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22 paperless accounts payable software that can save you time and money
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Going paperless is not just a green initiative. It is a strategic shift in how companies manage obligations, reduce risk, and scale operations. In accounts payable, that means more than swapping out file cabinets for scanned PDFs. It means rethinking how contracts are stored, invoices are routed, and payments are approved.
Today’s paperless AP software does more than digitize paperwork. It automates approvals, catches duplicates, enforces policies, and keeps vendor data clean, all while syncing with your accounting system. But with dozens of platforms to choose from, it helps to understand what kind of solution fits your workflow.
This guide breaks down the top tools into four categories so you can find the system that saves your team time and keeps your records accurate.
See why businesses are rushing to SignTime’s feature-packed contract repository system.
What is meant by paperless accounts payable?
Paperless accounts payable means moving away from paper invoices and manual approvals toward a fully digital process. Instead of printing, filing, and physically routing documents, everything happens electronically. This includes capturing invoices, verifying them against purchase orders or contracts, routing them for approval, and scheduling payments.
Paperless AP covers a broad range of activities, not just invoice management. It may also include contract integration, expense tracking, vendor onboarding, and audit trails. The goal is to reduce manual effort, improve accuracy, and speed up the entire payment cycle.
Common components of paperless AP include:
- Digital invoice capture through scanning or email
- Automated matching of invoices to purchase orders
- Electronic approval workflows
- Integration with accounting and ERP systems
- Secure storage of contracts and payment documents
Why are companies looking to go paperless?
Many companies switch to paperless accounts payable to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Manual paper processes are slow, prone to errors, and require physical storage space. Going digital speeds up invoice processing and reduces mistakes like duplicate payments or lost documents.
Other drivers include the rise of remote work, which makes paper-based approvals difficult. Compliance and audit demands also push companies to have clear, searchable records. In addition, digital AP supports sustainability goals by cutting paper waste.
Top reasons companies choose paperless AP include:
- Faster invoice processing and approvals
- Reduced errors and payment delays
- Better compliance and audit readiness
- Easier remote collaboration
- Cost savings on paper, postage, and storage
What are the benefits of utilizing paperless accounts payable software solutions?
Using paperless accounts payable software brings many advantages that improve accuracy, speed, and visibility across your finance operations.
Here are ten key benefits with explanations:
- Faster invoice processing: Automating data capture and approval workflows speeds up the entire payment cycle, reducing manual bottlenecks.
- Reduced errors: Digital validation and automated matching help prevent mistakes like duplicate or incorrect payments.
- Improved compliance: Electronic records and audit trails make it easier to meet regulatory requirements and prepare for audits.
- Better vendor relationships: Timely and accurate payments foster trust and can even lead to better terms or discounts.
- Cost savings: Eliminating paper, postage, and manual labor reduces operating expenses significantly.
- Remote collaboration: Cloud-based AP software allows finance teams and approvers to work from anywhere without delays.
- Greater visibility: Real-time dashboards and reporting provide insights into cash flow and outstanding liabilities.
- Stronger internal controls: Automated approval hierarchies and policy enforcement reduce the risk of fraud or unauthorized payments.
- Scalability: Paperless processes can handle growing invoice volumes without the need to increase headcount.
- Integration with other systems: Seamless connections to ERPs, accounting, and contract management software keep data consistent and workflows smooth.
22 paperless accounts payable software that can save you time and money
Going paperless in accounts payable isn’t just about scanning invoices. The right software can automate repetitive tasks, simplify approvals, and connect payments with contracts, budgets, and reporting—all while keeping your financial records audit-ready.
Accounts payable software comes in many forms. Some tools focus narrowly on invoice processing. Others manage everything from contract generation to cash flow. To make sense of the options, it helps to group them by function and business fit.
Below are four broad categories of paperless accounts payable tools:
- Contract repository management
- Dedicated AP automation platforms
- ERP systems with AP modules
- Corporate spend management/Fintech tools
Contract repository management
Contract repository management tools play a foundational role in modern accounts payable. While most AP platforms focus on invoices and payments, contracts are where obligations actually begin.
These tools help businesses organize, track, and enforce the terms that drive their payables, thereby reducing risk and keeping financial workflows in sync with legal agreements.
When integrated with your AP process, contract repository tools make it easy to pull payment terms, automate approvals, verify milestones, and audit vendor obligations. They reduce manual oversight, prevent miscommunication, and cut down on payment errors that can stem from lost or unclear contract data.
Here are top contract repository systems that support a paperless accounts payable workflow:
- SignTime
SignTime
SignTime is a comprehensive e-signature and contract management platform designed to support both domestic and international businesses. It enables users to create, store, search, and manage contracts in a centralized, searchable repository. Built-in approval flows and Salesforce integration make it easy to embed contracts into the AP cycle, especially for vendor onboarding, purchase agreements, and recurring payments.
SignTime supports multiple signature types, including long-term e-signatures and traditional “hanko” stamps, alongside a patented digital signature tool. By linking signed agreements directly to payments and expiration dates, SignTime helps reduce late payments, prevent duplicate invoices, and keep audit trails clean. It’s especially useful for teams that want end-to-end visibility from contract to cash.
Dedicated AP automation platforms
Dedicated accounts payable automation platforms are built specifically to handle the invoice-to-payment lifecycle. These tools digitize invoice capture, automate matching with purchase orders, route approvals, and schedule payments—all while maintaining detailed logs for audits and reporting.
They’re critical to a paperless AP process because they eliminate the need for manual entry, filing cabinets, and back-and-forth emails. Instead, everything flows through one streamlined system. The best AP automation tools also help prevent fraud, reduce errors, and speed up cycle times, even as invoice volume grows.
Here are leading AP automation platforms designed to replace paper processes with precision and control:
- Tipalti
- Bill.com
- Stampli
- AvidXchange
- MineralTree
- Yooz
- Beanworks
- Airbase
- Melio
- Kofax
Tipalti
Tipalti is an enterprise-grade AP automation platform known for managing global payables at scale. It automates invoice capture, approvals, supplier onboarding, tax compliance, and payments in over 190 countries. Tipalti is especially strong in multi-subsidiary environments and supports multiple payment methods including wires, ACH, PayPal, and prepaid cards.
With built-in fraud detection and compliance tracking, it helps organizations reduce risk while maintaining audit-readiness. It also integrates with ERP systems like NetSuite, Oracle, and Xero.
Bill.com
Bill.com is one of the most widely used AP platforms for small and midsize businesses. It streamlines the entire AP workflow by digitizing invoices, automating approval chains, and handling payments—all from a single dashboard. Users can connect Bill.com to QuickBooks, Xero, or NetSuite to keep financial records in sync.
Its mobile app and simple interface make it especially appealing to distributed teams. Bill.com also offers tools for accounts receivable and cash flow forecasting.
Stampli
Stampli focuses on invoice collaboration, giving AP teams a shared space to manage approvals, vendor communication, and documentation. Its AI assistant “Billy the Bot” helps classify invoices, match them to POs, and route them to the right people.
Unlike some competitors, Stampli doesn’t replace your ERP. It wraps around it, keeping your existing system intact while enhancing visibility and control.
AvidXchange
AvidXchange targets mid-market companies that process a high volume of invoices. It offers end-to-end automation, from OCR-based invoice capture to electronic payments. AvidXchange integrates with more than 200 accounting systems and offers a wide partner network.
Its strength lies in utility and property management, where recurring invoices and complex approvals are common.
MineralTree
MineralTree offers a secure and scalable AP automation solution designed for growing businesses. It automates invoice entry, approval routing, and payment processing with built-in fraud controls and audit logs. MineralTree also includes vendor management features and integrates with popular ERPs.
It was acquired by Global Payments, expanding its reach into broader financial workflows.
Yooz
Yooz delivers real-time AP automation using AI and machine learning to extract invoice data, flag duplicates, and detect anomalies. Its interface is modern and mobile-friendly, making it easy to approve invoices from anywhere.
Yooz is popular among mid-sized businesses for its affordability, quick deployment, and strong OCR capabilities.
Beanworks
Now part of Quadient, Beanworks specializes in AP automation for finance teams who want granular control without overwhelming complexity. It allows users to capture, code, approve, and pay invoices digitally, with tight controls over permissions and workflows.
Beanworks integrates with ERPs like Sage, QuickBooks, and NetSuite, and supports multi-entity environments.
Airbase
Airbase combines AP automation with spend management, offering a single system for bill payments, corporate cards, and employee reimbursements. It supports automated invoice ingestion, dynamic approvals, and direct vendor payments.
Airbase is favored by fast-growing startups and finance teams that want granular controls without adding more platforms.
Melio
Melio is built for small businesses that want a simple way to pay bills electronically. It lets users pay vendors by bank transfer or credit card, even if the vendor only accepts checks. Melio doesn’t require a subscription, making it accessible for companies with lower volume.
While it lacks some advanced automation features, its simplicity and cost structure are its biggest advantages.
Kofax
Kofax offers enterprise-level intelligent automation tools, including invoice processing powered by OCR, machine learning, and workflow automation. It’s best suited for large organizations with complex document management needs.
Kofax integrates with most major ERP systems and includes strong compliance and document capture capabilities.
ERP systems with AP modules
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems often include accounts payable as one piece of a much broader financial toolkit. These platforms connect AP with purchasing, inventory, budgeting, and reporting, making them ideal for businesses that want unified visibility across departments.
While not as plug-and-play as dedicated AP tools, ERPs are critical for companies that require deeper integration with supply chains, complex approval hierarchies, or multi-entity accounting. Their AP modules often support invoice automation, vendor management, and payment processing, but with tighter controls and more customization options.
Here are some of the top ERP systems that support paperless accounts payable:
- NetSuite
- Sage Intacct
- Microsoft Dynamics 365
- SAP Concur
- QuickBooks Online
- Xero
NetSuite
NetSuite, part of Oracle, is a cloud-based ERP system used by thousands of mid-market and enterprise organizations. Its AP module helps automate invoice processing, vendor onboarding, approval workflows, and payment scheduling, all within a centralized financial system.
NetSuite is especially valuable for businesses with multiple subsidiaries, global operations, or strict audit requirements.
Sage Intacct
Sage Intacct is a cloud ERP designed for growing companies, particularly in software, nonprofit, and professional services. Its AP module includes smart routing, custom approvals, and detailed payment histories. Sage Intacct’s strong reporting capabilities make it easy to track spending against budgets.
It’s also known for its open APIs and growing ecosystem of integrations.
Microsoft Dynamics 365
Microsoft Dynamics 365 offers ERP and CRM capabilities in a modular platform. The AP functionality includes invoice capture, vendor tracking, and payment automation, with tight integration to Microsoft’s broader toolset (e.g., Excel, Teams, Power BI).
It’s well-suited to companies already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.
SAP Concur
SAP Concur focuses on expense and invoice management, making it a natural fit for enterprise AP departments. It automates invoice capture, matches to POs, and routes approvals based on policy. Because it’s part of SAP, it integrates well with larger ERP systems and enterprise finance workflows.
Concur is especially popular among companies with high travel, employee reimbursements, or global finance teams.
QuickBooks Online
QuickBooks Online is a small business accounting system with built-in AP features. Users can enter bills, set due dates, and schedule payments, all while syncing records with bank accounts and credit cards. Its ecosystem includes AP automation tools like Bill.com, Melio, and ApprovalMax.
It’s not a full ERP, but for many small businesses, it serves as the financial hub.
Xero
Xero is a cloud-based accounting platform with strong AP functionality for small businesses. Users can email or upload bills, schedule payments, and reconcile transactions with linked bank feeds. Xero also supports integrations with AP automation tools for added control.
It’s popular for its clean interface and ease of use, especially in markets like the UK, Australia, and Canada.
Corporate spend management/Fintech tools
Corporate spend management tools combine accounts payable with real-time control over expenses, cards, and reimbursements. These platforms give finance teams a way to manage all outgoing money from one interface, often replacing clunky expense reports, spreadsheets, and disconnected payment systems.
They’re essential to a paperless AP stack when you want to unify invoices, virtual cards, subscriptions, and employee expenses under a shared policy framework. Unlike traditional AP tools, these fintech platforms are built for speed, user-friendliness, and real-time visibility, making them especially popular with startups and high-growth teams.
Here are top tools that blend AP with broader spend management:
- Ramp
- Brex
- Divvy
- Spendesk
- Consero SIMPL
Ramp
Ramp offers a powerful combination of corporate cards and AP automation. It captures invoice data automatically, lets users schedule payments, and enforces custom approval rules. Its software also identifies duplicate charges, negotiates vendor rates, and helps companies control SaaS spend.
Ramp is popular with finance teams that want tight cost controls and audit trails without a traditional ERP.
Brex
Brex is a spend platform built for startups and tech-forward teams. Alongside corporate cards, it offers bill pay features, cash management accounts, and detailed spending analytics. Brex automates invoice intake, supports ACH and check payments, and integrates with ERPs like NetSuite and QuickBooks.
Its real-time dashboards and policy enforcement make it ideal for distributed teams.
Divvy
Divvy (a Bill.com company) combines AP, budgeting, and expense management in one tool. It allows companies to issue virtual and physical cards with custom limits, while also supporting invoice uploads and vendor payments.
Divvy’s focus is on proactive spend control—helping teams allocate funds before purchases happen.
Spendesk
Spendesk unifies invoice payments, employee expenses, procurement, and approvals into a single platform. It helps mid-sized companies automate their entire spend cycle, offering tools for finance teams and employees alike.
Spendesk is especially strong in Europe and integrates with accounting systems like Xero and QuickBooks.
Consero SIMPL
SIMPL by Consero is a finance-as-a-service platform that includes AP automation, budgeting, and reporting tools. Rather than just selling software, Consero offers a managed service model, providing not just tools but the finance team to operate them.
SIMPL is designed for companies that want enterprise-grade finance systems without building in-house infrastructure.
Integrate SignTime into your paperless AP workflows
SignTime adds a vital contract management layer to your paperless accounts payable process. It ensures that all payment obligations start with properly signed and stored agreements. With flexible e-signature options, including Japan-specific long-term e-signatures and traditional hanko stamps, SignTime adapts to your business needs.
Its centralized repository and approval workflows streamline vendor onboarding, contract tracking, and compliance. Plus, deep Salesforce integration means your sales and finance teams stay aligned from contract to cash. By embedding SignTime into your AP workflows, you reduce errors, speed approvals, and maintain a clear audit trail.
Download our brochure to see whether SignTime might be a fit for your organization.
