Finance & Accounting Glossary Terms

Brushing up on the basics.

Explore finance, accounting, and procurement related terms.
From procure to pay to close.

AP Turnover Ratio

The accounts payable turnover ratio is a vital financial metric that evaluates an organization’s efficiency in managing short-term liabilities and cash flow.

Audit Trail

An audit trail is a chronological record of all financial transactions and activities that occur within an organization.

Budget Controls

Budget controls are a set of procedures and policies that are used to ensure that an organization’s actual spending adheres to its financial plan.

Business Intelligence

Business intelligence is the process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to make informed decisions within an organization.

Cash Flow Statement

A cash flow statement is one of the three central financial statements, along with the income statement and balance sheet.

Direct Spend

Direct spend refers to expenses directly involved in the production of an organization’s products or services.

Discounted Cash Flows

Discounted cash flows is a valuation method used to determine the present value of the future cash flows generated by an investment or business opportunity.

Document Management

Document management is the process of capturing, storing, organizing, and retrieving electronic and paper-based documents.

E-sourcing

E-sourcing is a strategic procurement process that uses digital technology and online platforms to optimize the sourcing of goods, services, and suppliers.

eBilling

Electronic billing (eBilling) is the process of sending and receiving invoices electronically.

eProcurement

eProcurement is the process of using electronic technology to automate the procurement process.

Expense Reports

Expense reports are a vital part of any business, and without proper systems, they can become an outsized part of an accountant’s job.

Fiduciary Responsibility

Fiduciary responsibility represents a legal and ethical obligation held by an individual or entity to act in the best interest of another party.

Fraud Prevention

Fraud prevention is a series of proactive measures to detect, deter, and mitigate the risk of fraudulent activities within an organization.

General Ledger

A general ledger (GL) is the central book of accounting in which all financial transactions are recorded.

Indirect Spend

Indirect spend is the term used for purchases that aren’t included in an organization’s cost of goods sold (COGS).

Internal Controls

Internal controls are policies, procedures, and systems that safeguard a company’s assets, ensure accurate financial reporting, and uphold compliance with laws and regulations.

Invoice Processing

Invoice processing is the critical accounting process of receiving, reviewing, and paying invoices from suppliers.

Invoice-to-Pay

The invoice-to-pay process is the end-to-end workflow of managing and settling accounts payable obligations.

Month-End Close

The month-end close is a critical accounting process that happens at the end of each month, with the goal of finalizing a company’s financial records for that period.

Notes Payable

A note payable is a written promissory note stating that a company owes money to an external lender or creditor and is a legal contract outlining specific loan terms.

Payment Terms

Payment terms are the conditions under which a buyer must pay a seller for goods or services.

Pro Forma Invoice

A pro forma invoice is a preliminary invoice that is sent to a customer before the goods or services have been delivered.

Real-Time Visibility

Real-time visibility into financial operations is essential for accountants in today’s fast-paced business environment. By having access to real-time data, accountants can make more informed decisions, identify potential problems early on, and improve their overall efficiency.

Request for Proposal

A Request for Proposal is a formal document that organizations use to solicit bids for services, products, or solutions from potential suppliers or vendors.

Request for Quote (RFQ).

Request for quote (RFQ) is a versatile procurement tool used across various industries. It plays a crucial role in facilitating fair competition and fostering transparent communication between buyers and sellers.

Source-to-Pay

Source-to-pay is a process that encompasses the procurement lifecycle, from identifying and sourcing suppliers to receiving and paying for goods and services.

Spend Analytics

Spend analytics is the systematic process of collecting, cleansing, categorizing, and analyzing spending data to gain actionable insights into an organization’s spending habits.

Supply Chain Management

Supply management, often referred to as procurement or supply chain management, is the strategic sourcing, procurement, and optimization of resources necessary for an organization’s operations.

Tail Spend

Tail spend refers to the numerous, lower-value, and unmanaged transactions outside of strategic spend.

Total Cost of Ownership

Total cost of ownership (TCO) is a framework used to understand the true costs of buying something, plus the cost to operate it over its useful life.

Vendor Management

Vendor management is a strategic approach that organizations use to optimize relationships with suppliers, vendors, or partners during the procurement lifecycle

Virtual Cards

Virtual cards are a type of credit or debit card that are generated and stored electronically.

Visibility and Control

Visibility and control over financial transactions are essential for accountants and finance teams to maintain accurate records and ensure the compliance.

Working Capital Management

Working capital management is the process of managing a company’s assets and liabilities to ensure that it has cash flow to meet its short-term obligations.

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