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by Mary Schaeffer
Worried about keeping up with changing best practices, fraud, technology, regulatory concerns, and new processes impacting your accounts payable function? The AP Now podcast, hosted by Mary Schaeffer, one of the leading accounts payable experts, is for you. Mary will be joined by other thought leaders and practitioners for some episodes. In others, she’ll examine a prevailing issue or trend by herself. This weekly broadcast is especially designed to provide the needed business intelligence related to the payment and accounts payable functions. It’s for those who work in, manage, have responsibility for, or provide services to the accounts payable function.
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- 5 days ago11 min
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
- 1 weeks ago8 min
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
- 2 weeks ago10 min
Accounts Payable Interview Prep 10 Questions You MUST Be Ready to Answer
Prepare for your accounts payable interview by mastering the essential AP questions hiring managers ask most often, including processes, internal controls, pricing, quantity verification, payment terms, and sales tax calculations . This video shows you how to explain the full invoice lifecycle with clarity and confidence so you can stand out as a top candidate in any AP role Most people walk into an AP interview feeling confident… until the hiring manager starts asking the real questions. The ones that reveal whether you actually understand AP processes, controls, and best practices — or not. In this video, I’m breaking down the 10 AP interview questions that come up again and again, and I’ll show you exactly how strong candidates answer them. If you want to stand out, stay tuned — because these questions separate the prepared from everyone else. Make sure you stick around for the last one, because it can make all the difference between getting that coveted job offer – and NOT. #apinterview #accountspayableinterview #apinterview Link to 5 hardest interview questions for accounts payable https://youtu.be/sJC_sXAmGHI Subscribe for more tips and insights like this: https://www.youtube.com/APNow?sub_confirmation=1 #APInterview #AccountsPayableInterview #APInterviewQuestions #AccountsPayableJobs #AccountingJobInterview #AccountsPayableProcess #ProcureToPay #P2PProcess #InvoiceProcessing #InternalControls #InterviewPreparation #JobInterviewTips 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
- 3 weeks ago18 min
Accounts Payable Basics (Update) A Guide to Almost Everything
If you work in Accounts Payable, Accounting, Finance, or you’re preparing for an AP role, this 2027 guide walks you through everything you need to know. From invoice workflows to 3 way match, internal controls, fraud prevention, month end close, and AP automation—this video covers the full AP lifecycle with clear, practical examples. #AccountsPayable #APTraining #accountingbasics Whether you’re new to AP or looking to strengthen your skills for promotion, this updated walkthrough gives you the tools to work faster, reduce errors, and improve your team’s efficiency. 🔹 What You’ll Learn (2027 AP Essentials) • What Accounts Payable is and why it matters • The full AP workflow: invoice → approval → posting → payment • 2 way match vs. 3 way match (with examples) • Vendor setup, W 9s, and compliance requirements • AP internal controls every company must have • How to prevent duplicate payments and invoice fraud • Month end close steps for AP teams • AP automation tools and 2027 technology trends • Tips to improve accuracy, speed, and audit readiness 🔹 Who This Video Helps • Accounts Payable Specialists • AP Managers and Supervisors • Accounting Clerks and Bookkeepers • Controllers and Finance Leaders • Job seekers preparing for AP interviews • Anyone transitioning into accounting roles 🔹 Why This Matters AP teams are under pressure to move faster, reduce risk, and adopt automation. This video gives you the updated knowledge you need to stay competitive, improve your workflow, and support your organization’s financial health. 🔹 More AP & Accounting Training If you found this helpful, check out my other videos on: • AP internal controls • Invoice processing best practices • Month end close • Accounting career growth • Job search tips for AP and accounting roles Link to The Ultimate Invoice Processing Guide Avoid Fraud, Delays, and Overpayments https://youtu.be/YVnYBRLw8PY Link to Your Invoices Are Vulnerable without These Controls https://youtu.be/uIomGiLtUYA accounts payable, accounts payable basics, accounts payable training, accounts payable workflow, ap process, ap workflow, invoice processing, invoice approval workflow, 3 way match, 2 way match, vendor management, vendor setup, duplicate payment prevention, ap fraud prevention, accounts payable controls, internal controls ap, ap automation, ap software, erp invoice processing, month end close ap, accounting basics, accounting workflow, finance operations, ap specialist skills, ap manager training, ap fundamentals, accounts payable tutorial, accounts payable explained, accounts payable 2027, ap best practices, ap compliance, ap audit readiness, accounts payable career, accounting career growth, ap interview prep, ap concepts, accounts payable guide : Subscribe for more tips and insights like this: https://www.youtube.com/APNow?sub_confirmation=1
- Aug 18, 202610 min
5 AP Practices You Think You’re Doing Right… But Aren’t
Every time someone says, “How complicated could Accounts Payable really be?” you can bet the organization is already losing money — through preventable errors, weak controls, and overlooked compliance risks. In this video, we break down 5 foundational AP practices that accounting and finance teams think they’re doing correctly… but often aren’t. More importantly, we dig into where AP processes actually fail — the exact points where losses, fraud, and compliance issues begin. What You’ll Learn • Accounts Payable best practices • AP process improvement strategies • Three‑way match problems and invoice verification errors • P2P internal controls and separation of duties • AP fraud prevention and detection protocols • 1099 compliance, W‑9 verification, and regulatory requirements • AP automation pitfalls and digital transformation challenges • Paperless AP workflows and electronic payment controls • Duplicate invoice prevention and extinguishing errors • How AP mistakes lead to financial losses and audit findings If you work in Accounts Payable, Accounting Operations, Finance, Audit, FP&A, or Controller-level leadership, this is essential viewing. Strengthening AP isn’t just about efficiency — it’s about protecting your organization’s cash, reputation, and regulatory standing Link to Why Automation Projects Fail https://youtu.be/2o35gtGYaGQ 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
- Aug 6, 20269 min
Stop Supplier Invoice Errors Before They Hit AP
Supplier invoice errors are one of the biggest hidden drains on AP productivity — and they hit your workflow long before anyone notices. In this video, we break down the most common supplier invoice mistakes that create rework, slow approvals, and increase the risk of overpayments: duplicate invoices, missing PO numbers, invoices sent to the wrong place, vendors gaming payment terms, and suppliers refusing electronic payments. You’ll learn exactly how Accounts Payable can stop these errors early, tighten controls, reduce manual work, and protect your organization from costly mistakes. And once you know how to block supplier errors, take the next step: spot fraudulent invoices before they hit your system. Click the video linked at the end to learn the red flags every AP pro must recognize instantly. #accountspayable #invoiceprocessing #suppliererrors #vendorbilling #duplicateinvoices #missingPO #APworkflow #APcontrols #accountingtips #fraudprevention #invoicefraud #electronicpayments #procuretopay #APbestpractices Link to Spot fraudulent invoices https://youtu.be/vFaqIb9mzSM 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
- Jul 28, 202617 min
Why AP Automation Projects Fail — And the Simple Fixes That Prevent Disaster
Most AP automation projects don’t fail because of the solution purchased — they fail because of a few predictable, easy to fix issues inside the AP process. Whether you’re looking for a new AP automation solution or trying to rescue one you already have, the same failure points show up again and again. Today, I’m breaking down the real reasons AP automation fails and the simple fixes that prevent these breakdowns so you can choose the right solution — or finally make your current one work the way it should. #apautomation #invoiceautomation #automation #automationpitfalls T he Automation Traps Nobody Warns You About https://youtu.be/Ulz6gjdYgGk 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 Avoid common AP automation mistakes that cause project failure. Learn how to fix ERP integration issues and reduce manual data entry. Many finance teams struggle with AP automation because they overlook critical technical requirements early on. This guide breaks down why standard implementation plans fail, specifically focusing on the disconnect between software capabilities and existing ERP integration needs. If you are preparing to implement new systems, understanding these potential pitfalls is essential for a successful transition. We also examine the hidden impact of manual data entry requirements that often persist after automation goes live. By identifying these gaps in your accounts payable process before you commit to a vendor, you can ensure your project delivers actual efficiency gains rather than new operational headaches. Subscribe for weekly finance automation breakdowns, and comment below if you have faced integration issues with your current software. AP automation failure often stems from predictable errors made during the planning phase. Learn to secure your project. Many finance teams rush into purchasing software without fully vetting how the product aligns with their existing ERP integration. This oversight creates a disconnect that forces staff to continue performing manual data entry long after the system goes live. If you are responsible for digitizing your accounts payable process, you must identify these gaps before signing a contract to ensure the technology actually saves time. This breakdown highlights specific project pitfalls that cause automation initiatives to stall. By focusing on the technical requirements that vendors often gloss over, you can protect your budget and avoid the operational headaches that plague poorly planned deployments. Understanding these critical AP automation mistakes is the best way to guarantee your team sees an immediate return on investment. Subscribe for weekly finance workflow breakdowns, and comment below if you have struggled with ERP compatibility issues in your current system.
- Jul 22, 202623 min
Master These 10 Accounts Payable Concepts Before Your Next Interview
Most people can do Accounts Payable… but very few can explain the core concepts clearly. And that’s exactly what separates average AP staff from true professionals. In this video, I’m breaking down 10 essential Accounts Payable concepts that instantly reveal whether someone actually knows what they’re doing — from invoice processing fundamentals to vendor management, 3‑way matching, accruals, internal controls, and more. If you work in AP, accounting, bookkeeping, shared services, or finance operations, this video will help you level up your technical accuracy, improve your workflow, and speak about AP processes with confidence and clarity. These are the concepts hiring managers, controllers, and auditors expect you to understand — and the ones that make you stand out in interviews and on the job. What You’ll Learn: * The 10 core AP concepts every professional must master * How to explain AP processes clearly (the skill most people lack) * Common mistakes AP teams make — and how to avoid them * How AP connects to month-end close, accruals, and financial reporting * The exact terminology used by controllers, auditors, and CFOs Perfect For: ✔ Accounts Payable Specialists ✔ Accounting Clerks ✔ AP Managers & Supervisors ✔ Bookkeepers ✔ Anyone preparing for an AP or accounting job interview ✔ Professionals wanting to grow into senior AP, accounting, or finance roles Watch next: 5 hardest interview questions for accounts payable https://youtu.be/sJC_sXAmGHI 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!!
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About APNow
Worried about keeping up with changing best practices, fraud, technology, regulatory concerns, and new processes impacting your accounts payable function? The AP Now podcast, hosted by Mary Schaeffer, one of the leading accounts payable experts, is for you. Mary will be joined by other thought leaders and practitioners for some episodes. In others, she’ll examine a prevailing issue or trend by herself. This weekly broadcast is especially designed to provide the needed business intelligence related to the payment and accounts payable functions. It’s for those who work in, manage, have responsibility for, or provide services to the accounts payable function.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's APNow daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of APNow as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the APNow podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official APNow product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Mary Schaeffer.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
Absolutely! The free plan covers up to 3 podcasts. Upgrade to Pro for 15, or Premium for 50. Browse our full catalog at /podcasts.
How often does APNow release new episodes?
APNow publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does APNow cover?
APNow covers topics including News, Business, Management. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
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