Managing accounts payable efficiently is crucial for growing businesses to scale operations. Manual invoice processing, paper checks, and disparate systems can bog down your finance team, leading to errors and a lack of real-time visibility.
Moving to an accounts payable software solution for AP automation will eliminate these headaches and, when used properly, improve financial health and operational efficiency.
Good news: the marketplace is full of powerful AP solutions that can streamline your back-office, eliminate manual work, and improve controls.
The catch: how do you choose the best accounts payable software suited for your business needs?
With nearly two decades of pairing middle-market businesses with the best accounting software, talent, and systems to power their back-offices, the Consero team brings deep knowledge of the evolving AP software landscape.
Whether you need an outsourced AP department with integrated software, a robust cloud ERP to handle multi-entity payables, or a standalone AP automation tool to bolt onto your current system, we’ll cover the best solutions to reduce processing costs, accelerate approvals, and provide better cash flow insight.
Top AP Automation Solutions
SIMPL (Finance as a Service)
Key Features
- Turnkey AP Management: Consero’s team handles daily AP tasks (invoice entry, approvals, payments) as well as AR and month-end close
- Integrated Software Stack: Unifies general ledger, AP workflow and payments, expense management, and more
- Scalability & Fast Deployment: Up and running in as little as 30–90 days
- Advanced Reporting: Built-in financial models and real-time reports
- Cost & Efficiency Gains: 20–40% reduction in finance and accounting costs
Bill.com (BILL)
Key Features
- Invoice Capture with AI: OCR technology auto-extracts key invoice details
- Custom Approval Workflows: Multi-step approval workflows with email and mobile notifications
- Seamless Payments: Pay suppliers via ACH, virtual card, check, or international wire
- Accounting Software Integration: Syncs with QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, Oracle NetSuite, etc.
- Additional Cash Flow Features: Accounts receivable and expense reimbursement
Sage Intacct
Key Features
- Core AP & Multi-Entity Support: Handles domestic and international vendors, multi-currency, and inter-company transactions
- Automated Workflows: Configurable approval workflows with thresholds and email notifications
- Integration-Friendly: Built with an open API to integrate with scanning/OCR tools and payment services
- Advanced Modules for AP: Optional modules for purchasing and vendor payment services
- Real-Time Reporting and Visibility: Generate aging schedules, AP ledger by vendor, days payables outstanding, etc.
Oracle NetSuite
Key Features
- End-to-End Financial Suite: AP ties directly into the general ledger with real-time financial statements
- Procure-to-Pay Automation: Generate POs, approve, then match incoming invoices to POs and receipts
- Integrated Inventory & Vendor Management: Real-time inventory tracking and vendor performance tracking
- Customization and Extensions: Create custom approval workflows, fields, and scripts
- Scalability & Global Capabilities: Supports multiple subsidiaries, currencies, and tax regimes
Tipalti
Key Features
- Self-Service Supplier Onboarding: Supplier portal enables vendors to self-register and input their details
- Invoice Automation & AI: OCR and machine learning automate invoice entry and approval workflows
- Global Payment Engine: Pay suppliers in 190+ countries in 120+ currencies via various payment methods
- Tax Compliance and Reporting: Collects W-9 and W-8 forms and handles withholding requirements
- ERP Integration and Multi-Entity: Integrates with popular ERPs and consolidates AP across multiple entities
Airbase
Key Features
- Bill Payments (AP Automation): OCR captures invoice data with approval workflows and payment execution
- Corporate Cards (Virtual & Physical): Issues Visa cards with built-in spend controls
- Expense Reimbursements: Integrated module for managing out-of-pocket expenses
- Real-Time Reporting & Controls: Visibility into budget vs. actuals with strong approval controls
- Automation & Integration: Auto-categorize expenses and match receipts to transactions
MineralTree
Key Features
- Invoice Capture & Coding: Automated data capture via OCR or e-invoices with default GL coding
- Approval Workflow & Mobile App: Multi-level approvals via web interface or mobile app
- ERP Integration: Pre-built integrations with hundreds of ERPs and accounting systems
- Payment Automation: Facilitates payment execution directly from your bank account
- Security & Compliance: Role-based access, two-factor authentication, and duplicate invoice detection
Stampli
Key Features
- AI-Driven Invoice Processing: AI learns invoice patterns to automate coding, approval routing, and anomaly detection
- Collaboration Hub: Each invoice becomes a central discussion thread for AP staff and approvers
- Flexible Approval Workflows: Supports complex approval scenarios across departments or locations
- Payment Options (Stampli Direct Pay): Handle payments through Stampli, consolidating various payment methods
- ERP Integration (No-Code): Integrates with over 70 different ERP and accounting systems
Medius
Key Features
- Intelligent Invoice Capture: OCR and AI achieve high automatic capture rates for various invoice formats
- Automated 2-way/3-way Matching: Matches invoices to POs and goods receipts, flagging only exceptions
- Fraud & Risk Detection: Performs automatic checks and employs AI-driven fraud detection
- Global Payments (Medius Pay): Manages outflows via virtual card, ACH, and international transfers
- ERP Integrations and Cloud Deployment: Connectors for major ERPs with multi-tenant cloud service
AvidXchange
Key Features
- Invoice Management: Enter invoices via scan/email, portal upload, or incoming mail with OCR extraction
- Approval Workflow & ERP Integration: Configure workflows to mirror business rules and integrate with 220+ systems
- AvidPay Network (Payments): Proprietary payment network connecting thousands of vendors for ACH, check, or virtual card payments
- Industry-Specific Workflow Features: Tailored workflows for verticals like real estate or construction
- Analytics and Reporting: Dashboards track invoice status, approval bottlenecks, and spending trends
Coupa
Key Features
- Procurement & AP Integration: AP automation starts upstream with procurement for streamlined matching
- Global Invoice Compliance: Supports compliant e-invoicing in many countries with tax/regulatory updates
- Coupa Pay & Payments: Integrated solution for virtual credit cards, ACH, and international payments
- Spend Analytics & Controls: Rich analytics, benchmarking, and AI anomaly detection
- Supplier Management: Comprehensive onboarding and risk management features
- SIMPL: Best for outsourcing the entire AP function with a fully managed service and software stack.
- Bill.com (BILL): Best for streamlining AP for small to midsize businesses with easy QuickBooks sync.
- Sage Intacct: Best for mid-sized companies needing GAAP-compliant cloud financials.
- Oracle NetSuite: Best for high-growth, complex businesses needing a comprehensive ERP with AP.
- Tipalti: Best for companies with global payables and mass vendor payments.
- Airbase: Best for tech-savvy businesses unifying AP, cards, and expenses in one platform.
- MineralTree: Best for easy ERP-integrated AP automation with fixed pricing.
- Stampli: Best for AP teams wanting collaborative invoice workflows with AI assistance.
- Medius: Best for midsize enterprises focusing on AP automation with fraud controls.
- AvidXchange: Best for domestic mid-market firms automating invoices & payments in industries like real estate and construction.
- Coupa: Best for organizations seeking full procure-to-pay with AP integration.
1. SIMPL (Finance as a Service)
Best for: Businesses seeking a full back-office transformation that includes a managed finance & accounting solution to handle AP end-to-end while delivering cost savings and expert support.
Key Features: SIMPL is part of Consero’s Finance as a Service (FaaS) platform that provides full-stack cloud-based finance and accounting software along with an outsourced accounting department to manage it.
It includes SOC II-compliant, enterprise-grade AP automation, integrated billing and payment processing, real-time dashboards, and reporting – all operated by Consero’s finance team on your behalf.
✓ Pros
$ Pricing
Bottom Line
If scalability, speed of implementation, and streamlining overhead are top priorities, SIMPL delivers outsourced AP automation with none of the management or migration headaches.
FaaS gives you a plug-and-play finance function that can produce GAAP-compliant financials and handle complex AP needs virtually overnight.
It’s ideal for fast-growing companies or investor-backed firms that prefer a full-service implementation and back-office management package.
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Schedule Consultation2. Bill.com (BILL)
Best for: Small and mid-sized businesses looking for cloud-based AP invoicing and payment automation that easily integrates with other accounting software.
Key Features: Bill.com (rebranded as BILL) is a widely-used AP automation platform that streamlines the entire accounts payable process from bill capture to approval to payment. It is known for its simplicity and ability to integrate with popular accounting systems.
✓ Pros
$ Pricing
Bottom Line
Bill.com brings a level of organization and efficiency to AP that growing companies need, without requiring an ERP. It’s also scalable and affordable, making it a go-to tool for startups up through mid-market firms.
Bill.com is an excellent fit for:
- Companies that want a bolt-on to boost their existing accounting system’s AP capabilities without a full ERP overhaul
- Professional services firms, consultancies, startups, and any business with distributed approvers
- Companies that are scaling and looking to improve controls and efficiency before an audit or funding round
3. Sage Intacct
Best for: Mid-sized companies seeking robust cloud financial management with strong AP, multi-entity consolidation, and AICPA-endorsed GAAP capabilities.
Key Features: A popular cloud financial management system known for its deep accounting features and modular approach. Intacct’s Accounts Payable module includes automation of the entire payables workflow, along with GL, AR, cash management, and more.
✓ Pros
$ Pricing
Bottom Line
Sage Intacct is a top choice for companies that need accounting rigor and scalability from a cloud solution that’s manageable for a lean team.
It’s well-suited for multi-entity, multi-currency businesses and is popular with professional services, SaaS, and nonprofit organizations for its detailed revenue and expense tracking, or fund accounting (for nonprofits).
While more expensive than small business software, it’s usually cheaper than big ERPs like Oracle or SAP.
If your goal is to improve AP efficiency while maintaining strong financial controls and reporting for stakeholders, Intacct is a happy medium between lightweight and heavyweight systems.
4. Oracle NetSuite
Best for: High-growth and multi-entity businesses that need a comprehensive cloud ERP suite with AP, purchasing, inventory, and financial capabilities in one system.
Key Features: A leading full-suite ERP with wide breadth, covering core accounting (GL, AP, AR), order-to-cash, procure-to-pay, inventory/warehouse management, e-commerce, CRM, etc.. For accounts payable, NetSuite offers an integrated module with features like purchase order matching, approvals, payment scheduling, vendor management, and tax compliance.
✓ Pros
$ Pricing
Bottom Line
NetSuite is a premium option best for companies that anticipate significant scale or complexity in their operations, such as:
- Software/SaaS businesses that need advanced revenue recognition alongside AP
- Multi-subsidiary companies that require consolidated AP across entities
- Product-based businesses that want accounting and inventory tightly integrated
If your business is outgrowing simpler systems and you want a single endpoint for finance, procurement, and operations, NetSuite is a top choice.
While not cheap, the pricing can be justified when you need a comprehensive solution to replace multiple point solutions and handle very large transaction volumes.
5. Tipalti
Best for: Companies that need to streamline mass payables, especially if paying hundreds or thousands of suppliers, contractors, or partners worldwide with complex tax and currency requirements.
Key Features: A cloud AP automation platform with a strong focus on global payables and partner payments. It goes beyond basic AP by handling supplier onboarding, tax compliance (W-9/W-8 collection), and international payments at scale.
✓ Pros
$ Pricing
Bottom Line
Tipalti is best for mid-market to enterprise companies with complex payables operations.
As a premium solution, companies using Tipalti usually have substantial AP scale or complexity, and can justify the cost by saving on additional headcount or compliance services.
If your AP involves paying large numbers of suppliers across different countries and currencies, Tipalti delivers one of the most comprehensive and efficient solutions available.
6. Airbase
Best for: Modern finance teams that want an all-in-one spend management solution with real-time control and visibility over all non-payroll spend.
Key Features: Comprehensive spend management platform that covers AP automation, company credit cards, and employee expense reimbursements in one integrated system.
✓ Pros
$ Pricing
Bottom Line
Airbase is best when you want one system to manage all non-payroll spend with high efficiency and transparency, acting as your AP subledger, expense system, and card program in one.
Companies that have outgrown basic accounting software add-ons but aren’t ready for a giant ERP plus separate expense system find Airbase to be a right-sized solution.
If you have a lean finance team supporting a high-growth company, Airbase can multiply their productivity by automating AP and T&E.
7. MineralTree
Best for: Finance teams that want an easy-to-implement AP automation solution that integrates with existing ERP/accounting software at predictable pricing.
Key Features: The end-to-end AP automation solution, branded as “TotalAP,” focuses on making invoice processing and payments simpler for companies using popular ERP systems.
✓ Pros
$ Pricing
Bottom Line
MineralTree is best for companies that want to automate AP without overhauling their entire finance system. If you’re using an on-premise or cloud ERP, MineralTree adds a layer of AP automation on top.
It’s used across a wide-range of industries by organizations with a steady stream of invoices and a desire to improve efficiency, particularly those who require multi-entity AP handling or have remote approval processes.
Choose MineralTree if you need a solid AP automation solution that plays well with your current software environment and will quickly transform your AP operations.
8. Stampli
Best for: Accounts Payable teams that want a user-friendly, collaboration-centric AP automation solution without changing their existing ERP.
Key Features: AP automation platform designed with a focus on the invoice collaboration process. Unlike some competitors, it positions itself as the AP team’s best friend, layering on top of your ERP to streamline workflow.
✓ Pros
$ Pricing
Bottom Line
Stampli is best for organizations with an accounts payable team that wants more autonomy and efficiency within their existing processes.
It’s great for mid-market companies across industries – from manufacturing to media – who have a steady flow of invoices and use an ERP, but need a better frontend for AP processing.
Choose Stampli if you want to give your AP department a powerful tool that makes invoice processing faster, smarter, and more collaborative without a huge IT burden.
9. Medius
Best for: Midsize and larger organizations that need a secure, AI-enhanced AP automation solution with robust fraud prevention.
Key Features: Medius is an established AP automation provider that offers a suite of solutions encompassing invoice automation, payments, procurement, and expense management. Focused on control and efficiency, Medius brings features such as:
✓ Pros
$ Pricing
Bottom Line
Medius is best for European and North American companies that require multi-country AP processing and want an AP tool to streamline and safeguard their AP process.
If you are processing a large volume of invoices or operate in a regulatory environment where errors carry big consequences, Medius provides the controls you need.
Choose Medius if you’re looking for a well-rounded, future-proof AP automation solution that not only speeds up processes but also strengthens financial controls and can grow with your business.
10. AvidXchange
Best for: Domestic mid-market companies seeking to eliminate paper invoices and checks, particularly in industries like real estate, construction, HOA management, and financial services.
Key Features: Named a Leader in the IDC MarketScape for mid-market AP Automation. Known for digitizing invoices and payments, the platform covers invoice capture, workflow approvals, and integrated payment processing (AvidPay network).
✓ Pros
$ Pricing
Bottom Line
AvidXchange is best for North American mid-market organizations, particularly in real estate or property management, that have a steady flow of invoices and want to go paperless.
It’s an ideal choice when you need a reliable AP solution that integrates with your existing accounting system, and want a partner to assist with onboarding vendors and handling payments.
It’s worth noting that AvidXchange historically has been U.S.-centric. It’s excellent for domestic AP, but if you have a lot of international payments or need a supplier self-service portal, other tools may be a better fit.
11. Coupa
Best for: Larger mid-market or enterprise companies that want a complete procure-to-pay platform to drive strict spend control and compliance.
Key Features: Coupa is a leading Business Spend Management system. While its bread-and-butter is in procurement (requisitioning, purchase orders, supplier management), it offers a robust Accounts Payable module and payments solution (Coupa Pay).
✓ Pros
$ Pricing
Best for
Coupa is a premium option for organizations that view AP automation as part of a larger spend management transformation.
Typical users include companies nearing enterprise scale (or already enterprise), preparing for IPOs, operating globally, or with complex approval hierarchies.
If you’re just looking to automate invoice entry, Coupa might be overkill; but if you want to elevate your entire purchasing and payables function, its comprehensive approach is hard to beat.
For smaller mid-market companies, Coupa may not be cost-effective purely for AP and a lighter tool or managed service will be preferable.
Additional Accounts Payable Software Solutions
Xero
Best for: Early‑stage and lower‑mid‑market companies that want an ultra‑simple cloud ledger with built‑in AP and limitless users.
Key features
- Bills‑to‑Pay workspace lets you email or drag‑and‑drop invoices; OCR captures key fields automatically
- Hubdoc add‑on and BILL network integration for deeper invoice capture and ACH payments
- Basic multi‑step approvals, repeating bills, due‑date reminders, and batch payments synced to bank feeds
- Unlimited users on every plan; mobile app gives approvers on‑the‑go access
Pros
- Short learning curve for non-AP/accountants, with plain‑language UI that avoids accounting jargon
- Unlimited seats to include every approver without extra fees
- Rich marketplace (800+ apps) if you need PO matching, 3‑way match, or analytics
Pricing (US)
- Tiered monthly subscriptions (Early, Growing, Established)
Bottom Line: Xero is an easy, cost-effective option for smaller companies that value a user‑friendly cloud ledger with simple AP and unlimited seats.
Microsoft Dynamics 365 (Business Central/Finance)
Best for: Mid‑market firms on the Microsoft stack that need a full cloud ERP with integrated AP, PO matching, and tight Office/Power BI ties.
Key features
- Complete AP sub‑ledger with vendor management, payment journals, and three‑way PO matching
- OCR invoice capture and workflow automation via Dynamics AI + Power Automate
- Multi‑entity, multi‑currency, and in‑depth audit logs; export payment files or transmit payments direct to bank
- Seamless reporting in Excel/Power BI and native Teams approvals
Pros
- Familiar Microsoft look‑and‑feel; strong partner channel and vertical add‑ons
- Scales from a single subsidiary to complex consolidations. If you outgrow Business Central you can upgrade to Dynamics 365 Finance.
- Embedded analytics deliver real‑time AP aging, cash‑requirement forecasts, and vendor KPIs
Pricing
- Tiered per-user pricing (Essentials and Premium)
- Implementation is partner-led and will include a one-time project fee
Bottom Line: Dynamics 365 is an ideal integrated ERP + AP for mid‑market companies that are already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.
Acumatica Cloud ERP
Best for: Growing companies that want a flexible, unlimited‑user cloud ERP where AP workflows and pricing scale with overall system usage.
Key features
- AP module automates invoice capture, approvals, 3‑way matching, and payment runs
- Vendor self‑service portal with real‑time status and dispute messaging
- Unlimited named users—pricing is based on resources and modules, not seats
- Open APIs and low‑code platform make it easy to tailor workflows or embed AI invoice capture partners
Pros
- “One‑price‑for‑all‑users” model
- Modular architecture lets you start with financials and AP then add more modules (distribution, construction, or manufacturing) later
- Strong user experience for web and mobile reduces manual AP touch points
Pricing
- Subscription is usage‑based (applications + transaction volume)
- Most mid‑market deployments fall into the mid‑five‑figure annual range
- No per‑user fees
Bottom Line: For growing, mid-market businesses that value customization, Acumatica Cloud ERP is a scalable solution that offers unlimited‑user, usage‑priced ERP with flexible AP workflows.
SAP S/4HANA Cloud
Best for: Upper‑mid‑market and global enterprises that need end‑to‑end procure‑to‑pay, AI‑driven invoice processing, and rigorous compliance.
Key features
- Native AP ledger integrates with procurement, cash management, and Treasury
- SAP Business AI + RPA automate invoice capture, 3‑way match, exception handling, and duplicate detection
- Global compliance pack covers e‑invoicing, tax, and payments in 100+ countries
- Built‑in fraud controls (bank‑detail validation, situation handling) and advanced analytics
Pros
- Enterprise‑grade scalability handles millions of invoices and complex shared‑services structures
- Future‑proof: quarterly cloud releases add AI copilots and regulatory updates automatically
- Deep integration with SAP Ariba, Concur, SuccessFactors, etc., for a unified source‑to‑pay landscape
Pricing
- Subscription is per active user/role (tiered licenses)
- Total cost depends on user mix, data volume, and implementation scope
Bottom Line: SAP S/4HANA Cloud is an AI‑enabled procure‑to‑pay platform best suited for larger mid‑market or global enterprises needing deep compliance and scale.
How to Choose the Right AP Solution
With so many strong AP software options, the challenge is determining which best aligns with your company’s needs and strategic goals. Here are some key criteria to consider when evaluating and choosing the right accounts payable solution:
Scalability for Multi‑Entity Growth
Best‑Fit Platforms
SIMPL (FaaS) · Oracle NetSuite · Microsoft Dynamics 365
Why They Win in This Scenario
SIMPL flexes capacity up or down without head‑count changes; NetSuite and Dynamics handle multi‑subsidiary, multi‑currency roll‑ups inside one ERP.
Implementation Speed & Lean Resources
Best‑Fit Platforms
SIMPL (FaaS) · Bill.com · MineralTree
Why They Win in This Scenario
Consero stands up a turnkey AP operation in 30–90 days; Bill.com and MineralTree plug into existing ledgers with minimal IT lift—often live in weeks.
Global Payments & Compliance
Best‑Fit Platforms
Tipalti · SAP S/4HANA Cloud · Medius
Why They Win in This Scenario
Tipalti automates supplier onboarding, W‑9/W‑8 collection, and pays in 120+ currencies; SAP’s public‑cloud edition keeps pace with e‑invoicing mandates worldwide; Medius layers AI‑driven fraud and sanctions checks on every payment.
End‑to‑End Procure‑to‑Pay Control
Best‑Fit Platforms
Coupa · Oracle NetSuite · SAP S/4HANA Cloud
Why They Win in This Scenario
Coupa unifies requisitions, POs, invoices, and payments in one spend‑management suite; NetSuite’s native purchasing flows straight into AP; SAP offers integrated procurement, AP, and Treasury for large, global teams.
Unified Spend Management (AP + Cards + Expenses)
Best‑Fit Platforms
Airbase · Coupa · Microsoft Dynamics 365 (with Expense add‑ins)
Why They Win in This Scenario
Airbase combines virtual/physical cards, reimbursements, and bill pay in a single UI; Coupa covers cards, travel, and payables; Dynamics can reach parity by layering the Microsoft Expense and corporate‑card connectors.
Collaborative User Experience
Best‑Fit Platforms
Stampli · Xero · Bill.com
Why They Win in This Scenario
Stampli’s Slack‑style chat sits on every invoice; Xero’s unlimited‑user model brings all approvers in without extra cost; Bill.com’s mobile approvals keep distributed teams moving.
Predictable Cost & Outsourcing Economics
Best‑Fit Platforms
SIMPL (FaaS) · Xero · MineralTree
Why They Win in This Scenario
SIMPL bundles software plus finance talent, typically trimming F&A spend by 20‑40%; Xero’s flat subscription offers unlimited users; MineralTree charges by invoice volume—not per approver—making budgeting simple.
Industry‑Specific Fit
Best‑Fit Platforms
AvidXchange (real estate / construction) · Acumatica (distribution / manufacturing) · Sage Intacct (SaaS / nonprofit)
Why They Win in This Scenario
AvidXchange ships with property‑management and job‑cost workflows; Acumatica’s industry editions add supply‑chain and project modules; Intacct delivers fund accounting, SaaS ARR metrics, and revenue‑automation packs.
Automate Your AP Process with SIMPL
Stop juggling invoices, approvals, and payment runs across disconnected systems. Consero’s Finance as a Service (FaaS) powered by SIMPL delivers a complete, outsourced financial tech stack and AP engine—software and seasoned finance pros—live in as little as 30 days.
Here’s what happens when you start with SIMPL:
- Turnkey AP automation: We assume day‑to‑day invoice intake, coding, and payments. No extra head‑count or IT projects.
- 20‑40% cost savings: Our shared‑services model replaces fragmented tools and multiple hires with one lower, predictable monthly fee.
- Real‑time visibility: Executive dashboards show cash requirements, vendor spend, and KPI trends 24/7. No spreadsheets, no waiting for month‑end.
Book a consultation today and we’ll help you:
✅ Confirm that SIMPL’s fully managed model aligns with your growth and complexity
✅ Map a friction‑free cutover so vendors keep getting paid without interruption
✅ Realize rapid ROI by redeploying internal staff to higher‑value work
Manual AP drains time and capital—SIMPL turns it into a strategic advantage.
Ready to hand off the busywork and focus on growth? Let’s build your future‑ready finance function together.
