They are an extremely useful tool for managing your business and its cash flow. The layout of the reports makes it easier for you to track your payments, monitor expenses, and make sure your credit remains top-notch.
What Is an Accounts Payable Aging Report?
Simply put, accounts payable aging reports give you an overview of what your business owes for supplies, inventory, and services. A quick glance at this report reveals the identities of your creditors, how much money is owed to each creditor, and how long that money has been owed.
Layout of Accounts Payable Aging Reports
These reports sort your payables, categorizing them by the time that has passed since the invoice requesting payment was received. Generally, the first column lists your suppliers. Another column lists the total amount owed. Additional columns provide a breakdown of payables that are less than 30 days old, between 31 and 60 days old, between 61 and 90 days old, and more than 90 days old.
Value of Accounts Payable Aging Reports
Accounts payable aging reports provide a highly effective way for a business to monitor its expenses. It can be especially handy when it comes to managing a tight cash flow because it assists you in determining which of your vendors should be paid immediately and which can wait a bit longer. It also makes it easy to see upcoming obligations, which can aid you in the process of planning your payments. Ultimately, using the accounts payable aging reports properly can help you increase your company’s financial stability through budgeting and prepare it for future growth.
Reviewing Accounts Payable Aging Reports
In most cases, the accounts payable aging report should be run and reviewed on a monthly basis. Doing so allows you to see whether you are making payments appropriately or relying too heavily on credit. The AP aging report also affords you the opportunity to spot potential issues quickly so that you can take steps to address them. Furthermore, it can provide the accounting information required for you to develop and implement strategies that improve your business’s cash flow situation. For example, you might choose to try your hand at negotiating better terms with your vendors by requesting either a discount for prompt payment or an extended due date.
What to Look for in Accounts Payable Aging Reports
Since accounts payable aging reports are typically based on the time that has passed since the invoice was received, it is crucial to remember that not all payment schedules are the same. Some vendors allow thirty days for payment; others have shorter or longer windows. When reviewing the report and planning your payments, it is vital that you keep actual due dates in mind. In addition, some vendors offer discounts when payment is received within a certain period of time; if this discount is substantial, it may serve as an incentive to pay their invoices before others.
Risk of Not Using Accounts Payable Aging Reports
If you neglect to run AP aging reports, you run the risk of missing an opportunity or finding yourself in trouble with creditors. Reviewing this report regularly gives you a chance to monitor expenses, oversee payments, pinpoint potential trouble spots early, and identify areas where you could implement new strategies and improve your business’s cash flow. Since these tasks are vital to a company’s success, the time spent running and reviewing accounts payable aging reports is generally time well spent. Want to read more content like this? Sign up for The Balance’s newsletter for daily insights, analysis, and financial tips, all delivered straight to your inbox every morning!
