Our Latest Articles

Insights, guides, and explainers from our AP experts — covering everything from processes and best practice to automation and controls.

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Business Efficiency1 min read

Audit trail & transparency

Do you answer to a higher authority like investors, shareholders or trustees? Add an audit trail of approval behind every purchase with Zahara

Half year check up: Actuals v Budget? What Budget?
Business Efficiency1 min read

Half year check up: Actuals v Budget? What Budget?

Learn how to effectively manage your half year budget and adjust financial strategies for growth and profitability.

The difference between 'budgeting' and 'budget management' – and why it matters
Business Efficiency1 min read

The difference between 'budgeting' and 'budget management' – and why it matters

Who holds the purse strings? How are departments managing their spending? Zahara's budget features help control costs and provide visibility

Keeping an Eye on Budgets: Useful Resources
Business Efficiency1 min read

Keeping an Eye on Budgets: Useful Resources

Understand the importance of budgets in business management. Learn how effective budgeting can drive performance and value.

10 Things to Consider When Choosing a Purchasing Platform
Business Efficiency3 min read

10 Things to Consider When Choosing a Purchasing Platform

In this article, we explain the components of a purchase order system and what a potential buyer should look to consider. Find out more

The Perfect Time to go Paperless?
Business Efficiency1 min read

The Perfect Time to go Paperless?

With the recent outbreak of Coronavirus, people are being encouraged to work from home. But, how does this impact the Accounts Payables process?

Business Efficiency1 min read

Finance Teams Problems

You've got 99 problems but the financial controller aint one. Read this useful article on 2023 finance team challenges

Why Human Creativity Still Wins in the Age of AI
Business Efficiency6 min read

Why Human Creativity Still Wins in the Age of AI

Explore the debate on human creativity vs AI in design. Discover how technology impacts artistry and the designer's role.

Why Use Zahara?
Business Efficiency2 min read

Why Use Zahara?

Discover why Zahara is the smartest choice for AP & PO automation. Simplify your processes with intuitive software.

Artificial intelligence in finance
Business Efficiency9 min read

Artificial intelligence in finance

Explore the role of artificial intelligence in finance and how it transforms efficiency and decision-making for finance teams.

We Love Surprises, Just Not in Our Bills
Business Efficiency2 min read

We Love Surprises, Just Not in Our Bills

Discover how AP automation software eliminates billing surprises and helps businesses keep spending controlled and predictable.

5 Ways to Stop Overspending in Your Business
Business Efficiency4 min read

5 Ways to Stop Overspending in Your Business

Learn how to control company spending with five practical tips that help manage expenses and improve cash flow effectively.

The #1 Best purchase order software
Business Efficiency5 min read

The #1 Best purchase order software

Explore the best purchase order software to enhance efficiencies with clear controls, quick approvals, and easy integration.

Supplier Relationship Management
Business Efficiency8 min read

Supplier Relationship Management

Discover how supplier relationship management and AP automation improve communication, strengthen trust, and streamline payments.

Invoice Management Software
Business Efficiency5 min read

Invoice Management Software

Learn how invoice management software streamlines approvals, improves accuracy, and gives finance teams greater control over spend.

E-invoicing Software
Business Efficiency8 min read

E-invoicing Software

Explore how e-invoicing software transforms invoice management for finance teams, enhancing control and reducing errors.

The Benefits of Cloud Based Software
Business Efficiency4 min read

The Benefits of Cloud Based Software

Discover the benefits of cloud-based software, including security, scalability, cost savings and remote access.

Colorful business documents with icons representing accounts payable and spend management processes
Business Efficiency5 min read

Business Documents Explained

Understand common business documents, from purchase orders and invoices to GRNs, statements and receipts.

When Every Purchase Adds Up (Or Does It?)
Business Efficiency1 min read

When Every Purchase Adds Up (Or Does It?)

Why the sums always seem to work when you really want something — and why every business needs a "Louise" to check purchase requests before Man Maths wins.

Why Are Purchase Order Approvals Essential?
Business Efficiency5 min read

Why Are Purchase Order Approvals Essential?

From budget control to fraud prevention, discover how PO approvals protect your business and speed up invoice processing.

What is a Goods Received Note?
Business Efficiency2 min read

What is a Goods Received Note?

A Goods Received Note (GRN) is a cornerstone of accounts payable — and it matters even more once you've automated your AP.

Purchase Requisitions vs Purchase Orders
Business Efficiency3 min read

Purchase Requisitions vs Purchase Orders

Purchase requisition vs purchase order: two similar-sounding terms, two different jobs. Here's what sets them apart, what goes on each, and when to use them.

Combating AP Fraud
Business Efficiency3 min read

Combating AP Fraud

Where does AP fraud hide, and how can automation shut it down? A practical guide for finance teams weighing up digitalisation.

5 Reasons to Automate Payments in Your Finance Team
Business Efficiency2 min read

5 Reasons to Automate Payments in Your Finance Team

Automate payments to cut invoice costs, speed up approvals, reduce fraud and pay suppliers on time. Five reasons finance teams are making the switch.

Dashboard displaying automated invoice approvals in a cloud-based spend management platform
Business Efficiency2 min read

Stop Approving Supplier Invoices — Fix Your Process Earlier

Late payments cost more than you think — missed discounts, penalties, and £15+ admin per invoice. See how AP automation cuts the hidden costs.

Overview of Sage Intacct's cloud-based financial management features and benefits
Business Efficiency5 min read

What is Sage Intacct? Introducing the benefits AP Automation

Discover what Sage Intacct is, its core features and benefits, and how pairing it with Zahara's AP automation streamlines invoices, approvals and cash flow.

AI technology enhancing business productivity and efficiency through automation and data analysis
Business Efficiency7 min read

What are the benefits of AI for business in 2026?

The main benefits of AI in 2026 are higher productivity, fewer errors, lower costs, sharper decisions, stronger fraud detection and less repetitive work. The bi

A modern dashboard displaying automated finance metrics and insights for UK businesses
Business Efficiency7 min read

Automated Finance: A Practical UK Guide

What automated finance is, which processes to automate first, the benefits and risks for UK businesses, and a six-step plan to get it working.