Using Controls and Segregation of Duties to Build a Bulletproof AP Operation

This training program will detail how to create a bullet-proof AP operation that is setup to detect and proactively prevent fraud from occurring. During this session, the webinar presenter will discuss real cases of AP fraud and the controls that organizations later realized needed to be added to their AP operation, unfortunately too late to prevent these costly incidents. In addition to discussing good controls, he will also discuss common controls that are ineffective, provide no value, or even leave AP departments with a false sense of security while they are in reality still very much exposed.

Fraud is more common than companies realize as it is chronically underreported. AP departments have a vital role in preventing instances of fraud within their department. How do AP managers, already facing large workloads and staff and technical resources, able to effectively prevent costly mistakes or fraud from occurring.

While too few controls leave an organization exposed, too many controls can create bottlenecks in processes and prevent AP from getting work done quickly and efficiently. How do you establish the proper balance? Just one change to your controls can save your organization hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.

Controls are essential to a strong AP operation. Too many controls slow down AP operations, delaying payments. Too few controls leave the organization exposed to errors and fraud. Segregation of duties can conflict with customer service needs and the desire to get work done quickly and efficiently. How do you establish the proper balance?

In this webinar, attendees will learn how to use controls and segregation of duties to build a bullet-proof AP operation without compromising the efficiency of AP operations or the ability to deliver excellence in customer service. They will also learn common controls that are ineffective, and the not-so-common controls that are the best protection against those looking to take advantage of weaknesses in the AP process.

• Role of AP in preventing fraud
• AP mistakes that create risk
• Risks of AP fraud
• Basics of segregation of duties
• Sample AP segregation of duties
• Real cases of fraud
• Vendor file controls
• Invoice approval controls
• Expense report controls
• Purchasing card controls
• Payment controls
• Ineffective/fake controls
• Preventing duplicate payments
• Overcoming common challenges in the 3RB segregation of duties

• Accounts Payable Managers and Directors
• Chief Financial Officers
• Vice President of Finance
• Procure to Pay Leaders
• Shared Service Leaders
• Treasury Leaders