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tability.ioWhat are Accounts Payable OKRs?
The Objective and Key Results (OKR) framework is a simple goal-setting methodology that was introduced at Intel by Andy Grove in the 70s. It became popular after John Doerr introduced it to Google in the 90s, and it's now used by teams of all sizes to set and track ambitious goals at scale.
Creating impactful OKRs can be a daunting task, especially for newcomers. Shifting your focus from projects to outcomes is key to successful planning.
We have curated a selection of OKR examples specifically for Accounts Payable to assist you. Feel free to explore the templates below for inspiration in setting your own goals.
If you want to learn more about the framework, you can read our OKR guide online.
Accounts Payable OKRs examples
We've added many examples of Accounts Payable Objectives and Key Results, but we did not stop there. Understanding the difference between OKRs and projects is important, so we also added examples of strategic initiatives that relate to the OKRs.
Hope you'll find this helpful!
OKRs to improve invoice processing and payment efficiency
ObjectiveImprove invoice processing and payment efficiency
KRIncrease on-time payments by 30%
Offer incentives for early or on-time payments- Implement reminders for due payments through email or texts
- Improve payment platforms for easier transactions
- KRReduce invoice processing errors by 20%
- Regularly review and audit processed invoices
- Train staff thoroughly on proper invoice processing
- Implement a reliable automated invoice processing system
- KRReduce average invoice processing time by 15%
- Regularly review and improve invoicing processes
- Train staff on efficient invoice handling procedures
- Implement automated invoice processing software
OKRs to streamline vendor aging reconciliation and payment processes
- ObjectiveStreamline vendor aging reconciliation and payment processes
- KRAchieve 100% on-time payments for all vendor invoices within net 30
- Regularly review and update payment processes
- Implement a robust invoice tracking software
- Assign responsibility for all invoice payments
- KRImplement an automated tracking system for vendor aging within first two weeks
- Research best automated vendor aging tracking systems
- Train staff on using new tracking system
- Purchase and install suitable system
- KRReduce number of overdue vendor payments to zero by end of the quarter
- Ensure timely fund allocation for payments
- Regularly review and act on payment due list
- Implement a reliable automated payment system
OKRs to decrease days payable outstanding for better cash flow management
- ObjectiveDecrease days payable outstanding for better cash flow management
- KRImplement automation tools in 80% of payable systems
- Select appropriate automation tools for these systems
- Identify payable systems suitable for automation
- Train staff on the usage of these tools
- KRAchieve 25% faster dispute resolution for payable invoices
- Train staff in effective dispute resolution techniques
- Regularly review and streamline dispute policies
- Implement a centralized dispute management system
- KRReduce average invoice processing time by 30%
- Streamline approval workflows for quicker turnarounds
- Train staff on efficient invoice handling procedures
- Implement automated invoice processing software
OKRs to increase the number of invoices processed
- ObjectiveIncrease the number of invoices processed
- KRIncrease daily invoice processing rate by 25% by next quarter
- Train staff in efficient invoice processing techniques
- Implement automated invoice processing software
- Establish performance metrics to track progress
- KRImplement new automation system to expedite the invoice processing workflow
- Evaluate existing invoice process and identify areas for automation
- Select appropriate software and automation tools for implementation
- Train staff on the new automation system for invoice processing
- KRReduce invoice processing errors by 30% to improve overall efficiency
- Conduct regular staff training on invoice management
- Implement automated invoice processing software
- Establish strict invoice validation rules
How to write your own Accounts Payable OKRs
1. Get tailored OKRs with an AI
You'll find some examples below, but it's likely that you have very specific needs that won't be covered.
You can use Tability's AI generator to create tailored OKRs based on your specific context. Tability can turn your objective description into a fully editable OKR template -- including tips to help you refine your goals.
- 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
- 2. Click on the "Generate goals using AI" button
- 3. Use natural language to describe your goals
Tability will then use your prompt to generate a fully editable OKR template.
Watch the video below to see it in action 👇
Option 2. Optimise existing OKRs with Tability Feedback tool
If you already have existing goals, and you want to improve them. You can use Tability's AI feedback to help you.
- 1. Go to Tability's plan editor
- 2. Add your existing OKRs (you can import them from a spreadsheet)
- 3. Click on "Generate analysis"
Tability's Strategy Map makes it easy to see all your org's OKRsTability will scan your OKRs and offer different suggestions to improve them. This can range from a small rewrite of a statement to make it clearer to a complete rewrite of the entire OKR.
You can then decide to accept the suggestions or dismiss them if you don't agree.
Option 3. Use the free OKR generator
If you're just looking for some quick inspiration, you can also use our free OKR generator to get a template.
Unlike with Tability, you won't be able to iterate on the templates, but this is still a great way to get started.
Accounts Payable OKR best practices
Generally speaking, your objectives should be ambitious yet achievable, and your key results should be measurable and time-bound (using the SMART framework can be helpful). It is also recommended to list strategic initiatives under your key results, as it'll help you avoid the common mistake of listing projects in your KRs.
Here are a couple of best practices extracted from our OKR implementation guide 👇
Tip #1: Limit the number of key results
Having too many OKRs is the #1 mistake that teams make when adopting the framework. The problem with tracking too many competing goals is that it will be hard for your team to know what really matters.
We recommend having 3-4 objectives, and 3-4 key results per objective. A platform like Tability can run audits on your data to help you identify the plans that have too many goals.
Tip #2: Commit to weekly OKR check-ins
Setting good goals can be challenging, but without regular check-ins, your team will struggle to make progress. We recommend that you track your OKRs weekly to get the full benefits from the framework.
Being able to see trends for your key results will also keep yourself honest.
Tip #3: No more than 2 yellow statuses in a row
Yes, this is another tip for goal-tracking instead of goal-setting (but you'll get plenty of OKR examples above). But, once you have your goals defined, it will be your ability to keep the right sense of urgency that will make the difference.
As a rule of thumb, it's best to avoid having more than 2 yellow/at risk statuses in a row.
Make a call on the 3rd update. You should be either back on track, or off track. This sounds harsh but it's the best way to signal risks early enough to fix things.
How to track your Accounts Payable OKRs
Your quarterly OKRs should be tracked weekly in order to get all the benefits of the OKRs framework. Reviewing progress periodically has several advantages:
- It brings the goals back to the top of the mind
- It will highlight poorly set OKRs
- It will surface execution risks
- It improves transparency and accountability
Spreadsheets are enough to get started. Then, once you need to scale you can use a proper OKR platform to make things easier.
If you're not yet set on a tool, you can check out the 5 best OKR tracking templates guide to find the best way to monitor progress during the quarter.
More Accounts Payable OKR templates
We have more templates to help you draft your team goals and OKRs.
- OKRs to attain 1% client engagement on our new website
- OKRs to amplify efficiency and scalability of Business Operations' internal processes
- OKRs to obtain position as Director of Product
- OKRs to implement a flawless DevOps pipeline
- OKRs to establish uninterrupted power supply for all cable and net nodes during blackouts
- OKRs to become a top-performing, talent-nurturing enterprise