In real estate, the accounts payable (AP) department functions similarly to AP departments in other industries but with some distinct differences due to the nature of real estate transactions and operations. Here are a few ways in which an accounts payable department in real estate might differ: Volume and Complexity of Invoices: Real estate companies often deal with a high volume of invoices from various vendors, including contractors, suppliers, utility companies, property management firms, and more. These invoices can vary significantly in terms of complexity, such as invoices for property maintenance, repairs, renovations, leasing expenses, property taxes, and utility bills. As such, the AP department in real estate needs to efficiently process a diverse range of invoices while ensuring accuracy and compliance. Property-specific Expenses: Real estate companies typically manage multiple properties, each with its own set of expenses. The AP department must track and manage property-specific expenses, such as maintenance and repair costs, property taxes, insurance premiums, and utilities. This requires robust accounting systems and processes to allocate expenses accurately to the appropriate properties and projects. Vendor Relationships: Building and maintaining strong relationships with vendors are crucial in real estate. The AP department may work closely with vendors to negotiate payment terms, resolve billing discrepancies, and ensure timely payments. Additionally, real estate companies often rely on long-term relationships with contractors, suppliers, and service providers, so the AP department plays a key role in fostering these relationships to ensure smooth operations. Compliance and Regulations: Real estate transactions and operations are subject to various regulatory requirements and compliance standards, which can vary by jurisdiction. The AP department must stay updated on relevant regulations related to taxation, leasing, property management, and other aspects of real estate finance. Compliance with regulations such as lease accounting standards (e.g., ASC 842) and tax laws is essential to avoid penalties and ensure accurate financial reporting. Budgeting and Forecasting: Real estate companies typically have extensive budgets and financial forecasts that the AP department contributes to by providing data on expenses and payables. This may involve analyzing historical spending patterns, projecting future expenses, and collaborating with other departments, such as finance and asset management, to develop accurate budgets and forecasts. Overall, while the core functions of an accounts payable department remain consistent across industries, the unique characteristics of the real estate sector necessitate specific skills, processes, and expertise to effectively manage payables and support the financial health of the organization. If you have any questions about how SX Business Services can assist you with your outsourced accounts payable needs, please reach out today!

Nicole Bui, Senior Treasury & Accounts Receivable Analyst