To create an Accounts Payable (A/P) report that shows the expense category (code) rather than the actual Accounts Payable code, you can use the Purchases by Vendor Detail report, @srqcondoacctg.
Here's how to do it:
- Go to the Reports menu.
- In the search bar, type Purchase, and select Purchases by Vendor Detail.
- In the report window, click on Customize next to the Save customization button.
- Under the Rows/Columns section, click Change columns and ensure to include the following fields: Account (this will show the Category/Expense Code), Vendor, Transaction Date, and Amount.

- In the General section, you can set a date range to focus on a specific period.
- In the Filter section, set:
- Transaction Type: Select Bill (to include only unpaid bills).
- Paid Status: Select Unpaid (to filter out any paid transactions).
- Click Run report to save.

- Click Save customization to apply these settings.
For more customization guides, please refer to this article: How to customize reports.
If you're using the Modern view in QuickBooks Online (QBO) and don’t see the same interface, you can switch to Classic view by selecting Switch to classic view under Contact experts.

You'll also have the option to memorize them to save their customized settings.
Did you know that QuickBooks Advanced allows you to customize reports to meet your specific needs? Consider upgrading to QuickBooks Advanced to unlock dedicated expert support for tailored reporting solutions.
If you have more A/P report questions, you can add a Reply below. And the Community team will be here to assist you.