For new business owners and solopreneurs, grasping the fundamentals of financial management is crucial for success. One key aspect that's often overlooked is accounts payable. But what is accounts payable, and why should you care?

Well, you're about to find out.

This article discusses accounts payable, explaining its role and importance in clear, straightforward terms so you can learn exactly why it's so important to your business's financial health.

What is accounts payable?

Accounts payable refers to the amount owed by a business to its creditors or suppliers. Monitoring accounts payable is a common financial function in business and plays a crucial role in cash flow management.

Think of accounts payable as the tab a business runs with its suppliers or creditors. It's the total amount a company owes for the goods or services it has received but hasn't paid for yet. In simpler terms, it's similar to having a credit card for your business, where you buy now and pay later.

But this amount is more than just an IOU — accounts payable represents a company's short-term debts. These amounts are paid within a year, typically to suppliers who have provided products or services essential for running your business. Whether it's for office supplies, inventory, or professional services, these are all part of your business's ongoing operations.

Accounts payable vs accounts receivable

The primary difference between accounts payable and accounts receivable is the impact on a company's cash flow. Where accounts payable represents an amount owed by the business, accounts receivable is money owed to the business by their customers for goods or services already delivered to those customers.

Unlike accounts payable, which signals an upcoming cash outflow, accounts receivable represents an inflow of cash that the business expects to collect. On the balance sheet, these differences are clearly represented — accounts payable is listed under liabilities as an obligation that needs to be settled, while accounts receivable is listed under assets because it's expected to bring in cash.

Understanding the dynamics of accounts payable and receivable is crucial for managing a business's working capital and ensuring a healthy cash flow. It's about balancing what you owe and what you're owed — a fundamental aspect of financial management in any business.

Is accounts payable a liability or an asset?

In financial and accounting terms, a liability refers to something a person or company owes, typically a sum of money. It's a legal obligation or responsibility to settle a debt. In the context of a business, liabilities are an essential part of the balance sheet and are categorized into current and long-term.

So, yes, accounts payable is a liability on the balance sheet. It indicates the amount a company owes for goods or services it has received but not yet paid for. This liability is a key aspect of business finances, affecting a company's liquidity and overall financial health.

Because accounts payable are typically paid within one year (or earlier), they are current liabilities.

Accounts payable: debit or credit?

Debits and credits are fundamental concepts in accounting, used to record and manage all the financial transactions of a business. They are the backbone of a double-entry accounting system, which is a method used to keep financial records balanced and accurate. How journal entries are recorded depends on a clear understanding of debits and credits.

In accounting, accounts payable is entered as a credit. When a business receives goods or services, the accounts payable increases by recording a credit to this account. Once the payable amount is paid, the accounts payable balance decreases by recording a debit..

Managing accounts payable effectively

Managing accounts payable is a balancing act. The management of accounts payable is an important financial function in businesses, large and small, and plays a pivotal role in cash flow management. Why? Because how and when you pay your bills affects your cash flow — the lifeblood of your business.

Effective management of accounts payable involves making timely payments to avoid late fees and maintaining good supplier relationships. Tools like QuickBooks Online offer solutions to track and manage these payables efficiently, ensuring your business maintains a healthy cash flow.

Paying accounts payable too early might strain your cash reserves, but paying too late might damage relationships with suppliers or incur late fees. Efficient management of accounts payable helps maintain a healthy balance, ensuring that funds are available for essential business activities and investments.