October 2026: Future-Proofing AP

INSIDE SCOOP:

It's easy to get buried in the day-to-day of AP and lose sight of where the function is actually headed. But the teams that are excelling aren't just staying ahead of today's workload. They're asking the bigger question: What does AP look like in a few years, and are we building toward that? 

In this issue, we will cover some shifts already reshaping the role and, more importantly, how to make decisions today that won't box you in tomorrow. Future-proofing isn't about predicting every change, but rather about building enough flexibility into your process that you can adapt to rather than scramble through whatever comes next. 

TOP NEWS:

	Future-Proofing Accounts Payable Watch now by clicking the image.
	The Potential Impact of Proposed Payments Fraud Legislation on Vendor Check Payments Read now by clicking the image.
	The Future of AP Fraud: What Every Finance Team Must Know in 2026 Watch now by clicking the image.

2026 MASTER GUIDES TO 1099 and 1042-S COMPLIANCE

 Each year, the IRS implements hundreds of changes to the tax code, and failure to comply has expensive consequences. The Master Guides to Form 1099 and Form 1042-S Compliance are exclusive e-books that IOFM Members reference to maintain compliance in an ever-changing regulatory environment.

NOW LIVE: ACCESS THE GUIDES

AP Automation Readiness Checklist

This checklist gives AP leaders a structured way to evaluate readiness before selecting or implementing automation technology. It is organized into 10 domains that consistently determine whether an automation initiative succeeds or stalls.

ACCESS THE CHECKLIST

The IOFM Circle

The best advice often comes from someone who has already solved your problem. Circle is IOFM's new community space for asking questions, sharing what works, and continuing the conversation after the event ends. Sign in today, or create an account if you're not an IOFM Member, and explore what's available!

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PAYMENT REPORTING SPECIALIST (1099) CERTIFICATION

Compliance season can come with costly mistakes. This IOFM Certification covers the current tax code concerning payments to U.S. vendors and addresses the complexities of reporting them.

GET CERTIFIED

AI in Accounts Payable: Where to Invest and How to Prove the ROI to Leadership

AP leaders must determine where AI will make the greatest impact, establish the right performance metrics, and show executives how the investment will reduce costs, improve operations, and protect the organization from financial risk. Download this white paper to discover how to evaluate AI across the invoice-to-pay lifecycle and build a compelling ROI case that speaks leadership’s language.

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