BILL is a cloud-based accounting application designed to automate and streamline how businesses manage accounts payable and accounts receivable. It focuses on reducing manual data entry, improving visibility over cash flow, and providing more control over financial approvals and payments.
The application addresses common challenges in back-office finance operations, such as processing invoices, routing approvals, making payments, and keeping accounting records up to date. By centralising these workflows, BILL aims to help finance teams operate more efficiently and with fewer errors.
BILL is primarily used by small to mid-sized organisations, as well as accounting firms that manage financial operations on behalf of clients. It is designed for businesses that want to modernise their bill payment and invoicing processes while remaining closely aligned with their existing accounting systems.
What is BILL?
BILL is an accounting automation platform that helps businesses manage payables, receivables, and related financial workflows in a single online environment. Its core purpose is to digitise paper-based or manual accounting processes and connect them directly with payment execution and accounting records.
The platform is positioned as a financial operations tool rather than a full accounting system. It works alongside general ledger software to handle tasks such as invoice capture, approval routing, bill payments, customer invoicing, and synchronisation with accounting records. This approach allows organisations to retain their existing accounting software while automating time-consuming processes around it.
Key Features and Capabilities
- Accounts payable automation, including invoice capture, coding, and approval workflows
- Accounts receivable tools for creating and sending invoices and receiving payments
- Electronic bill payment options, including ACH bank transfers and cheque payments
- Customisable approval workflows to match internal financial controls
- Real-time visibility into payment status and cash flow
- Two-way synchronisation with supported accounting software
- Role-based access and permissions for finance teams and external accountants
- Document storage and audit trails for invoices and payment records
- Mobile access for reviewing and approving bills on the go
How BILL Is Typically Used
BILL is commonly used by finance teams to manage the end-to-end accounts payable process. Invoices are received digitally or uploaded, automatically captured, and routed to the appropriate approvers. Once approved, payments can be scheduled and executed without leaving the platform, with transaction details synced back to the accounting system.
On the accounts receivable side, businesses use BILL to create and send customer invoices and accept electronic payments. This helps reduce delays in getting paid and provides clearer visibility into outstanding receivables.
Accounting firms often use BILL to manage bill payments and approvals for multiple clients. The platform allows accountants to oversee workflows, maintain separation between client accounts, and keep accounting records aligned without manually re-entering data.
Who BILL Is Best Suited For
- Small and mid-sized businesses looking to automate bill payment and invoicing
- Finance and accounting teams seeking better control over approvals and cash flow
- Accounting and bookkeeping firms managing payables and receivables for clients
- Organisations that already use accounting software and want to extend its capabilities
- Businesses with distributed teams that require remote access to financial workflows
Deployment, Access and Integrations
BILL is delivered as a cloud-based SaaS application, accessed through a web browser. This deployment model allows users to log in from any location without installing on-premise software. Mobile applications are also available, enabling users to review and approve bills while away from their desks.
The platform integrates with a range of accounting systems, allowing data such as vendors, chart of accounts, bills, and payments to sync automatically. These integrations are a central part of how BILL operates, ensuring that financial records remain accurate and up to date. BILL also provides API access for organisations that require more customised integrations.
Summary
BILL is an accounting automation application focused on improving how businesses manage accounts payable and accounts receivable. Its strengths lie in digitising invoice handling, enforcing approval controls, and integrating payment execution with existing accounting systems.
The platform is well suited to organisations that want greater visibility and efficiency in their financial operations without replacing their core accounting software. By combining workflow automation, electronic payments, and system integrations, BILL provides a structured approach to managing everyday finance processes.
Example workflow
An approved Bill.com payment updates accounting and notifies finance. No manual work.
Frequently asked questions
Is BILL an accounting system?
No. BILL is designed to work alongside accounting software rather than replace it. It focuses on automating accounts payable and receivable processes and synchronising the results with the general ledger.
Can BILL handle both payables and receivables?
Yes. BILL includes tools for managing vendor bills and payments, as well as creating customer invoices and receiving payments.
Does BILL support approval workflows?
BILL allows organisations to set up custom approval workflows so that bills and payments are reviewed by the appropriate people before processing.
How are payments made through BILL?
Payments can be made electronically, such as through bank transfers, or by cheque, depending on the payment method selected and supported.
Can external accountants access BILL?
Yes. BILL supports role-based access, allowing external accountants or bookkeepers to work within the platform without compromising internal controls.
Is BILL accessible on mobile devices?
BILL provides mobile access, enabling users to review, approve, and monitor bills and payments from mobile devices.
