Best accounts payable (AP) automation software in Australia, 2026.

Choosing the right accounts payable (AP) automation software can give your business a distinct advantage, simplifying payments, reducing manual errors, and freeing up your team to focus on more impactful work. 

If you’re looking to streamline invoice processing, gain greater visibility over cash flow, or automate routine financial tasks with the help of AI, the right AP platform can transform how you manage business spend. But with dozens of tools on the market, each offering different features, pricing models, and integrations, knowing which one to choose isn’t always easy.

This guide will walk you through how AP automation software works, which features matter most, and even compare some of the top accounts payable systems available in Australia today. We’ll also explore how AP Automation by OFX can help you manage domestic and global payments from one simple, secure platform.

What is accounts payable automation software?

The term accounts payable refers to the money a business owes its suppliers, vendors, and creditors for goods and services received. AP automation software streamlines this process by helping companies to manage, approve, and pay invoices efficiently and accurately.

Instead of relying on spreadsheets, manual approvals, or paper trails, AP automation software digitises the accounts payable workflow. This saves time, reduces the likelihood of human errors, and improves financial visibility.

Designed for businesses of all sizes, modern AP software can:

With tools like OFX AP Automation, businesses can reduce processing times, cut down on manual admin, and manage international payments in one unified platform. This increased efficiency enables you to transform your payables into a strategic advantage.

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How AP automation works.

AP automation begins by capturing invoice data, either through scanning, Optical Character Recognition (OCR), or direct upload. The system then matches invoices to purchase orders with the help of AI and routes them for approval based on your business’s workflow rules. Once approved, payments can be scheduled automatically, either domestically or across borders.

Advanced AP platforms, like OFX’s AP Automation solution, offer features that enhance financial control, such as:

Unlike manual processing, AP software gives you a clear audit trail, reduces late payment risk, and ensures better working relationships with suppliers.

What to look for in AP automation software.

Choosing the right AP automation software starts with identifying the features that best support your team’s workflow, payment volume, and risk profile. Here are the key elements to consider:

AI automation and workflow management

Look for a platform that automates repetitive tasks like invoice capture, approvals, and payment scheduling. Features such as AI automated 2-way or 3-way matching (invoice, PO, and receipt) can reduce human error and improve processing speed. Custom approval flows and real-time status updates also improve visibility and accountability.

System integration

Opt for software that integrates with your existing ERP or accounting system, such as Xero, NetSuite, QuickBooks, or MYOB. Ensuring integration reduces manual data entry and keeps your financial reporting accurate and up to date.

Global payments and FX support

If your business pays international suppliers, choose a platform with strong multi-currency support and competitive foreign exchange (FX) capabilities. With a solution like OFX AP Automation, you can access live FX rates and simplify cross-border transactions, saving time and potentially reducing transfer costs.

Spend visibility and reporting

Effective AP automation software should offer real-time dashboards and detailed spending reports. Look for features like:

These tools can help improve your business’s cash flow management and help you make smart, data-driven financial decisions.

Security and compliance

Security is critical. Ensure the platform offers multi-factor authentication, role-based access controls, and complies with data protection standards. Look for audit logs, vendor verification tools, and fraud detection features to help mitigate risk.

User access and scalability

For larger teams or growing businesses, choose software that allows multiple users with custom permissions. A scalable solution will support your growth and reduce the burden on finance teams as invoice volumes increase.

Comparing the best AP automation software in Australia.

Now that we’ve covered what to look for in an AP solution, let’s compare five of the best accounts payable software platforms available to Australian businesses. Whether you need end-to-end automation, scalability, or simple international payments, each of these options offers a unique mix of features and benefits.

1. OFX AP Automation ¹

Ideal for businesses making frequent international payments, OFX combines accounts payable automation with global money transfer capabilities. It’s designed for finance teams looking to automate approvals and payments, while also offering highly competitive foreign transaction fees.

Key Features:

Best For: Businesses with global suppliers or employees who want to consolidate AP and FX in a single platform while maintaining compliance and control.

2. Xero with Hubdoc ²

Xero is a popular cloud accounting platform that, when paired with Hubdoc, offers basic AP automation suitable for small to medium-sized businesses.

Key Features:

Best For: Small businesses already using Xero for bookkeeping who want a simple and cost-effective way to manage bills and paperwork.

3. MYOB Acumatica ³

MYOB Acumatica provides mid-market businesses with a full ERP suite, including AP automation, inventory, and payroll. It’s suited to companies needing scalability and end-to-end financial visibility.

Key Features:

Best For: Growing businesses with more complex accounting requirements looking for an all-in-one ERP solution.

4. Lightyear ⁴

Lightyear is an AP automation tool that focuses on document capture, approvals, and real-time data extraction, often integrated with systems like Xero, QuickBooks, and NetSuite.

Key Features:

Best For: Businesses with high invoice volumes that require quick processing, accuracy, and strong internal controls.

5. Tipalti ⁵

Tipalti is an end-to-end AP solution tailored to help businesses automate manual workflows, reduce admin time, and improve compliance. It integrates easily with major ERPs and simplifies everything from invoice processing to payment reconciliation.

Key Features:

Best For: Mid-sized to larger businesses looking to modernise AP processes and improve internal controls without overcomplicating workflows.

Which AP automation software should you choose?

Each of these platforms excels in different areas. OFX stands out for its international payment capabilities and competitive FX fees, making it an ideal choice for businesses working across borders. MYOB Advanced and Tipalti offer excellent scalability and robust features for growing enterprises.

Finding an AP automation solution that’s a good fit comes down to your business size, transaction volume, and operational complexity. Take the time to evaluate your team’s priorities, whether it’s reducing manual admin, managing international payment costs, or supporting a scaling operation. Ultimately, you should choose the platform that best aligns with your workflow and financial goals.

The benefits of AP automation software.

Accounts payable software offers more than just automation. When used strategically, it becomes a valuable addition to your finance toolkit, helping you save time, improve accuracy, and strengthen cash flow management.

It doesn’t matter if you’re running a lean startup or scaling a multi-entity organisation, modern AP platforms offer tangible advantages. Let’s break down some of the biggest business benefits:

1. Improve cash flow visibility and control

AP automation software provides real-time insight into your upcoming liabilities, helping you manage cash flow more effectively. With better forecasting and automated reminders, you can schedule payments to align with revenue and avoid late fees.

2. Reduce manual admin and human error

By automating invoice capture, data entry, and approvals, AP software drastically reduces time spent on repetitive tasks. This lowers the risk of duplicate payments, missed invoices, or costly data input errors.

3. Simplify reconciliation and audit readiness

Every invoice, approval, and payment is recorded in a centralised system. With exportable reports, audit trails, and GL code mapping, reconciliation becomes faster and more accurate. These features are perfect for compliance and end-of-year reporting.

4. Enable remote and role-based approvals

Cloud-based AP platforms let teams approve payments securely from anywhere. Role-based permissions ensure only the right people sign off, and approval workflows reduce bottlenecks. This can be especially helpful for distributed or remote finance teams.

5. Support vendor relationships with on-time payments

Faster, more reliable payments improve supplier relationships. Automated reminders and scheduled batch payments help ensure invoices are paid on time, while also reducing the friction of chasing approvals or manually processing electronic fund transfers (EFTs).

6. Integrate seamlessly with accounting systems

Most leading AP tools integrate with platforms like Xero, MYOB, or NetSuite. This two-way sync streamlines the payment cycle and keeps your general ledger up to date, removing the need for duplicate entries or spreadsheet workarounds.

In short, AP automation software gives your finance team the ability to manage payments more efficiently, reduce errors, and focus on high-value tasks like forecasting, vendor negotiations, and financial strategy.

Less manual work & more financial control with OFX.

Want to streamline your accounts payable process while simplifying global payments?

The OFX Global Business Account combines AP automation with international money transfer capabilities, making it ideal for businesses paying overseas suppliers or managing remote teams.

With support for over 30 currencies and real-time FX rates, OFX helps you avoid excessive foreign transaction fees while maintaining full visibility and control over your payments.

You’ll benefit from multi-user approval workflows, Xero or QuickBooks integration, OCR invoice data capture and AI-powered invoice processing, enabling your finance team to work faster, smarter, and more securely.

If you’re scaling your business or expanding internationally, OFX gives you the tools to manage domestic and global payments efficiently, securely, and with full control. To discover how OFX can power up your payables, book a free demo today.

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