In Search Of 20022

The Role of ISO 20022 in Accounts Payable

ISO 20022 is a global standard for electronic data interchange between financial institutions. It plays an increasingly important role in Accounts Payable by enabling standardized payment instructions, better remittance data, and improved efficiency.

What Is ISO 20022?

Developed by the International Organization for Standardization, ISO 20022 is an XML-based messaging standard for financial services such as payments and electronic statements. Its structured format is gradually replacing many international payment and cash management formats.

• XML-based messaging standard
• Used across payments, securities, trade, and cards
• Mandatory in many global financial systems, including SWIFT

🎥 ISO 20022 Explained

How ISO 20022 Benefits Accounts Payable

• Standardized Payment Instructions: Messages like pain.001 streamline domestic and international payments.
• Enhanced Remittance Data: Helps vendors reconcile payments quickly and accurately.
• Cross-Border Compatibility: One format for all geographies reduces complexity.
• Automation & STP: Minimizes manual work and errors through Straight-Through Processing.
• Fraud & Compliance: Better data helps with AML and regulatory screening.

ISO 20022: Empowering the Future of Payments

by Patrick Riesen (Kindle Edition)

📘 View on Amazon

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support the AP Professionals community at no additional cost to you.

Common ISO 20022 Message Types for AP

Message Type	Use Case
pain.001	Payment initiation
pain.002	Payment status report
camt.053	Bank statement
camt.054	Credit/debit notification
remt.001	Remittance advice (developing)

Getting Started with ISO 20022 in AP

1. Talk to your bank about ISO 20022 file support.
2. Check if your ERP (SAP, Oracle, Workday) is compatible.
3. Map out your AP workflows for improvement opportunities.
4. Test end-to-end with partners and banks before going live.

The future of AP is digital, structured, and global. ISO 20022 is at the center of it all.

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Robert Ruhno Director Accounts Payable Professionals Group

💼 LinkedIn Group 🐦 X (formerly Twitter) 📘 Facebook Group

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Recommended Tools for Accounts Payable Professionals

Best Tools for AP Pros

Optimize your workspace. Protect your health. Boost your accuracy.

Disclosure:
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
We only recommend products based on their relevance to the Accounts Payable community.
Thank you for using these links — your support helps us maintain and grow the Accounts Payable Professionals Group.

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🪑 Ergonomic Office Furniture

1. Herman Miller Aeron Why it stands out: Iconic design with three size options, extensive adjustability, and breathable mesh back. Backed by a 12 -year warranty. Best for: Premium, long -term comfort seekers.

2. Uplift V2 Standing Desk Why it stands out: 30+ desktop finishes, rich accessory ecosystem, height range 25.5 -51.1" and 355 -lb capacity. Best for: Versatile sit -stand workflows and tall users.

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⌨️ Keyboards & Accessories

3. Logitech ERGO K860 Wireless Keyboard Split curved layout and cushioned palm rest reduce wrist pronation during heavy data entry.

4. Logitech MX Vertical Mouse Natural handshake grip cuts muscle strain; adjustable DPI for precise spreadsheet navigation.

5. 3M Gel Wrist Rest Memory -gel pad supports neutral wrist alignment, lowering RSI risk during marathon invoice sessions.

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🛠️ Time -Saving Tools for AP Workflows

8. Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1600 Wi -Fi scanner blasts through receipts & invoices at 40 ppm; integrates with cloud storage.

9. DYMO LabelWriter 450 Turbo Prints 71 labels/min for folders, vendor files, and mailing checks—no ink required.

10. Sony WH -1000XM5 Headphones Class -leading ANC silences office chatter so you can concentrate on reconciliations.

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🔍 Tip:

Want to improve posture and reduce strain? Start with the chair, keyboard, and mouse combo. It makes the biggest difference in comfort and productivity.

💡 Support Our Community:
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Robert Ruhno Director Accounts Payable Professionals Group

💼 LinkedIn Group 🐦 X (formerly Twitter) 📘 Facebook Group

The Strangest Things People Have Submitted on Expense Reports

The Strangest Things People Have Submitted on Expense Reports

Even seasoned AP professionals can’t help but shake their heads when strange items show up on expense reports. Below are a few stories—including real examples—from both our own desks and broader industry reports.

Head-Scratching Reimbursements We’ve Seen

1. Ripped Pants Emergency 
   An employee submitted a $200 reimbursement for pants ripped while getting out of a NYC taxi—right before a big client meeting. That’s one pricey wardrobe malfunction!

2. Two Seats, One Traveler
   Another employee booked two airline seats for the same flight—because they needed the extra space. In an awkward conversation, the airline confirmed it was required for comfort, and the extra ticket was indeed billed.

💸 Top 10 Most Unusual Expenses (via AccountingToday)

Based on Oversight Systems data, here are some of the most outrageous expense claims reported:

• A sports bra and yoga class submitted as a “client gift”
• $99,000 worth of discounted Lenovo laptops — purchased to resell for profit
• Eyelash extensions billed as a business necessity
• Personal catering, car rentals, and bulk office supplies — all under one employee
• A “survivalist” stocking up on doomsday prep books

😱 Even More Wild Submissions from CFOs:

According to a survey of finance leaders, other shocking expense claims included:

• Flat-screen TVs, rental homes, luxury vacations, and cosmetic surgery
• Doggie day spas, toilet paper, and even dance classes
• And perhaps the boldest: a welder... and someone else’s salary

👀 What Have You Seen? AP pros, your stories are the best:

• What’s the most outrageous thing you've processed?
• Did you ever approve something that made you question your sanity?
• Or did a bizarre claim slip through the cracks before you caught it?

Share your stories in the comments—anonymously preferably—and let’s have a good laugh (or cringe) together.

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Robert Ruhno Director Accounts Payable Professionals Group

💼 LinkedIn Group 🐦 X (formerly Twitter) 📘 Facebook Group

Let's look at 1099 Filing Websites

Which 1099 Filing Websites Show When Your Forms Were Accepted by the IRS and the States?

If you're new to accounting or just getting started in a finance role, you might be surprised at how big of a deal it is to send out 1099 forms each year. These forms are how businesses report payments made to contractors or vendors—not employees—to the IRS and state tax agencies.

But here’s the part that gets stressful: once you hit “submit” on those forms, how do you know the IRS or your state actually accepted them?

“Can anyone recommend a good website for 1099 filing like eFile4Biz but would have reporting to show date/time of state & federal acceptance?” – Beck N.

In this blog, I’ll walk you through four websites that not only help you file 1099s online, but also let you track exactly when your filings are accepted. That’s super helpful if you ever need to prove you submitted them on time.

Why Does It Matter When the Forms Are Accepted?

If you’re in accounting, just sending the 1099s isn’t enough. You need to make sure the forms were:

• Actually received by the IRS and state agencies
• Accepted without errors or rejections
• Delivered to the people you paid (called recipients)

Some sites only confirm that you submitted the form. But the sites below go a step further by telling you when the IRS and states accepted it—which is key if there’s ever a compliance audit.

Four 1099 Filing Sites That Give You Timestamped Acceptance

✅ Tax1099

Website: tax1099.com

• Shows the exact time your form is accepted by the IRS or the state
• Matches Taxpayer ID Numbers (TIN) to avoid errors
• Works with tools like QuickBooks and Xero

What people are saying:

• “I used Tax1099 for the first time last year… There is a bit of a learning curve but I got the job done.” (Reddit)
• “Tax1099 has messed up too many things for me to trust them anymore…” (Reddit)
• “It was easy to use and great customer service.” (Capterra)

✅ Track1099 (by Avalara)

Website: track1099.com

• Shows the time your 1099 was accepted by the IRS and states
• Tracks whether the contractor received the form by email
• Collects W-9 forms securely

What users say:

• “The easy format and helpful suggestions make it easy to file 1099s…” (G2)
• “Easy setup, reasonable cost, synced quickly with Xero…” (Xero App Store)

✅ 1099 Pro

Website: 1099pro.com

• Real-time acceptance status
• Bulk uploads and corrections
• Designed for large-scale companies

What users say:

• “Straightforward product that expedites 1099 filings…” (Capterra)
• “Affordable and quick… UI could use some modernization.”

✅ Yearli by Greatland

Website: yearli.com

• Tracks state and federal form status
• Prints and mails 1099s for you
• Easy templates for entering data

What About eFile4Biz?

Beck’s original question mentioned eFile4Biz. It’s a decent tool for basic filing, but it doesn’t give you the same level of detail about when your forms are accepted. If you need that level of reporting, one of the four options above would be a better fit.

Summary: What Real People Think

Tool	What Users Like	What They Don’t Like
Tax1099	Great support, IRS/state timestamping	Buggy near deadlines, unclear status for some users
Track1099	Simple to use, good support, Xero integration	Some cost concerns
1099 Pro	High-volume friendly, very customizable	Outdated interface
Yearli	Easy to learn, good for small businesses	Less suited for big teams

Final Thoughts

If you're just getting into accounting, this might feel like a lot. But the main thing to remember is this:

Not all 1099 websites are created equal. If you want to stay compliant and sleep better during audit season, pick one that tells you exactly when the IRS and your state accepted each form.

Try out a free demo if you can—and always download your acceptance records!

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Robert Ruhno Director Accounts Payable Professionals Group

💼 LinkedIn Group 🐦 X (formerly Twitter) 📘 Facebook Group

Typing Toward Trouble? AP & Carpal Tunnel

Is Your Desk Job Hurting You? Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Accounts Payable

Many years ago, at the start of my career in Accounts Payable, I remember having an ache in my hands and wrists that I now recognize may have been early signs of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Back then, everything was paper-based. There was no automation, no scanning — just stacks and stacks of invoices. I was typing in the details for up to 200 invoices a day. The repetitive motion of entering invoice numbers, dates, amounts, and vendor codes, all while flipping through paper and filing documents, took a physical toll. Somehow I was lucky and it never developed into anything serious or permanent.

Recently, I spoke with a friend who works in AP and she mentioned feeling numbness and tingling in her fingers. She’s still dealing with loads of mail, paper statements, and manual filing. It hit me that, even with all the technology we now have, many AP professionals are still exposed to the same repetitive stress risks I experienced early on.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs through the wrist. This pressure can come from repetitive hand and wrist movements, often leading to:

• Tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
• Wrist pain, especially at night
• A weakened grip or tendency to drop objects

It’s incredibly common among office workers — and even more so for people in roles like ours that involve repetitive tasks all day.

Why AP Professionals Are Especially At Risk

While we often focus on accuracy, compliance, and deadlines, we don’t always pay attention to the physical demands of the job. Think about a typical AP day:

• Opening dozens of envelopes
• Sorting and filing statements
• Flipping through long vendor histories or invoice packets
• Keying in payment data for hours on end

Even small, repeated movements can cause strain over time — especially if your workstation isn’t ergonomically set up.

Tips to Reduce Risk and Protect Your Hands

• Take short breaks every hour — Just 2–3 minutes to stretch your fingers, shake out your wrists, or stand up can go a long way.
• Use keyboard shortcuts and templates to reduce keystrokes where possible.
• Invest in ergonomic tools — A supportive mouse, keyboard wrist rest, and a proper chair can make a big difference.
• Digitize what you can — Tools like OCR, automated workflows, and vendor portals can reduce the need for manual data entry.
• Stretch regularly — Simple hand and wrist stretches during lunch or at your desk can help keep nerves and muscles healthy.

What About Legal Rights and Workers’ Comp?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a recognized repetitive strain injury (RSI) and is often covered by workers’ compensation laws.

You Can File for Workers’ Compensation

If your job duties significantly contribute to CTS, you may be entitled to:

• Medical treatment
• Wage replacement if you're unable to work
• Possible compensation for permanent limitations

You don’t have to prove employer negligence — just that your job was a factor. But report symptoms early and follow your company's procedures.

Suing Your Employer? Rarely a Good Idea

In most states, workers’ comp is your only remedy. Trying to sue your employer may:

• Disqualify you from workers’ comp
• Drag you into a lengthy and expensive legal process
• Require substantial proof that your employer was intentionally negligent

Smart Next Steps

• Document symptoms and report them to HR
• Request an ergonomic evaluation or light-duty adjustment
• See a doctor and follow medical guidance
• Consult a workers' comp attorney if your claim is denied or mishandled

Protecting your health and your rights doesn’t require a legal battle — but it does require action.

Final Thoughts

AP professionals are some of the hardest-working, detail-oriented people I know. We often pride ourselves on pushing through discomfort to get the job done. But pain isn't a badge of honor — it's a warning.

Take care of your hands — they’re one of your most important tools. And don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself, both physically and professionally.

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Robert Ruhno

Director
Accounts Payable Professionals Group

That Invoice Is How Old? (2025 Edition)

Have you ever picked up the phone, only to hear a vendor asking about payment on an invoice that's over a year old? You pause and think, "Who waits a year before following up?" But in the world of Accounts Payable, it happens more often than we'd like to admit.

Here are some of the top reasons we still see aging invoices turn into sudden payment requests:

1. The invoice was never properly submitted to AP.
In many cases, the invoice was sent to the purchaser instead of the centralized AP inbox—and never forwarded. Some organizations still lack the internal controls to ensure invoices reach AP on time.

2. Missing or incomplete documentation.
Vendors fail to include vital contact information or don't send a completed W-9 form. No W-9 = no payment.

3. Outdated vendor information.
"We mailed it to your old address." Sound familiar? AP teams move, but vendors don’t always get the memo.

4. Lack of follow-up.
Sometimes, vendors assume that sending the invoice once is enough. If it disappears into the void, they may not notice until their year-end reconciliation.

But let’s not pretend AP is always perfect either. This is where technology, clear processes, and communication come in.

Getting Started with D365 for Accounts Payable Professionals

As more companies transition to cloud-based ERP systems, Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365) is becoming a go-to solution for finance teams. If you’re working in Accounts Payable (AP), learning how to navigate D365 can greatly enhance your productivity and career growth.

Why This Guide?

Recently, a member of our Accounts Payable Professionals Facebook Group asked:

“Anyone work in D365? Looking for some training in the AP module. TIA.”

That simple question inspired us to create this guide for Accounts Payable professionals who are either new to Microsoft Dynamics 365 or want to sharpen their skills in the AP module.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase—at no additional cost to you.

What Is Microsoft Dynamics 365?

Microsoft Dynamics 365 is an integrated suite of business applications that combines ERP and CRM functionality. For AP teams, D365 provides tools to manage vendor invoices, process payments, and maintain vendor data efficiently, all within a centralized, cloud-based platform.

Key Features for AP Professionals

Here are some of the most valuable features D365 offers to AP users:

• Invoice Processing: Upload and match invoices with purchase orders (PO) and receipts.

• Vendor Management: Store vendor contact info, bank details, tax information, and contract data.

• Workflow Automation: Use built-in workflows for invoice approvals, escalations, and exceptions.

• Payment Runs: Generate and approve scheduled payments via checks, ACH, or wire.

• Reporting: Access real-time reports on payables, aging, and payment status.

How to Learn D365 for AP

There are several resources to help you start learning:

✅ Microsoft Learn
Microsoft’s official learning hub offers free modules like "Introduction to Dynamics 365 Finance."

✅ LinkedIn Learning & Coursera
Both platforms offer paid and free courses on D365 Finance and Operations. Start learning Microsoft Dynamics 365 on Coursera.

✅ YouTube Tutorials
Search for terms like "D365 Accounts Payable demo" or "Dynamics 365 invoice process."

✅ Community Forums
Join forums like Dynamics User Group or the Microsoft Tech Community to ask questions and share insights.

First Steps Inside D365

If you're new to using the system, here’s a simple walkthrough:

1. Log in via your organization’s credentials

2. Navigate to the Accounts Payable module

3. Explore sections like Vendors, Invoices, and Payment Journals

4. Run basic reports like Vendor Transactions and AP Aging

Common Transactions to Learn

• Enter vendor invoice (vendor invoice journal)

• Process PO invoice matching (three-way match)

• Run vendor payments (payment proposal, journal posting)

Final Thoughts

Understanding how to use D365 can help streamline AP tasks and make you a valuable team member in any finance department. Whether you're brand new or transitioning from another ERP, start small, practice often, and take advantage of community knowledge.

Want more AP-focused D365 content? Let us know in the comments or via our LinkedIn Group!