The 13 best accounts payable software platforms

Accounts payable (AP) is changing fast.

The global AP automation market is experiencing significant growth, projected to expand from $5.4 billion in 2023 to $17.1 billion by 2032. Businesses want to streamline financial operations, reduce manual errors, and enhance their overall efficiency, which is what drives them to seek out the best AP software platforms to fit their needs.

The right AP solution can help your business save time and money, manage working capital more effectively, and reduce errors, but it’s important to strike the right balance between those goals. 

To help you decide, we’ll explore the leading AP automation solutions available today, including a comprehensive procure-to-pay (P2P) platform that can help you manage the entire purchasing process, from procurement to payment, within a single, integrated system.

What is accounts payable automation software?

Accounts payable automation software digitizes and streamlines the accounts payable workflow, the steps your AP team follows to receive vendor bills, obtain approvals, and execute payments. A modern AP platform automates tasks from invoice receipt to payment. This includes data entry, coding to general ledger (GL) accounts, approval routing, and invoice matching to purchase orders (POs) or receipts. By automating the entire process, AP software improves efficiency, transparency, and control in accounts payable.

The more efficient your AP workflow, the faster you can close your books and the quicker you gain visibility into spend and liabilities. Transparency is key, seeing every invoice status and approval audit trail in one place helps prevent mistakes, fraud, or duplicate payments before money goes out. 

Plus, centralizing your AP data lets you analyze spending patterns and make more informed cash flow decisions. Finally, automation enforces controls and accountability, ensuring each step (from purchase to payment) is properly authorized and tracked.

What are the key features of AP automation?

Most AP automation solutions offer a core set of features, including:

• Invoice capture: Scanning or electronic ingestion of invoices with OCR and AI data extraction.
• Approval workflows: Routing invoices to the right people based on your business rules (department, amount thresholds, and other boundaries) for approval or exception handling.
• Two- and three-way matching: Automatically matching invoice line items to purchase orders and delivery receipts to catch discrepancies.
• Electronic vendor payments: Integrating or managing payments (ACH, wire, virtual card, check) once invoices are approved.

Leading platforms go beyond these basics. Top AP software may include supplier onboarding portals, tax compliance, fraud detection algorithms, global payments support like multi-currency, expense management, corporate card management, and deep enterprise resource planning (ERP) integrations for real-time syncing. Increasingly, AP automation is just one part of a broader P2P automation suite, encompassing procurement requests and purchase orders in addition to invoices and payments.

What are the benefits of AP software?

The primary benefit of automating AP is reducing labor and indirect costs — teams spend far less time on manual data entry, chasing approvals, and correcting errors. Fewer late payments and duplicate payments occur, avoiding fees and losses. Here are other major benefits.

Improved cash flow management

Streamlined invoice processing means you can pay on time (or even take early-pay discounts) and get a real-time view of outstanding liabilities. This prevents surprises in cash outflows and enables better cash forecasting.

Error and fraud reduction

Automated three-way matching and AI anomaly detection catch common issues — like duplicate invoices or incorrect amounts — before payments go out. Automation enforces your approval policies, so unauthorized payments are prevented and audit trails are intact.

ERP integration

Many AP solutions integrate with ERPs, accounting systems, and other business applications to share accurate transaction data across your organization. Data sharing improves process efficiency by ensuring everyone is working from the same information.

Better supplier relationships through smooth communication

Accounts payable software solutions with integrated vendor portals centralize communications and information sharing with suppliers. Some providers also offer self-serve onboarding, invoice uploads, and vendor document management to further enhance supplier relationships.

Scalable solutions to support business growth

As your business grows, so does the volume of invoices you receive. Scalable accounts payable solutions maintain process efficiency by growing when your business grows. 

Clearly enforced internal controls

AP automation platforms can help enforce internal controls to ensure regulatory compliance and prevent fraudulent activity.

It’s much easier to achieve these benefits by selecting the right AP automation provider. Let’s explore your options. 

Accounts payable automation solutions

Below, learn about the 13 best accounts payable software platforms and what makes them stand out.

1. Stampli

Stampli is a complete procure-to-pay solution that streamlines the end-to-end AP process without disrupting your existing ERP or accounting system. It layers powerful AP functionality — communication, documentation, workflows — on top of each invoice to eliminate manual workarounds and scattered email threads. Every activity on an invoice (approvals, comments, coding changes) is logged, giving full visibility for audits and month-end close.

Stampli is the only P2P platform that connects every dot of the procurement process to eliminate obscurement — meaning it closes the visibility gaps between purchasing and payables.

With Stampli’s new Employee Purchasing Portal, employees can submit purchase requests through simple, customizable intake forms (no training required). Stampli’s AI, Billy the Bot, acts as a co-pilot throughout. It converts free-text requests into structured data, suggests GL coding and approvers based on historical patterns, and automates manual tasks in both procurement and AP. 

Approved requests can result in multiple outcomes depending on your needs. For example, Stampli can generate a PO in your ERP, create an internal PO for simple purchases, turn the request into a tracked service ticket, or even issue a controlled Stampli Card for the purchase. This flexibility is unique — any type of request can flow to any outcome within one platform.

Stampli’s key features include:

• AI-driven invoice processing: Stampli’s advanced AI learns your patterns to automate invoice data entry, GL coding, and even approval routing. It gets smarter with use, so fewer invoices require manual intervention over time.
• Centralized collaboration: Stakeholders can comment, tag colleagues, attach documents, and even message vendors right on the invoice. All communication stays tied to the transaction, eliminating back-and-forth emails.
• PO matching: Stampli supports automated two-way and three-way matching. It can match invoices to POs (from your ERP or from Stampli’s PO module) and receiving documents, even handling partial receipts and line-item splits.
• Multi-entity and multi-currency: Stampli is built for companies that have multiple entities, locations, or subsidiaries. You can manage invoices and approvals across entities in one place, while maintaining separation of records. 
• Native ERP integration: Stampli integrates natively with 70+ ERPs, including mid-market favorites like NetSuite, Sage Intacct, Dynamics 365, QuickBooks, with no coding required. This deep integration means Stampli can sync vendor records, chart of accounts, and transaction data in real time, without tedious import/export processes.

G2 users rank Stampli as the #1 AP automation solution for ease of setup and quality of support. In fact, Stampli has earned G2’s “Best Relationship” award, meaning customers rate it highest for ease of doing business and likelihood of recommending.

“I like how it simplifies the invoice management process, and it is very easy to use as it is well organized and makes quick approvals. Since everything is in one place, it saves a lot of time and reduces a lot of manual work,” one G2 reviewer says.

Another user writes, “Stampli is very user friendly! Everything from step one has been smooth sailing. Implementation was a breeze, it took little to no time for us to get up and running and that was a big selling point for us.”

Best for: Mid-market and enterprise companies that want to improve AP efficiency, visibility, and control without overhauling their existing ERP or processes. Stampli is ideal if you need a solution that employees can pick up with minimal training and that can scale from AP automation into full procure-to-pay.

2. AvidXchange

AvidXchange is a well-known AP automation and payment solution tailored for mid-market companies. Their mission is to “transform the way middle-market companies receive, manage, and pay bills.” It focuses heavily on industries like real estate, construction, financial services, and HOAs (homeowner associations) where manual AP is still prevalent. 

AvidXchange offers a suite of integrated products to automate accounts payable:

• AvidInvoice for invoice capture and workflow automation (AP data entry and approval routing).
• AvidPay for executing vendor payments electronically (ACH, virtual card, and more), leveraging AvidXchange’s large payment network. 
• AvidStrongroom is an AP workflow tool originally designed for property management and HOA invoices (AvidXchange acquired Strongroom), now used broadly for AP document management and approval flow. 

It also provides additional modules or services, such as purchase order management (creating and approving POs), utility bill management (for organizations with many utility accounts), and spend analytics dashboards. 

AvidXchange focuses on automating accounts payable and payments through a modular approach, you can use their invoice module, their payment module, or both together. However, because procurement coverage is limited, it’s not a full end-to-end P2P suite. This flexibility can be useful if, for example, you only want to outsource the payment part (AvidPay will handle printing/mail checks or routing ACH on your behalf), or only invoice processing. 

Using multiple AvidXchange modules together unlocks a more seamless automation of the entire AP cycle. However, as a modular system, some parts of the AvidXchange experience feel less unified than an all-in-one platform.

3. Tipalti

Tipalti is a global payables automation platform that has grown into a broader finance automation solution. It started out solving the pain of companies that needed to pay hundreds or thousands of suppliers or partners worldwide — think marketplaces, ad networks, international subsidiaries. Tipalti’s core offering automates the AP process, with particular strength in handling multi-currency payments, international tax compliance, and high-volume workflows.

Tipalti is a good solution for mid-market businesses seeking to enhance their accounts payable and payment processing with a customizable, end-to-end automation platform. Its user-friendly interface, internal financial controls, and streamlined payment process can improve efficiency and lead to cost savings. But while the platform excels in payments, its procurement capabilities aren’t as comprehensive as a P2P solution like Stampli.

4. MineralTree

MineralTree is an AP automation platform known for its ease of use and quick deployment. Now part of Global Payments (after a 2021 acquisition), MineralTree offers an end-to-end solution called TotalAP that automates all key AP stages. This includes invoice capture, invoice approval, payment authorization, and payment execution. 

For mid-market finance teams, MineralTree’s appeal lies in its simplicity and strong integration with existing systems. MineralTree also provides its clients with the TotalPay payment solution and SilverPay corporate credit cards. But while MineralTree can automate AP, it misses the procurement side of the P2P process, so it isn’t a true end-to-end solution.

5. Quadient AP Automation (formerly Beanworks)

Quadient AP (formerly Beanworks) is an accounts payable automation solution that focuses on simplifying the AP workflow from purchase to payment. Beanworks was a rising star in AP software before Quadient (a global leader in mail and document management solutions) acquired it in 2021. Today, Quadient AP by Beanworks offers a modular platform with a strong value proposition for teams looking to automate AP without breaking the bank.

Quadient’s AP automation solution consists of four modules — invoice process automation, expenses, payments, and purchase orders. Customers can choose the mix of modules that suits their needs.

6. Yooz

Yooz is a real-time, cloud-based AP automation solution that combines powerful technology with a focus on simplicity and affordability. It’s often mentioned in AP circles for its innovative use of AI and its rapid growth. Yooz brands itself as a purchase-to-pay platform, which means it can handle the process from purchase requisition through invoice processing and payment. Though, its strongest emphasis is on invoices and payments (its procurement features are lighter).

Yooz offers a no-fee 15-day trial subscription and a “Gold Edition” monthly subscription with unlimited users. The custom pricing for the monthly subscription is based on the number of documents processed.

ERPs

Most enterprise resource planning systems offer integrated accounts payable and payment processing modules. Many standalone AP automation solutions, such as Stampli, integrate with ERPs to provide additional flexibility and functionality. However, this can require substantial rework to your ERP. Stampli is unique because it offers pre-built integrations with over 70 ERPs with no need for rework or IT changes.

7. Sage Intacct

Sage Intacct is a leading cloud-based ERP system renowned for its strong financial management capabilities — including a robust AP module out of the box. While Sage Intacct is a full ERP (covering GL, accounts receivable (AR), AP, Cash Management, and more), its AP functionality can be used on its own or in tandem with specialized AP automation add-ons.

Sage Intacct also offers Open API, a unique integration that facilitates and simplifies data sharing between Intacct modules and third-party software. Open API expands Intacct’s AP functionality by opening the door to a portfolio of tailored AP automation platforms. It lets software developers customize their workspaces without add-ons or extras.

8. Oracle NetSuite

Oracle NetSuite is a cloud ERP platform that covers ERP, CRM, and ecommerce in one system. It’s widely used by mid-market and high-growth companies. NetSuite’s AP capabilities are part of its core financial suite, and it provides robust functionality that can handle a wide range of AP scenarios, from simple to complex. 

With NetSuite, you can access real-time insights into customer invoicing and payment details, as well as reporting and analytics, without running new reports for every query. This level of accuracy and flexibility makes NetSuite an ideal tool for companies that need to make swift decisions to grow their business, such as startups in their early stages.

9. SAP ERP

SAP is the largest ERP provider in the world, with multiple ERP offerings that include very robust AP functionality as part of its broader procure-to-pay processes. SAP also has specialized solutions like SAP Ariba (for procurement) and SAP Concur (for travel and expense) that can connect to the AP process.

By automating expenses and expediting invoice approvals, SAP eliminates time-consuming tasks and reduces the risk of manual errors. With real-time data integration and AI-driven transaction analysis, businesses gain insights into spending, improve compliance, and prevent budgetary oversights. Its finance capabilities include support for AI-driven financial insights and automated accounts payables matching.

10. Acumatica

Acumatica is a modern, cloud-based ERP platform that has gained popularity among small and mid-sized businesses due to its flexible licensing (resource-based rather than per-user) and approachable design. Acumatica’s AP module is part of its Financial Management suite and is designed to streamline AP for companies that might be outgrowing basic accounting software but don’t need the heft of a solution like SAP.

Acumatica’s AP software is designed to streamline accounts payable processes and keep outgoing cash flow timely and accurate. The Accounts payable module automates the steps for receiving vendor invoices and keeps track of payment obligations.

Accounting and payment automation platforms

Many off-the-shelf accounting systems and payment automation platforms offer basic AP functionality. Here are some of the leading solutions.

11. QuickBooks

Intuit QuickBooks is one of the most ubiquitous accounting software packages for small and mid-size businesses. It offers basic accounts payable functionality that many companies start out with, available in two main options. There’s QuickBooks Online (QBO), a cloud-based service, and QuickBooks Desktop (Pro/Premier/Enterprise), the traditional installed software. Both have AP features.

QuickBooks Online offers seamless integration with AP automation solutions, such as Stampli. QuickBooks customers can also opt for Intuit Merchant Services to process vendor payments, allowing them to accept various payment methods such as credit card payments, PayPal, Apple Pay, wire transfers, and ACH electronic bank transfers.

QuickBooks Desktop is an on-premise accounting solution that services up to 40 users. It provides some advanced services not provided by QuickBooks Online, such as the ability to handle multiple currencies for vendor payments. It does lack some of QuickBooks Online’s key features. For example, it can’t automatically import bank account information, and it can’t be used on mobile devices.

12. AirBase

Airbase is a spend management platform designed for mid-sized to enterprise-level businesses. Airbase is relatively newer (founded in 2017) but has quickly become a popular choice for mid-market companies and startups looking for a comprehensive spend control system. It’s particularly attractive to finance teams that want to manage all non-payroll spend (bills, subscriptions, travel expenses, card purchases) in one place with real-time visibility.

Although traditionally focused on employee expense management, it has added accounts payable and procurement management capabilities to its core spend management solution. It offers a user-friendly interface, spend management capabilities, a comprehensive corporate card program, and flexible service packages.

13. BILL

BILL (formerly Bill.com) is one of the most widely used AP automation and payments solutions, particularly among small and mid-sized businesses and accounting firms. It provides a straightforward way to automate bill payment workflows and has extended into AR (invoicing and collections) and expense management through acquisitions.

BILL is a budget-friendly solution that is both functional and user-friendly. With a variety of electronic payment options and flexible, scalable service options, BILL allows small businesses to add functionality as they grow and their needs evolve.

How to choose the best accounts payable automation solution

Do you want to save money or gain strategic insights?

When choosing an AP automation platform, it’s important to consider your company’s long-term strategy and requirements. For most businesses, the ideal solution lies somewhere in the middle, balancing streamlining AP processes with providing actionable insights.

To achieve this, you need to find a platform that offers the flexibility and functionality to automate AP processes and increase efficiency, along with the analytical power and data transparency to provide visibility and control over data and communications. 

Here are four factors to consider when making your decision.

Is the AP solution easy to use for all stakeholders?

Even the most powerful AP software needs to be user-friendly.

Think about everyone involved in your AP process — AP accountants, approvers (department heads, managers), and maybe even vendors. If the platform is clunky or hard to navigate, you’ll face adoption issues.

The best AP solutions require minimal training and offer an intuitive, modern interface that anyone can use after a short introduction. For example, can approvers approve a bill with one click, or from their phone? Is the AP team able to drag-and-drop or email invoices without manual entry?

It’s best to try a demo to assess an AP solution’s usability. This allows your AP team and stakeholders to test the interface and functionality and look for these indicators:

• The training required to get AP and finance teams up and running.
• If vendors need training to use the vendor platform.
• How intuitive the platform is to use and where users get frustrated.

How well does the AP solution support collaboration?

Effective communication and collaboration between AP teams, stakeholders, and vendors significantly enhances process efficiency, attention to detail, and enforcement of internal controls. Centralizing these functions and making them easily accessible to everyone involved in the AP workflow is a crucial part of AP management best practices.

The best AP solutions integrate communication and collaboration tools to streamline interactions between AP teams, vendors, and stakeholders. These solutions also seamlessly integrate with ERP and accounting systems for smooth organizational communication.

Does the platform provide end-to-end visibility and control?

Approval confidence is crucial. As a CFO or Controller, you need to trust that once an invoice enters the system, it will go through the proper checks and no unauthorized payments will slip through. The solution should enforce your business’s approval rules consistently — whether that’s a two-way or three-way match for POs, or multi-level approval for non-PO invoices. It should also have fraud controls like duplicate invoice detection and vendor verification.

The best AP automation platforms efficiently and effectively handle invoice processing and validation. They capture the right transaction information and automatically detect and address human error and fraud. By providing approval confidence, these platforms also free up AP team members to work on value-added projects instead of chasing down approvals.

Look for vendors who can provide customer testimonials and case studies that prove their solution is efficient, minimizes errors, and is trusted by other CFOs. 

How well does the AP software solution perform?

A solution’s performance is the ultimate measure of its effectiveness. Even if a platform is incredibly user-friendly, it won’t make a difference if it fails to deliver results. 

The best accounts payable solutions consistently provide measurable results like reduced processing times, labor savings, lower error and fraud rates, and improved days payable outstanding (DPO).

Review each vendor’s track record to determine whether their clients have seen consistent and measurable results. A good AP solution provider should be able to provide case studies that demonstrate their product’s performance in the real world.

It’s also important to ask the following questions:

• What is the average reduction in invoice processing time, and what cost savings resulted from using the solution?
• What are the common issues existing clients have found in the solution, and what steps has the vendor taken to address their concerns?
• How well does the solution integrate with ERPs and accounting systems?

You can make a well-informed decision by establishing your needs upfront and evaluating potential accounts payable automation vendors based on these criteria. Additionally, software rating sites like G2 can be a valuable source of user reviews and feedback on AP platforms.

Stampli: Connecting every dot in procurement and AP 

When weighing all these options, Stampli emerges as a leader for mid-market organizations that want more than just basic AP automation. 

Stampli uniquely addresses obscurement by providing a single, unified workspace for requests, purchasing, invoice management, and payments. Unlike many competitors, Stampli doesn’t require you to implement a massive, complex system to get those benefits. It layers over your existing ERP and lets you turn on the modules you need.

By connecting every dot from the initial purchase request to final payment, Stampli helps companies eliminate the blind spots where errors or overspending typically occur. Stampli also works with your existing processes — not forcing you to re-engineer everything — which means implementation is quicker and change management is easier. 

If you have Sage Intacct or Dynamics or NetSuite, Stampli slides in with no code and starts adding value in days. Compare that to some competitors which might take months to fully implement modules for procurement or payments.

Many solutions can automate pieces of AP, but Stampli will give you confidence, visibility, and control across the entire buying and paying process, in a way that your team will actually enjoy (thanks to its collaborative, user-friendly design). It checks all the boxes we discussed: It’s intuitive, it enforces robust controls, it integrates deeply with systems, and its results are proven by customers. That’s why Stampli is not just an AP automation tool, but a platform to future-proof your company’s financial operations as you grow.

Contact our sales team today to set up a free demo.