SOP for Accounts Payable: Process, Sample & More

SOP for accounts payable process in India is a critical document that outlines the standardized procedures for managing vendor payments within an organization.

Let us take you through the basics of creating and implementing an SOP in AP. We take you through the key elements, processes, and a free sample SOP to help you get started.

What is SOP for Accounts Payable & Why Is It Important?

An SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) for Accounts Payable (AP) is a step-by-step document that outlines how a business manages payments it owes to vendors and suppliers for goods and services received.

It includes detailed instructions on how to:

• Receive and verify invoices
• Match invoices with purchase orders
• Get approvals
• Deduct taxes like TDS
• Make timely payments
• Keep records as per legal and tax rules

Why are AP SOPs So Important?

• Consistency & Accuracy: Ensures every invoice and payment is handled the same way, minimizing data entry errors, duplicate payments, and missed payments/late fees.
• Internal Controls & Fraud Prevention: Defines segregation of duties, approval hierarchies, and verification steps to safeguard company assets.
• Operational Efficiency: Streamlines workflows, reduces processing time and costs, eliminates confusion, and allows for easier training of new staff.
• Compliance: Ensures adherence to tax regulations, accounting standards, company policies, and contractual payment terms.
• Good Vendor Relationships: Accurate and on-time payments foster dependability and confidence among suppliers, which results in better terms and savings.
• Audit Readiness: Provides clear, documented evidence of processes and controls, making internal and external audits smoother and less risky.
• Cash Flow Management: Standardized processes enable better forecasting and optimization of payment timing to maximize cash on hand.
• Decision-Making: Reliable AP data is crucial for accurate financial reporting and informed management decisions.

Key Activities Covered in an AP SOP

Here are the key activities that an accounts payable SOP covers: 

Vendor Setup & Verification: 

Collect and verify essential vendor details like PAN, GSTIN, address, and bank information. 

This ensures legal compliance, prevents fraud, and enables smooth payments.

Invoice Receipt & Validation: 

Receive invoices and check mandatory fields like GSTINs, HSN/SAC codes, place of supply, tax calculations, and proper authorization.

Accurate validation is needed for claiming Input Tax Credit (ITC) under GST.

Invoice Coding & Approval: 

Assign the correct General Ledger (GL) account, cost center, and project code to each invoice line item based on the nature of the expense. 

Route invoices electronically or physically through pre-defined approval workflows matching company policy and authorization limits.

Three-Way Matching (PO-Based Invoices): 

Systematically match the Purchase Order (PO), Goods Received Note (GRN)/Service Entry Sheet, and Supplier Invoice for quantity, price, and GST details. 

This ensures you only pay for goods/services received at the agreed price and taxes, safeguarding ITC.

TDS Deduction & Accounting: 

Calculate and deduct TDS from payments as per applicable Income Tax Act rates and categories. 

Create TDS challans and accurately record the TDS liability for prompt submission to the government.

GST Input Tax Credit Reconciliation: 

Carefully verify GST charged on invoices matches your purchase records and the supplier’s GSTR-1 filing. 

Reconcile ITC claims monthly to ensure eligibility and compliance, resolving mismatches promptly.

Payment Processing: 

Depending on the vendor’s desire, the quantity, and the urgency, choose from NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, or a check as your payment method.

Schedule payments to optimize cash flow, capture early payment discounts, and strictly adhere to credit terms to maintain good relationships.

Expense Report Processing: 

Verify employee expense claims against company policy, supporting bills (with GST where applicable), and project codes. 

Ensure compliance with per diem limits and deduct TDS on reimbursements if required before processing reimbursements.

Discrepancy & Query Resolution: 

Promptly investigate and resolve mismatches found during 3-way matching, GST/TDS validation, or approval workflows with procurement, receiving, or the vendor.

Clear communication and documentation are key to avoiding payment delays and blocked ITC.

Period-End Closing & Reporting: 

Accrue all verified liabilities at month/quarter-end for accurate financial statements. 

Generate essential reports like AP Aging, TDS Payable, GST ITC Register, and vendor outstanding lists for management and statutory compliance.

Record Keeping & Audit Trail: 

Maintain a complete, organized, and easily retrievable audit trail of all invoices, approvals, payment proofs, and communication (physical or digital). 

This is mandatory for statutory audits (Tax, GST), internal audits, and resolving future disputes.

Compliance Filings: 

Assure prompt submission and production of periodic statutory returns, mainly GST and TDS returns.

In order to avoid fines and interest, accuracy is essential.

How to Create an SOP for Accounts Payable Process in India?

Here’a a quick step by step process of creating  Standard Operating Procedure for Accounts Payable (AP):

Step 1: Define the Objective

Clearly state why you’re creating this SOP. This gives everyone a clear goal to follow.

Example: Ensure all vendor payments are processed accurately, on time, and in compliance with Indian taxation laws like GST and TDS.

Step 2: Set the Scope

Explain who this SOP applies to.

Example: This SOP applies to the finance team, procurement department, and anyone involved in invoice approvals or vendor payments.

Step 3: Break Down the AP Workflow

Divide the entire accounts payable process into simple, logical steps. Here’s how a typical AP process in India looks like:

1. Invoice Receipt and Verification

2. Invoice Entry

3. Approval Workflow

4. Payment Processing

5. Tax Compliance

6. Vendor Reconciliation

Step 4: Document Templates and Formats

Attach or reference formats like:

• Invoice Checklist
• PO Format
• Payment Voucher
• TDS Calculation Sheet
• Approval Form

This saves time and reduces errors.

Step 5: Compliance Checklist

Add a monthly checklist to help your finance team stay on track.

Step 6: Assign Roles & Responsibilities

List who is responsible for what:

Step 7: Review and Update

Your SOP should not be a one-time document.

Set a review schedule (e.g., once every 6 months) to update the SOP as rules or processes change (e.g., new GST notifications).

Step 8: Sign-off and Implementation

Have the SOP reviewed and signed by:

• Finance Head
• CEO or Director
• Accounts Payable Manager

Then share it with your team. Store both soft and hard copies securely.

Sample SOP for Accounts Payable Process in India  

The size and nature of your industry can affect the AP SOP. Here’s a FREE sample SOP for Accounts Payable: 

Challenges in Implementing SOP for AP

Implementing SOPs for accounts payable processes can be 

Resistance to Change:

Employees accustomed to old methods may resist new workflows, viewing the SOP as extra work or a threat.

Solution: Communicate SOP benefits and involve staff in its design for buy-in..

Complexity & Integration:

Mapping processes and integrating the SOP seamlessly with existing software and ensuring data flows correctly add significant technical complexity.

Solution: Map processes visually and automate steps using AP software. For complex processes, it’s best to choose experienced service providers like PKC Management Consulting/ 

Defining Clear Roles & Responsibilities:

Establishing unambiguous segregation of duties and approval hierarchies without causing bottlenecks can be challenging.

Solution: Ensure all stakeholders (procurement, budget holders, AP team) understand and accept their specific roles within the SOP process. Conducting role-clarity workshops can help.

Lack of Resources (time/skills) 

Developing, implementing, and maintaining a robust SOP requires significant time, skilled personnel, and potentially financial investment in technology/training.

Solution: Prioritize critical phases and implement incrementally. Get help from an expert.s 

Managing Vendor Adoption:

Getting vendors, especially smaller or less tech-savvy ones, to comply with invoicing requirements mandated by the SOP can be difficult.

Solution: Educate vendors and enforce requirements through onboarding checks.

Balancing Control with Efficiency:

Designing controls (like multi-level approvals, strict matching) strong enough to prevent fraud/errors without making the process unbearably slow and costly is a constant challenge.

Solution: Streamline approvals (e.g., thresholds) and optimize matching rules.

How Can PKC Help With SOPs for AP Processes?

✅Map complex workflows for seamless cross-department collaboration

✅Implement AI-powered error detection in real-time

✅Build custom AP SOPs mirroring your business scale

✅Integrate AP SOPs smoothly with existing ERPs/legacy systems

✅Guaranteed SOP alignment with the latest Indian regulations

✅Design fraud-proof controls with clear role segregation

✅Deliver actionable AP performance dashboards & reports

✅Deep Indian GST/TDS compliance expertise embedded

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an SOP for Accounts Payable?

An SOP for Accounts Payable outlines the exact steps to process and pay supplier invoices. It ensures payments are accurate, timely, and compliant with Indian tax laws like GST and TDS.

2. Why is an SOP important in accounts payable?

Yes. It helps avoid duplicate payments, delays, or tax non-compliance. It also adds consistency and accountability to your finance team.

3. Does every company in India need an AP SOP?

Yes, especially if you’re registered under GST or work with multiple vendors. It helps you stay audit-ready and ensures legal compliance.

4. What documents are required for the accounts payable process?

Typically, a GST invoice, purchase order (PO), goods receipt note (GRN), and payment approval note. These documents must be verified before processing payments.

5. What systems are used for managing accounts payable?

Popular systems include Tally, SAP, Oracle, and Zoho Books. Some companies also use GST and TDS filing tools like ClearTax or TRACES.