Create an end-to-end
payables process
that makes you look
like a rock star
Don't let holiday work events turn into HR nightmares
Move from manual AP processes to automated ones
Stick with the basics when it comes to office Yankee Swaps!
Leverage internal
partnerships to increase
the value of AP
Be prepared for the
SWIFT Customer
Security Programme
(CSP) attestation
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2.
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4.
5.
6.
Verdict:
Now that summer fun (and that great tan) have faded into a distant memory, it’s time to turn our attention to the home stretch of the year.
Yes, it’s a time for intense focus as we all try to squeeze in as much work as possible before January, but let’s be honest: it’s also a great time to plan a potluck with your coworkers and indulge in some holiday festivities!
Before you dig into that platter of cookies or pour yourself an adult beverage, however, remember that now is also a good time to make sure you haven’t landed yourself on the not-so-nice list at work – especially as it pertains to your payment processes.
It only takes a few simple slip-ups to earn that lump of coal, so here are some tips to make sure you get more than just fossil fuels this holiday season…
The temptation to just “dial in” certain tasks can be irresistible -- like always bringing chips to the office holiday potluck. But while taking the easy path will get you by, it will never get you ahead. Stop being so safe and “status quo” about everything! Be bold and offer up a pot of your famous chili for the next work gathering. Then take that new attitude and use it to embrace the next generation of Accounts Payable.
It happens to the best of us—getting swept up by all the festive cheer and making a bit of a fool of ourselves. Just remember : no matter how good of an idea it might seem like at the time, the holiday work party is NOT a good time to suggest an arm wrestling competition with the CEO, or to tell your boss what you really think about those weekly reports she requires. HR keeps a special list of their own and you don’t want your name on it, so approach your work parties responsibly.
While some lists are ideally suited for paper, manual, paper-based AP processes are no friend of efficiency, speed, and innovation. Continuing to cling to old-school practices is likely to land you on a few not-so-great lists of your own.
“It’s the thought that counts,” is only as good as the gift. Fuzzy steering wheel covers and kimchee-of-the-month clubs are terrible gifts and there’s no reason you should burden unsuspecting coworkers with them! This is not the time to get cute. Opt for scratch tickets or coffee gift cards and your legacy as the best office gift giver will live in infamy.
The role of AP historically struggles to be taken seriously. It isn’t funded the same as other finance areas, is routinely cast off as a cost center and generally gets stuck sitting at the kids table in terms of organizational influence. If you’re ok chatting with 5 year olds about how yucky Grandma’s yams are, then great. If you’d like to get promoted to the adult’s table, however, then it’s time to start working with internal allies – namely Treasury – to bring the true value of AP to light.
Holidays have a funny way of sneaking up on us. But scrambling to make sure you’ve got everyone’s correct address for your holiday cards is one thing—making sure you’re ready to face attestation for SWIFT’s CSP is quite another.
It’s undeniable – the holidays can be a stressful time. But don’t let a whole year’s worth of good behavior be for nothing! Buckle down, finish strong and make sure your name stays on the “nice” list for the coming year!
It’s easy when you know the secret, like
the Ardent Partners ePayables Framework.
Explore 5 benefits of putting AP on two wheels in this Spend Matters report "The Accounts Payable Bicycle: 5 Reasons Why Riding is Better Than Walking."
To learn more about how to transform AP into a profit center, check out this whitepaper by Strategic Treasurer, “Treasury’s Role in Transforming Accounts Payable Into a Profit Center.”
If you’re glancing frantically at your calendar thinking “Shoot, attestation is here already?!” don’t worry, there’s still time to avoid the public shaming. Here’s everything you need to know about SWIFT’s CSP and how to prepare.
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