Fix It Before It Slows You Down.
Running a small or medium-sized business means wearing a lot of hats—and juggling a lot of moving parts. But if your Accounts Payable (AP) process is still relying on paper invoices, spreadsheets, and overworked staff, it’s not just outdated… it could be quietly hurting your bottom line.
For SMEs, the impact of inefficient AP processes is amplified. With smaller teams, tighter budgets, and less room for error, delays or mistakes can quickly turn into real financial pain.
Let’s break down the hidden risks—and how to fix them.
Small Teams, Big Exposure
Most SMEs run lean, and that includes the AP department—if there’s a dedicated team at all. But heavy reliance on just one or two people to manage approvals, chase invoices, and keep suppliers happy is risky.
Delayed Data Entry = Unclear Cash Flow
When invoices are processed late—or not entered into your system at all—you’re flying blind. Without up-to-date AP data, small business owners struggle to:
The Institute of Finance & Management (IOFM) estimates that manually processed invoices cost businesses up to $6.30 each, not just due to labour, but because of missed early payment discounts and late fees.
Disconnected Systems = Wasted Time & Money
Still relying on spreadsheets and email chains to manage AP? You’re not alone—but it’s costing you.
In-Office Approvals Don’t Work Anymore
In a hybrid work world, forcing business owners or managers to be physically present to sign off invoices is impractical—and expensive.
Gartner reports that high-performing finance teams spend 20% less time on manual transactions, thanks to mobility and automation.
Burnt-Out AP Staff + Frustrated Suppliers
Small teams feel the pressure when they’re constantly fielding calls from suppliers, chasing down missing approvals, and resolving disputes.
Weak Audit Trails = High Risk
Without a clear, automated record of invoice approvals and payments, small businesses are vulnerable to:
According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, accounts payable is one of the top areas for internal fraud, with average losses of $150,000 per case.
So, What Can You Do?
AP automation might sound like something only large enterprises can afford—but that’s no longer the case. Today’s cloud-based AP solutions are built for businesses of all sizes, with affordable pricing, fast setup, and scalability.
By automating your AP process, you can:
Your Accounts Payable process shouldn’t be a bottleneck or a risk. For SMEs looking to grow, improve visibility, and tighten up operations, AP automation is one of the most impactful places to start.
Curious about how much your current AP process is really costing you? Read blog: Why Automating Accounts Payable is Your First Step to Efficiency Book a Free Consultation to See What Automation Could Do for Your Business
Let’s make your finance function leaner, smarter, and more future-ready.
👉 Book a free consultation with our team today and discover how you can modernise your finance operations without disrupting your business.
To learn more about RBC’s Automation Solutions visit here.
"*" indicates required fields
