Shared Service Center

Shared services is a means to an end. It can be used to reduce costs by eliminating redundant labor and systems expenditures. It improves internal control through a consistent set of policies and… Read More

Shared service centers (SSCs) are not a new concept. As far back as the 1970s, organizations centralized AP and other noncore processes. But while these organizations performed AP and other processes… Read More

Setting up shared-service centers (SSCs) for finance and accounting operations is a great cost-saving idea—as long as performance remains high. However, as pointed out in a recent Sungard white

… Read More

This template can be used to document questions to ask various AP locations being consolidated into an AP Shared Services group. Microsoft Excel

… Read More

While any change can be disconcerting, the change to a shared services environment can be a positive development for AP. There are numerous benefits, including streamlined, automated, and… Read More

When exploring the unknown, prudent travelers know to bring a guide. Although the terrain looks treacherous, someone has already been there and knows the best path through. Rely on their experience… Read More

In a study conducted by IOFM, respondents were asked to identify the main reasons their organizations moved the accounts payable function to shared services. For 70 percent or more of the… Read More

Centralizing payables into a shared services center is an effective way to drive out costs through reduced headcount, standardized processes, and automation. While there are a multitude of concerns

… Read More

(For a broad overview of Red Cross's AP process and improvement initiatives, see AP Profile: Discounts, P-cards Provide Relief to Red Cross.) In 2011, the American Red Cross took a major step towards

… Read More