APNow

Mary Schaeffer

Discussions about trends, insights and emerging issues impacting the accounts payable and payment functions

  1. 3d ago

    AP Manager Full Guide: Skills, Experience, Projects, and Hidden Expectations

    Master the essential skills of an Accounts Payable manager to improve your chance of surviving and winning the job interview - whether you're an experienced AP pro or an accounting professional. Learn how to navigate invoice processing and regulatory reporting with confidence. #accountspayable #apmanager #accounting Link to How to Become an AP Manager https://youtu.be/aTlmkeySd_g Subscribe for more tips and insights like this: https://www.youtube.com/APNow?sub_confirmation=1 Looking for more of the most current business intelligence about + Best practices around your payment and accounts payable function + Current and new fraud protection protocols + The newest technology impacting your accounting, accounts payable, and payment functions + Career advancement +And much more!! +++++++++++++++++++++++ See most recent videos at: https://www.youtube.com/@APNow/videos See all short tips at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-He5ELp9TP3wqQdHIbfIcFAB Learn more about AP Best Practices; Playlist at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-HcvMSJTdNs0BCQJ0Ivb4l9V Learn more about Internal Controls in AP; Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-HdV9JIterJ-bf6TwMset_z_ Looking for Automation insights: Playlist at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-Hf_cZwQOcDZrYV4dA0oDVby Master the essential skills of an AP manager to improve your team's efficiency. Learn how to navigate invoice processing and regulatory reporting with confidence. This guide breaks down the core responsibilities required for professional success in accounts payable. We examine key performance data, including the average number of invoices handled per processor, to help you identify bottlenecks and optimize your department's workflow. Proper oversight is crucial for maintaining control and ensuring your team operates at peak performance. Beyond daily operations, we discuss the critical importance of fraud protection in today’s financial landscape. Implementing robust internal controls is the most effective way to secure your organization against risk. By applying these accounting best practices, you can protect your company’s assets while demonstrating the leadership skills necessary to advance your career. Subscribe for weekly accounting insights, and comment below with the biggest challenge you face in your office. Subscribe for more tips and insights like this: https://www.youtube.com/APNow?sub_confirmation=1 Looking for more of the most current business intelligence about + Best practices around your payment and accounts payable function + Current and new fraud protection protocols + The newest technology impacting your accounting, accounts payable, and payment functions + Career advancement +And much more!! +++++++++++++++++++++++ See most recent videos at: https://www.youtube.com/@APNow/videos See all short tips at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-He5ELp9TP3wqQdHIbfIcFAB Learn more about AP Best Practices; Playlist at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-HcvMSJTdNs0BCQJ0Ivb4l9V Learn more about Internal Controls in AP; Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-HdV9JIterJ-bf6TwMset_z_ Looking for Automation insights: Playlist at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-Hf_cZwQOcDZrYV4dA0oDVby

  2. Oct 20

    The Mistakes You Don’t Realize You’re Making at Work

    Are you accidentally making career-limiting mistakes at work? Learn how to refine your business approach and protect your reputation. Professional success is often tied to the small, everyday habits that signal competence and respect to colleagues. In this conversation, Mary S. Schaeffer and Deborah Thomas-Ninninger discuss the subtle behaviors that can lead to significant reputational risk. They break down why simple change in your approach to daily interactions can prevent you from being perceived as difficult or unprofessional. Whether you are navigating office dynamics or looking to improve your communication skills, the conversation offers practical reminders that you can apply immediately. Mastering these nuances helps you build stronger professional relationships and ensures you are remembered for the right reasons. Watch next: The Small Habits That Make or Break Your Professional Presence https://youtu.be/EjOUIMU3t5Y Subscribe for more tips and insights like this: https://www.youtube.com/APNow?sub_confirmation=1 Looking for more of the most current business intelligence about + Best practices around your payment and accounts payable function + Current and new fraud protection protocols + The newest technology impacting your accounting, accounts payable, and payment functions + Career advancement +And much more!! +++++++++++++++++++++++ See most recent videos at: https://www.youtube.com/@APNow/videos See all short tips at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-He5ELp9TP3wqQdHIbfIcFAB Learn more about AP Best Practices; Playlist at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-HcvMSJTdNs0BCQJ0Ivb4l9V

  3. Oct 13

    The Hidden AP Manager Skills That Separate Top Performers from Everyone Else

    Want to advance your accounts payable career? Learn the specific skills that separate average performers from top AP managers. #accountspayablemanager #accountspayable #accounting The role of an accounts payable manager often requires more than just technical knowledge of invoice processing, three way match, payments etc.. While a CPA is not always necessary, having a strong foundation in accounting or finance is a significant asset. We discuss the essential responsibilities that define success in this position, such as overseeing aging reports and using analytics to ensure invoice accuracy. Managing a team is a core part of the job, and we examine how to handle hiring, staff training, and employee expense reports effectively. Mastering these duties ensures your AP workflow remains efficient, helping you maintain control over your department and avoid common bottlenecks in your invoice processing. Subscribe for weekly accounting insights, and comment below with the biggest challenge you face in your office. Subscribe for more tips and insights like this: https://www.youtube.com/APNow?sub_confirmation=1 Watch next: https://youtu.be/2Zd0ktir3H8 Looking for more of the most current business intelligence about + Best practices around your payment and accounts payable function + Current and new fraud protection protocols + The newest technology impacting your accounting, accounts payable, and payment functions + Career advancement +And much more!! +++++++++++++++++++++++ See most recent videos at: https://www.youtube.com/@APNow/videos

  4. Oct 6

    The Small Habits That Make or Break Your Professional Presence

    What are the small, everyday behaviors that make people see us as rude, difficult, or unprofessional — often without us even realizing it? #JobInterviewTips #CommunicationSkills #ProfessionalBehavior In this conversation, we talk with Deborah Thomas Nininger, author of I See Rude People, about the subtle habits that influence how others perceive us at work, in job interviews, in business conversations, and in everyday life. From small talk and handshakes to professional etiquette, communication skills, reputation, and first impressions, Deborah shares practical reminders that can immediately improve the way you interact with others. These seemingly minor behaviors can have a surprisingly big impact on your professional presence and career success. Whether you're preparing for a job interview, building professional relationships, working with clients, leading a team, or simply trying to become a better communicator, this conversation offers practical business etiquette tips you can use right away. In This Video, We Discuss: • The everyday behaviors that affect your professional reputation • The small habits that shape how people perceive you • Why business etiquette matters more than you may realize • Practical ways to improve your first impression • How to become better at small talk • What professionals should know about handshakes after COVID • Common people-skills mistakes across industries • How humor can make etiquette lessons memorable • Simple behavior changes that can improve how people feel around you • How professional etiquette can help during stressful job interviews Deborah Thomas Nininger has worked with Fortune 500 companies and small organizations, helping professionals understand the people skills and everyday courtesies that influence success. If you're interested in business etiquette, professional communication, job interview tips, workplace behavior, leadership, networking, first impressions, and career development, be sure to subscribe for more conversations designed to help you navigate the professional world with confidence. 👉 WATCH NEXT: Travel Dos, Don’ts & Weird Taboos You Never Knew https://youtu.be/mekOESQflVc  #BusinessEtiquette #ProfessionalEtiquette #WorkplaceEtiquette #JobInterviewTips #CommunicationSkills #ProfessionalBehavior #FirstImpressions #CareerAdvice #WorkplaceSkills #BusinessCommunication #ProfessionalDevelopment #NetworkingTips #CareerSuccess #PeopleSkills #DeborahThomasNininger Link to I See Rude People https://www.amazon.com/I-See-Rude-People-MiniManners/dp/B0GP2582XQ Link to all Deborah’s books https://www.amazon.com/stores/Deborah-Thomas-Nininger/author/B0GYDW8FD9?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=99e7aeea-f212-47f9-b135-524a680a006e Deborah on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahthomasnininger/ Subscribe for more tips and insights like this: https://www.youtube.com/APNow?sub_confirmation=1 Looking for more of the most current business intelligence about + Best practices around your payment and accounts payable function + Current and new fraud protection protocols + The newest technology impacting your accounting, accounts payable, and payment functions + Career advancement +And much more!! +++++++++++++++++++++++ See most recent videos at: https://www.youtube.com/@APNow/videos See all short tips at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-He5ELp9TP3wqQdHIbfIcFAB Learn more about AP Best Practices; Playlist at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-HcvMSJTdNs0BCQJ0Ivb4l9V Learn more about Internal Controls in AP; Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-HdV9JIterJ-bf6TwMset_z_ Looking for Automation insights: Playlist at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-Hf_cZwQOcDZrYV4dA0oDVby

  5. Sep 29

    The Real Reason Your PO and Invoice Don’t Match (And How to Fix It) (Tough AP Interview Question)

    f you work in Accounts Payable, you already know this headache: the invoice doesn’t match the PO — and suddenly everyone is looking at AP to fix it. Whether you’re preparing for an AP interview or dealing with this mess in real life, this video breaks down exactly what strong AP pros do when the PO and invoice don’t align. In today’s episode, I walk you through seven common PO–invoice mismatch problems, what causes them, and how experienced AP professionals resolve them while protecting their organization from overpayments, compliance issues, and audit findings. And trust me — the solution to the last scenario is not what most people expect.  What You’ll Learn  How to handle lower quantities on the invoice Why a lower price isn’t always a win — and can create audit nightmares What to do when the invoice shows higher quantities than the PO How to resolve higher prices and avoid short‑payment disputes The hidden risks of extra charges that slip past AP How to manage missing early‑payment discounts The surprising exception when dealing with wrong payment terms Why the three‑way match is your best protection against fraud and duplicate payments 🧠 Perfect For: AP professionals AP managers Accounting job seekers Anyone preparing for Accounts Payable interview questions Teams looking to strengthen internal controls and reduce payment errors If you want to confidently answer one of the toughest AP interview questions — “What do you do when the invoice doesn’t match the PO?” — this video gives you the exact framework hiring managers look for. 👉 And don’t miss the link at the end to my full breakdown of the three‑way match, so you can master the control that protects your organization from short shipments, overcharges, and duplicate payments. Subscribe for more tips and insights like this: https://www.youtube.com/APNow?sub_confirmation=1 Looking for more of the most current business intelligence about + Best practices around your payment and accounts payable function + Current and new fraud protection protocols + The newest technology impacting your accounting, accounts payable, and payment functions + Career advancement +And much more!! Link to Three Way Match in Accounts Payable Explained (Fast + Clear) https://youtu.be/TzkPVoQ9XA0 Link to Master These 10 Accounts Payable Concepts before Your Next Interview https://youtu.be/2Zd0ktir3H8 +++++++++++++++++++++++ See most recent videos at: https://www.youtube.com/@APNow/videos See all short tips at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-He5ELp9TP3wqQdHIbfIcFAB Learn more about AP Best Practices; Playlist at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-HcvMSJTdNs0BCQJ0Ivb4l9V Learn more about Internal Controls in AP; Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-HdV9JIterJ-bf6TwMset_z_ Looking for Automation insights: Playlist at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-Hf_cZwQOcDZrYV4dA0oDVby

  6. Sep 22

    The 10 Most Overlooked Accounts Payable Best Practices from My Book

    If you work in Accounts Payable, these 10 overlooked AP best practices can completely transform your workflow, reduce errors, and make your entire AP process faster, cleaner, and more accurate. These are the strategies AP teams think they’re doing right — but usually aren’t. In this video, I walk through the most commonly missed AP best practices straight from my book, along with practical tips you can start using today. You’ll learn how to improve invoice processing, strengthen AP internal controls, prevent duplicate payments, streamline vendor management, reduce exceptions, and avoid the costly AP mistakes that slow companies down. Whether you’re new to Accounts Payable or an experienced AP professional, these best practices will help you level up your skills and stand out in interviews, performance reviews, and day‑to‑day operations. In this video, we cover: ✔ The AP best practices most teams overlook ✔ How to prevent invoice errors before they hit AP ✔ AP internal controls that actually work ✔ How to reduce exceptions and speed up approvals ✔ The habits that separate high‑performing AP teams from the rest ✔ Practical steps you can apply immediately #AccountsPayable #APBestPractices #APWorkflow #InvoiceProcessing #APControls #APMistakes If you want to grow your AP career, improve your AP processes, or simply stop the mistakes that cost companies time and money, this video is for you. Link to ‘5 AP Practices You Think You’re Doing Right… But Aren’t https://youtu.be/vDgHIjrKjzE Information about/Purchase 131 Best Practices for Accounts Payable https://www.amazon.com/131-Best-Practices-Accounts-Payable/dp/B0GNS8525W Subscribe for more tips and insights like this: https://www.youtube.com/APNow?sub_confirmation=1 See most recent videos at: https://www.youtube.com/@APNow/videos See all short tips at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-He5ELp9TP3wqQdHIbfIcFAB Learn more about AP Best Practices; Playlist at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-HcvMSJTdNs0BCQJ0Ivb4l9V Learn more about Internal Controls in AP; Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-HdV9JIterJ-bf6TwMset_z_ Looking for Automation insights: Playlist at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-Hf_cZwQOcDZrYV4dA0oDVby

  7. Sep 15

    Travel Dos, Don’ts & Weird Taboos You Never Knew

    Business travel seems straightforward… until you realize there are unspoken rules, cultural taboos, and everyday habits that quietly create problems for travelers. In today’s episode, Mary sits down with Deborah Thomas-Nininger, author of Travel Etiquette: Dos, Taboos, and Who Does That?, to uncover the surprising behaviors smart travelers still get wrong. From airport etiquette to global cultural expectations, Deborah shares practical insights that make every trip smoother — and reveals the one mistake business travelers make without even realizing it. Stay until the end for that one. It’s simple, universal, and easy to fix. What We Cover in This Episode: The weirdest travel taboo most people have never heard of Who gets the armrests The travel taboo that applies to planes, trains, cars, subways, and buses The “travel rule” people obsess over… that doesn’t matter at all One thing travelers should start doing today to improve every trip The dos and taboos of retrieving luggage at the carousel Why people jump up the second the plane lands — and whether row‑by‑row exiting is still the norm The travel behavior people think is normal… but actually causes the most problems. #TravelEtiquette #BusinessTravel #TravelMistakes #TravelTaboos link to Seven Deadly Interview Mistakes – And How to Avoid Them https://youtu.be/S47q_YcixKM Link to all Deborah’s books https://www.amazon.com/stores/Deborah-Thomas-Nininger/author/B0GYDW8FD9?ref=ap_rdr&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=99e7aeea-f212-47f9-b135-524a680a006e Link to Travel Etiquette Dos, Taboos & "Who Does That?!" (MiniManners Book 2) https://www.amazon.com/Travel-Etiquette-Taboos-Does-MiniManners-ebook/dp/B0D3FFKH4T/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=VKuYO&content-id=amzn1.sym.171c1bd3-e559-4de5-8b1c-2e86c02e2e84&pf_rd_p=171c1bd3-e559-4de5-8b1c-2e86c02e2e84&pf_rd_r=142-8114648-1568902&pd_rd_wg=l39GH&pd_rd_r=44c457ca-664c-4184-a8d4-ced6412047a2 Deborah on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahthomasnininger/ Subscribe for more tips and insights like this: https://www.youtube.com/APNow?sub_confirmation=1 Looking for more of the most current business intelligence about + Best practices around your payment and accounts payable function + Current and new fraud protection protocols + The newest technology impacting your accounting, accounts payable, and payment functions + Career advancement +And much more!! +++++++++++++++++++++++ See most recent videos at: https://www.youtube.com/@APNow/videos See all short tips at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-He5ELp9TP3wqQdHIbfIcFAB Learn more about AP Best Practices; Playlist at: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtL6rWSXZ-HcvMSJTdNs0BCQJ0Ivb4l9V

  8. Sep 8

    Cutoffs, Accruals, and Reversals in Accounts Payable: A Complete Month End Guide

    Cutoffs, accruals, and reversals are three of the most critical concepts in Accounts Payable — and they directly impact the accuracy of your month‑end close and financial statements. In this complete AP month‑end guide, you’ll learn how cutoff timing works, why GR/IR issues happen, how un-invoiced receipts affect your financials, and how to build clean, audit‑ready accruals and reversals. #AccountsPayable #MonthEndClose #AccrualAccounting #AccountingBasics #JournalEntries This video walks through the entire workflow AP teams use during month‑end close, including real examples of cutoff errors, timing mismatches, and the risks of old items sitting on your AP aging or GR/IR report. Whether you’re new to AP or looking to strengthen your accounting fundamentals, this guide will help you understand how AP supports accurate financial reporting. What you’ll learn in this video: ✔️ What cutoff means in Accounts Payable ✔️ How GR/IR timing issues occur ✔️ Why uninvoiced receipts distort financial statements ✔️ How to create proper AP accruals ✔️ How reversals prevent double‑counting ✔️ How AP impacts financial reporting and audit readiness ✔️ Common month‑end mistakes — and how to avoid them If you work in AP, Accounting, Audit, or Shared Services, mastering these concepts is essential for clean month‑end close, strong internal controls, and accurate financials. 👉 Next Step: Watch my follow‑up video on Journal Entries for AP to see how cutoff, accrual, and reversal concepts translate into real accounting entries. Link to Journal Entries A Guide to Almost Everything https://youtu.be/ONc03wC1zFA Subscribe for more tips and insights like this: https://www.youtube.com/APNow?sub_confirmation=1

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Discussions about trends, insights and emerging issues impacting the accounts payable and payment functions

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