January 2026: Setting the Tone for AP Leadership in 2026

As AP teams kick off 2026, it’s important to remember that success isn’t just about completing tasks, it’s about leading your team to perform their best. Strong leadership sets the tone for collaboration, efficiency, and strategic growth. From setting realistic goals and managing expectations to inspire engagement and accountability, AP leaders play a critical role in shaping the year ahead. 

This month, we’re focusing on actionable leadership strategies to help AP managers start the year strong, build high-performing teams, and set a foundation for success in 2026. 

This Month's Quick Take: Leadership for a High-Performing Year

• Start with clear priorities. Defining and communicating departmental goals ensures every team member knows what success looks like and how their individual work contributes to those goals.
• Lead by example. Demonstrating accountability, time management, and adaptability encourages your team to mirror these behaviors.
• Strengthen team collaboration. Regular check-ins, transparent communication, and cross-training help AP teams navigate busy periods without creating bottlenecks.
• Build resilience and engagement. Recognize achievements, provide constructive feedback, and create space for professional development to maintain morale during peak periods. 

January Editorial Webinar: Start Strong – Leadership Strategies to Kick Off a High-Performing AP Year

A new year is the perfect opportunity to reset expectations, re-energize your AP team, and build momentum for 2026. In this webinar, you’ll learn practical, AP-specific strategies for prioritizing key Q1 initiatives, improving workflows, boosting communication, and strengthening team accountability. Walk away with actionable tips to sharpen processes, increase engagement, and lead your team with clarity and confidence.

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Leading with Confidence: Real-World Lessons for AP Leaders

What does confident leadership really look like? In this episode, seasoned AP leader Nicole Caley shares the lessons she’s learned over two decades in the trenches of finance operations—offering real talk on confident decision-making, leading during change, and helping new managers find their footing. 

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Working with Boomers, Gen-Xers, Millennials, and 'In-Betweeners'

How do generational differences shape today’s AP teams? In this Q&A, Melissa Schmear, AP Manager at Batteries Plus, shares firsthand perspectives on Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, plus practical advice on training, technology adoption, and building the next generation of AP talent. 

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Tools & Insights from IOFM 

Your Mid-Year Guide to AP Leadership

In today’s fast-paced financial environment, strong leadership is essential to navigating change, building resilient teams, and driving continuous improvement in AP. Whether adapting to new technologies, streamlining processes, or managing hybrid teams, AP leaders face complex challenges that require more than just operational know-how—they demand strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and the ability to inspire others.   LEARN MORE

Leadership in the Face of Fraud: A Fraud Response Plan for the Vendor Process

Vendor payment fraud is escalating fast, and AP teams are prime targets. In this expert white paper, fraud specialist Debra Richardson breaks down today’s biggest BEC risks, emerging fraud trends, and a practical 5-step response plan to protect vendor data, prevent losses, and strengthen controls.

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