March 2026: AI's Impact on AP Isn't a Matter of If, It's a Matter of How.

April 7, 2026

Agentic AI is no longer on the horizon for AP teams. It's already reshaping how invoices get approved, fraud gets flagged, and payments get optimized. But with that shift comes real responsibility. This month, we're focused on helping AP leaders implement AI with the governance structures it deserves: risk frameworks, shadow AI detection, and clear policies that balance innovation with control.

We're also looking at what Microsoft's AI push means for Excel, and how finance teams can take advantage of a smarter analytics stack to cut manual effort and make faster, better-informed decisions.

This Month’s Quick Take: Governing Agentic AI

AI's impact on AP isn't a matter of if, it's a matter of how. Efficiency gains are real, but so is the need for a safe, deliberate adoption strategy.
A three-pillar AI risk framework can give your organization the board-level accountability and data protocols needed to implement AI with confidence.
New AI tools are reshaping what's possible in Excel. Finance teams that build a modern analytics stack today will be faster to insight and better equipped to decide.
Agent Mode and Copilot Studio: Build and manage entire Excel-based processes autonomously, freeing your analysts to focus on the insights that matter.
Track meaningful KPIs. Monitor metrics like percentage of active vendors, setup cycle time, duplicate vendor records, and data accuracy rates to identify problem areas and demonstrate the value of vendor master file improvements.

March Editorial Webinar: Agentic AI & The Boardroom: Building a Governance Framework for Autonomous Finance

AI is already making independent decisions in finance; approving invoices, flagging fraud, optimizing payments. But most governance frameworks haven't been keeping up. Watch this on-demand session for a practical blueprint to implement agentic AI safely, with the board-level accountability your organization needs.

WATCH ON-DEMAND

The New AI in Excel Stack for Finance Professionals

Excel's AI stack is changing how finance teams work. Join MVP George Mount to learn how Copilot, Python, Power Query, and Agent Mode can automate reconciliations, flag anomalies, and cut manual effort across AP, AR, and FP&A in real finance scenarios.

WATCH ON-DEMAND

Did You Know? IOFM Has 13 Master Classes — And They're Built for Moments Like This

Everyone's talking about AI in AP — but AI only amplifies the skills you already have. As your department adopts new tools, the professionals who thrive will be the ones with the strongest foundation underneath them.

That's exactly what IOFM Master Classes are designed for. Short, focused, and built for busy financial operations professionals who need targeted upskilling without a major time commitment.

Ready to sharpen your skills? Explore all 13 Master Classes here.

Can You Tell Which Is Real? Deepfakes, Fraud & the Future of AP Risk

Deepfake fraud is no longer a futuristic fear; it’s here, and it’s targeting AP teams. With AI-powered voice, video, and image manipulation getting scarily convincing, finance professionals need to be ready. Whether you're a finance leader, AP manager, or frontline processor, this is a must-listen conversation on the next frontier of fraud—and how to defend against it.

How Fraudsters Are Using Artificial Intelligence for Payment Fraud

AI is transforming finance operations — but fraudsters are keeping pace. While your organization may be exploring AI to streamline processes and boost efficiency, bad actors are leveraging the same technology to execute more sophisticated payment fraud schemes. Understanding how AI is being misused is just as critical as implementing it responsibly.

Real-World Fraud Case Studies: Lessons Learned for AP Professionals

AP fraud is more costly than most organizations realize. Billing and BEC schemes, fictitious vendors, and kickbacks can all slip through weak controls, causing serious financial and reputational damage. This white paper breaks down real, high-profile fraud cases to uncover the warning signs, control failures, and lessons AP teams can use to protect their organizations.