ready. From ordering to payment, this session shows how to build a reliable, compliant AP process that works in the real world and not just on paper.

2 CPD units 18 August 2025 1 presenter

What will set you apart

By completing this course you will gain the following competencies

How to confidently manage the full accounts payable cycle—from ordering stock to creditor payment
How to implement segregation of duties and internal controls that actually work in small businesses
How to spot red flags and reduce the risk of fraud, supplier kickbacks, or missed payments
How to apply IFRS for SMEs Section 11 and 28 to everyday payables and accruals
How to fix messy creditor reconciliations and avoid SARS and audit issues

Event breakdown

Introduction to the accounts payable cycle
Ordering goods and services: best practices and approval flows
Capturing supplier invoices correctly (manual and system-based)
Expense vs stock purchases – treatment and impact
Segregation of duties: real-world application in small teams
Common fraud risks in AP and how to prevent them
Internal controls checklist for payables
Managing creditor reconciliations: when, how, and what to check
Dealing with disputes and supplier queries
Payment runs: controls, sign-offs, and timing
What can go wrong: case studies from SARS and auditors
Applying IFRS for SMEs:
Section 11 (Financial Instruments – payables and accruals)
Section 28 (Employee benefits and accrued expenses)
Month-end procedures for AP
Supplier master file hygiene and maintenance
Tips for systemising your AP process
Final Q&A and practical tools you can take away

Category: AccountingType: CPD CourseCPD category: Accounting

Description

Accounts payable is one of the easiest places for errors and fraud to hide, yet it’s often overlooked until there’s a cash flow crisis or a SARS audit. This session walks you through the entire process: ordering stock or services, capturing supplier invoices, managing creditor accounts, reconciling balances, and making payments. You’ll learn how to embed internal controls like segregation of duties, avoid common compliance risks, and align your systems with the IFRS for SMEs Standard. Whether you’re in practice or in commerce, this session will give you practical tools to clean up your payables process and protect your business or clients.

Presenters

Leana van der Merwe — Leana van der Merwe is a Chartered Accountant and Registered Auditor with over 18 years of experience in business accounting, audit and corporate governance. A former Audit Director and professional-body Technical and Standards Executive, she has guided more than 14,000 professionals through complex regulatory matters. Leana also serves on the PAFA Technical Advisory Group, the IFAC Anti-Money Laundering Committee and the IFRS Foundation SME Implementation Group.

You will earn a certificate

On successful completion you will receive a certificate for 2 CPD units in Accounting.

Requirements

Laptop, desktop, or mobile device with internet access
Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox browser