Top 15 Best Accounts Payable Software in UK

5. AccountsIQ – Best for multi-entity accounting and consolidation

AccountsIQ is designed for UK businesses managing multiple entities. It supports consolidated AP, invoice scanning, and approval automation. It integrates with ERP and audit systems and follows UK accounting standards.

Reviews

Users commend AccountsIQ for simplifying AP across subsidiaries and cost centers. Finance teams highlight strong consolidation tools, approval flexibility, and UK-specific controls. Some say the interface could be more modern.

Features of AccountsIQ

• Centralise vendor payments across entities

• Automate invoice capture and validation

• Set up approval chains and payment batches

• Consolidate financial data across departments

• Integrate with UK ERP and reporting tools

• Store digital documents securely

• Generate aging and cash flow reports

Final Verdict

AccountsIQ benefits UK multi-entity companies needing unified AP processes and consolidation.

Pros of AccountsIQ

• Streamlined entity-level AP workflows

• Invoice OCR and batch processing

• Compliance with UK GAAP

• Robust integration ecosystem

• Tailored for group structures

Cons

• UI less intuitive than competitors

• Requires setup time for custom entities

6. Zoho Books – Best for freelancers and startups with MTD support

Zoho Books offers affordable AP features for UK freelancers and micro-businesses. It supports vendor billing, bank feeds, expense automation, and MTD-compliant VAT filing. It also includes AI-powered categorization and mobile invoicing.

Reviews

Users appreciate Zoho Books for its simplicity, cost-efficiency, and HMRC compatibility. Freelancers highlight the built-in VAT tools and expense tracking. Some users feel integrations are limited compared to larger platforms.

Features of Zoho Books

• Create and manage vendor bills

• Automate recurring AP entries

• Connect and reconcile UK bank accounts

• File MTD VAT returns with HMRC

• Digitize receipts using mobile scanning

• Track payables and generate reminders

• Access reports for cash flow and due bills

Final Verdict

Zoho Books is ideal for small UK firms wanting low-cost AP with full tax compliance.

Pros of Zoho Books

• Built-in MTD VAT filing

• Free plan for small businesses

• Simple automation tools

• Mobile invoice and receipt support

• Easy-to-use dashboard

Cons of Zoho Books

• Less suited for growing multi-entity teams

• Limited third-party integrations

7. SAP Concur Invoice – Best for large teams with complex approval flows

SAP Concur Invoice enables large UK companies to manage complex AP processes. It automates invoice capture, matching, and approvals while offering full policy controls and analytics.

Reviews

Enterprises rate SAP Concur highly for scale, governance, and control. It’s often used by finance leaders for policy enforcement and workflow visibility. Some mention a steeper learning curve and pricing concerns.

Features of SAP Concur Invoice

• Digitally capture and approve invoices

• Enforce policies with custom approval paths

• Match invoices with POs and goods receipts

• Track audit logs and spending by cost centre

• Automate duplicate invoice detection

• Connect to ERP systems like SAP and Oracle

• Access analytics dashboards and compliance tools

Final Verdict

SAP Concur Invoice is best for UK enterprises needing policy-driven AP automation.

Pros of SAP Concur Invoice

• Advanced approval configuration

• Scalable enterprise-grade features

• ERP integration and analytics

• Full compliance audit trail

• Suitable for high-volume AP

Cons of SAP Concur Invoice 

• Expensive for small teams

• Requires time to configure workflows

8. Lightyear – Best for real-time invoice capture and PO matching

Lightyear automates AP for UK finance teams with OCR invoice capture, real-time approvals, and PO matching. It integrates with Xero, QuickBooks, and NetSuite.

Reviews

Users value Lightyear for invoice accuracy, quick approvals, and audit readiness. It’s praised by finance teams with heavy purchase orders and supplier volume. Some request expanded reporting options.

Features of Lightyear

• Scan and extract invoice data via OCR

• Match invoices with POs and delivery notes

• Customize multi-step approval flows

• Store invoice documents in the cloud

• Export to accounting tools and ERPs

• Gain real-time insights and exception alerts

Final Verdict

Lightyear is suited for UK SMEs needing accurate invoice scanning and fast PO validation.

Pros  of Lightyear

• OCR-based invoice capture

• Real-time PO/invoice matching

• Scalable approval workflows

• Integrates with major UK accounting apps

• Secure digital document storage

Cons  of Lightyear

• Limited advanced analytics

• Some delays in supplier sync

9. Quadient AP (formerly Beanworks) – Best for cloud AP workflows and mobile approvals

Quadient AP enables UK teams to fully digitize accounts payable processes in the cloud. It supports invoice automation, mobile approvals, and PO-based workflows.

Reviews

UK businesses like the mobile approval capability and role-based controls. Users highlight faster processing and fewer manual errors. Some note longer integration time with legacy systems.

Features of Quadient AP

• Automate AP workflows from capture to payment

• Use mobile approvals and notifications

• Match invoices to POs and receipts

• Track approval status in real time

• Integrate with Sage, Xero, and QuickBooks

• Audit-ready logs and spend visibility

Final Verdict

Quadient AP is ideal for UK finance teams that need remote AP controls and cloud flexibility.

Pros of Quadient AP

• Fully cloud-based AP system

• Mobile invoice approvals

• Real-time spend tracking

• Easy PO/invoice reconciliation

• Secure audit log generation

Cons of Quadient AP

• Integration setup may take time

• Interface could be more intuitive

10. FreeAgent – Best for contractors and sole traders in the UK

FreeAgent delivers AP features for UK contractors and small traders. It includes bill tracking, expense logging, VAT returns, and automatic reminders. Fully HMRC-recognized for MTD.

Reviews

Freelancers and micro-businesses use FreeAgent for simple AP and tax filing. Users praise its invoice reminders and HMRC tools. Some say features are basic for larger teams.

Features of FreeAgent

• Log and track vendor bills and expenses

• Submit MTD VAT returns to HMRC

• Link to UK bank accounts for reconciliation

• Schedule and receive payment reminders

• Generate bill payment history and timelines

• Use mobile access for on-the-go entries

Final Verdict

FreeAgent is great for UK self-employed needing basic, compliant AP tools.

Pros of FreeAgent

• MTD-ready and HMRC recognized

• Suits sole traders and microbusinesses

• Easy-to-use and affordable

• Mobile access and bill reminders

• Real-time financial snapshots

Cons of FreeAgent

• No multi-user workflow

• Not ideal for multi-entity businesses

11. Kefron AP – Best for AI-driven invoice digitization and storage

Kefron AP digitizes paper invoices using AI OCR, automating the capture and validation of AP documents. It enables UK finance teams to gain control and visibility over spend.

Reviews

Users trust Kefron AP for transforming manual AP into digital-first. It’s praised for scanning precision, compliance features, and bulk processing. Some seek better user navigation.

Features of Kefron AP

• Scan and digitize paper invoices via OCR

• Validate and match invoice data

• Route documents through approval workflows

• Archive and retrieve invoices in the cloud

• Integrate with UK accounting and ERP platforms

• Ensure document compliance and audit-readiness

Final Verdict

Kefron AP helps UK firms digitize legacy AP workflows with compliance-focused tools.

Pros of Kefron AP

• Accurate AI-based invoice scanning

• Secure digital invoice storage

• Reduces paper and manual input

• Quick access to documents

• Supports compliance requirements

Cons of Kefron AP

• Interface less modern than alternatives

• Occasional issues with data mapping

12. Compleat – Best for budget control and finance team visibility

Compleat offers UK businesses spend visibility through its full AP suite. It manages invoice approvals, budget enforcement, and automated processing with ERP integrations.

Reviews

UK finance teams choose Compleat for budget controls and user-based workflows. It’s praised for invoice-to-budget visibility. Some mention the reporting dashboard could improve.

Features of Compleat

• Automate invoice matching and validation

• Enforce budgets during approval flows

• View AP data linked to financial goals

• Integrate with Sage, Xero, NetSuite

• Custom approval chains by user role

• Access centralized dashboard with alerts

Final Verdict

Compleat is ideal for UK companies enforcing budgets across departments.

Pros of Compleat

• Budget visibility during invoice review

• ERP and accounting integration

• Configurable approval workflows

• Spend alerts and tracking

• Cloud-based access

Cons of Compleat

• UI can feel dated

• Reporting could be more flexible

13. Yooz – Best for AI-powered AP automation and fraud detection

Yooz automates AP using AI and machine learning. It digitizes invoice processing, matches POs, and flags anomalies. UK teams gain secure, audit-friendly automation.

Reviews

Users rate Yooz for speed, fraud detection, and AI classification. It’s valued for large invoice volumes. Some request better custom reporting.

Features of Yooz

• AI invoice capture and auto-validation

• Real-time fraud and anomaly alerts

• Multi-user invoice approvals

• Full audit trails for compliance

• ERP integration with UK accounting tools

• Cloud storage and document search

Final Verdict

Yooz fits UK companies automating large AP loads while ensuring fraud protection.

Pros of Yooz

• Smart fraud detection

• Fast OCR invoice capture

• Secure cloud and mobile access

• ERP integration

• Full audit trails

Cons of Yooz

• Advanced reports need setup

• Interface takes time to master

14. Pleo Invoices – Best for merging expense cards and vendor payments

Pleo Invoices merges vendor payment automation with Pleo’s expense management cards. UK teams can streamline both AP and employee spend in one platform.

Reviews

Users like the unified view of AP and team spending. Businesses report better spend control and simple vendor payment scheduling. Some mention limited support for large AP loads.

Features of Pleo Invoices

• Automate invoice uploads and approvals

• Pay vendors via Faster Payments

• Sync card expenses and AP workflows

• Match invoices with budgets and team spend

• Integrate with UK accounting software

• Gain oversight of total spend in one view

Final Verdict

Pleo Invoices suits UK firms managing both employee and vendor spending together.

Pros of Pleo

• Unified spend control system

• Built-in UK payments

• Team card and invoice sync

• Budget alerts and spend tracking

• Simple and modern UI

Cons of Pleo

• Limited to small/mid-size companies

• Bulk AP processing is basic

15. Telleroo – Best for bulk UK payments via Faster Payments integration

Telleroo simplifies UK supplier payments via automated Faster Payments. It integrates with accounting tools to push payment runs securely.

Reviews

UK finance teams use Telleroo for fast, secure bank payments. It’s praised for speed, audit control, and cost savings. Some want deeper integrations.

Features of Telleroo

• Automate supplier batch payments

• Use Faster Payments for same-day delivery

• Secure approval workflows for bulk runs

• Connect with Xero, Sage, FreeAgent

• Track payment history with audit logs

• Reduce manual bank file uploads

Final Verdict

Telleroo is best for UK firms needing fast and scalable domestic supplier payments.

Pros of Telleroo

• Same-day Faster Payments

• Full audit logs and payment security

• Seamless integration with UK accounting tools

• Quick batch processing

• No bank file handling

Cons of Telleroo

• Focused on UK payments only

• Lacks global AP automation features

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the software support Making Tax Digital (MTD) for VAT submissions to HMRC?

Yes. HMRC-recognized AP software supports MTD-compliant VAT filings. Enable digital VAT return submissions using HMRC APIs. Ensure VAT records are stored and submitted in digital form.
Support automated VAT calculations based on live invoice data.

Does it automate invoice capture, approval workflows, and batch payments?

Yes. AP software automates invoice capture with OCR and AI tools. Trigger multi-level approval workflows based on rules or roles. Enable batch payment scheduling and bulk processing.
Reduce processing time by syncing invoices to payment runs.

Does it integrate directly with major UK banks for real-time payments and reconciliation?

Yes. Leading platforms integrate with Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest. Support open banking feeds for real-time data and reconciliations. Push payments directly from system to bank via secure APIs.
Enable automatic matching of paid transactions against invoices.

Does the tool support UK-based audit trails, fraud detection, and vendor compliance?

Yes. Systems log all user actions with timestamped audit trails. Support fraud detection with duplicate invoice flags and access controls. Maintain supplier compliance through verified tax IDs and KYC data.
Provide audit-ready reports aligned with UK financial regulations.

Can it manage multiple UK business entities, currencies, and supplier tax profiles accurately?

Yes. Multi-entity support allows centralized control across UK units. Enable accurate handling of GBP, EUR, and other currencies. Assign unique tax rules and VAT profiles per supplier. Generate consolidated or entity-specific AP reports with full accuracy.