Accounts Payable and Procurement: Bridging the Gap in Shared Services

Thursday, May 13th; 10:00 - 11:00 AM

Michele Norris - Supervisor/Manager

Muriel Spears - Supervisor

Scott Renslow - Manager

SAIC - 70 AP Employees; Government Services

Best Suited for Companies Processing 500,000-750,000 Invoices Annually

Presentation Style - Traditional PowerPoint

Field of Study - Business Management & Organization

Intermediate # 400 - New Session

Question: How do you go from a love-hate relationship to a productive partnership, founded on common goals and values?

Answer: Alignment is the key to the success between AP and procurement and the shared services center. Through our experience at SAIC, we will provide examples of how to strengthen that relationship by:

• Identifying weaknesses.
• Collaborating on solutions.
• Celebrating success as a team.

Accounts Payable Change Management and Benchmarking

Monday, May 10th; 9:45 - 10:45 AM

Chris Evanoff - Principal

Soltec, Inc. - Business Services

Presentation Style - Traditional PowerPoint

Field of Study - Business Management & Organization

Overview # 405 - Updated Session

Accounts payable change management is essential to the effective implementation of any AP best practices. Change management entails thoughtful planning and sensitive implementation, and above all, consultation with, and involvement of, the people affected by the changes. Additionally, a clear understanding and evaluation of resources, costs, and transaction volumes are essential prior to any change initiatives. Consequently, comprehensive benchmarking of the organization needs to be completed with specific strategies defined for each type of transaction and process.

Responsibility for managing change lies within the AP management, which must manage the change in a way that employees can cope with. Whenever an organization imposes new business practices and processes on its employees difficulties can be expected. This session is a critical path for any organization that is currently involved in any major changes or is planning any type of improvement initiative in accounts payable. Some of topics the session will cover include:

• Defining accounts payable change management
• Mindset changes
• Adapting your organization to predefined solutions
• Implementation tools and critical path
• Benchmarking, current transactions and cost analysis
• Adopting best practice strategies for AP transactions

Butch Jones - VP of Retail Client Services

Connolly Consulting - Business Services

Presentation Style - Interactive Facilitated Discussion

Field of Study - Business Management & Organization

Advanced # 410 - Updated Session

Please join your retail peers for an in-depth, roundtable discussion. Take the opportunity to network with retail finance and accounting professionals who have similar issues and concerns that are unique to the retail industry. Through the roundtable format, you will be able to have open discussions and share best practices on these topics. The topics and materials will be reviewed and approved by an anti-trust attorney who will also be present at the workshop.

Facilitated by IAPP members

Sponsored by Connolly Consulting

Tuesday, May 11th; 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Chris Evanoff - Principal

Soltec, Inc. - Business Services

Presentation Style - Traditional PowerPoint

Field of Study - Business Management & Organization

Intermediate # 415 - Updated Session

Today, most AP organizations are focused on implementing solutions that address a high percentage of the invoice transactions dealing with previously issued purchase orders. The process for such transactions in most companies is efficient and very cost-effective. Only best-in-class companies have taken the time to actually develop optimal processes and reduce their transactional costs for non-PO transactions. Adopting best practices for non-PO transactions can significantly improve the efficiency of any AP organization. This session will share best practices that have been developed over 10 years dealing with non-PO transactions. The session will provide several options in how each type of transaction can be handled depending upon the technology and the level of inefficiency such transactions may have within each company. We will provide best practices to cover the following transaction types:

• Non-PO invoices
• Check requests
• Payroll deductions
• Utilities-energy
• Telecommunication
• Service, rentals, and leases
• Sales and use tax

ERS and Manufacturing Panel

Rob Heminger - VP of Operations

Business Strategy, Inc. - Business Services

Best Suited for Companies Processing fewer than 250,000 Invoices Annually

Presentation Style - Moderated Roundtable

Field of Study - Business Management & Organization

Advanced # 425 - New Session

Business Strategy, Inc. is proud to introduce a panel focusing on evaluated receipt settlement (ERS) and the manufacturing industry. This new panel will be open to the novice as well as the seasoned expert. A wide range of discussion topics will include:

• ERS: what it is and how it works
• ERS best practices for labor and service suppliers
• ERS best practices for materials suppliers
• Self-billing invoices
• Resolving reconciliation issues
• Resolving control issues

Facilitated by IAPP members

Sponsored by Business Strategy, Inc.

Monday, May 10th; 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Jim Arnold, CAPP - President and COO

Joe Collins - Senior Director of Client Elation

APEX Analytix - Business Services

Best Suited for Companies Processing 500,000-750,000 Invoices Annually

Presentation Style - Interactive Facilitated Discussion

Field of Study - Business Management & Organization

Intermediate # 430 - Updated Session

It's time for a financial sound check. Do you know what the best bands and the best AP departments have in common? They conduct checks to ensure that everything is in place, sounds good and is ready for peak performance. Come compare notes with fellow attendees during this session to see what they check and how you stack up. You'll learn about trends in AP best practices and have the opportunity to complete APEX Analytix' AP benchmark survey to find out how your performance compares to that of other top companies.

Wednesday, May 12th; 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Bob Alexander, CAPP - AP Supervisor

City of Vancouver, Washington - 5 AP Employees; Government Services

Best Suited for Companies Processing fewer than 250,000 Invoices Annually

Presentation Style - Interactive Facilitated Discussion

Field of Study - Business Management & Organization

Basic # 435 - New Session

Individual citizens hold a variety of beliefs about their government, its leaders, and the U.S. political system in general; taken together, these beliefs form the foundation of U.S. political culture. It is important to understand how these beliefs are formed, and the processes by which they are transmitted. Discussion will include:

• Beliefs that citizens hold about their government and its leaders; accountability
• Communication and customer service with internal and external stakeholders
• Centralized vs. decentralized accounts payable
• Time management and workflow efficiencies
• Networking

GRIR and Other Mysteries of SAP, Part 1 of 2

Tuesday, May 11th; 2:15 - 3:15 PM

Jeff Miller, CAPP -Senior Supervisor of Accounts Payable

Joyce Couts, CAPP - North American AP Process Improvement Manager

Campbell Soup Company - 50 AP Employees; Manufacturing Services

Best Suited for Companies Processing 250,000-500,000 Invoices Annually

Presentation Style - Interactive Facilitated Discussion

Field of Study - Business Management & Organization

Intermediate # 440 - New Session

When Campbell Soup Company began a project to implement SAP for its North American operations management was well aware of the success stories as well as the disasters others had experienced. With that in mind, Campbell's solicited various SAP users for their experiences, both good and bad. A common theme of extreme caution soon surfaced whenever GRIR was discussed. Armed with lessons learned from peer companies, and sure they were prepared to take on the challenges, Campbell Soup entered the often mysterious world of SAP.

In spite of all the preparation and planning, by October 2008, Campbell's GRIR account was valued at $130.5MM/40,142 line items with $16.3MM/11,300 line items aged over 90 days. By the following July (2009) GRIR account had been reduced to $69MM/19,500 lines with 322 line items valued at $238,000 aged 90 days. A brief summary will be given of how this was accomplished.

The remainder of the session will be spent in an interactive discussion of users' experience with GRIR and other SAP pain points.

A questionnaire will be sent to participants who register for one or both sessions (part 1 and 2). This questionnaire should be completed and brought to the sessions to ensure a value-added discussion.

GRIR and Other Mysteries of SAP, Part 2 of 2

Tuesday, May 11th; 3:30 - 4:30 PM

Jeff Miller, CAPP - Senior Supervisor of Accounts Payable

Joyce Couts, CAPP - North American AP Process Improvement Manager

Campbell Soup Company - 50 AP Employees; Manufacturing Services

Best Suited for Companies Processing 250,000-500,000 Invoices Annually

Presentation Style - Interactive Facilitated Discussion

Field of Study - Business Management & Organization

Intermediate # 445 - New Session

This will be a continuation, so attendance at Part 1 is greatly encouraged, but not required. The discussion of SAP pain points and success stories will continue

Chris Doxey, CAPP - VP of Business Development

Dan Geelhoed, CAPP - President and COO

Business Strategy, Inc. - Business Services

Best Suited for Companies Processing fewer than 250,000 Invoices Annually

Presentation Style - Moderated Roundtable

Field of Study - Business Management & Organization

Advanced # 450 - New Session

As you know, the accounts payable and procurement processes in =healthcare are very different than in other industries. This interactive panel discussion provides a perfect opportunity to learn from your peers and from large, medium, and smaller healthcare organizations. Our topics will focus on accounts payable automation, process efficiencies, teaming with procurement, and leadership best practices. Our subject matter experts will serve as your panelists and will discuss the topics listed below:

• P2P automation solutions
• P2P data accuracy
• Alternative payment methods
• Invoicing processing exceptions
• PO policies
• T&E automation
• Teaming with procurement
• Leadership best practices

Facilitated by IAPP members

Sponsored by Business Strategy, Inc.

Integrating New Business Entities into a Centralized Healthcare Payables

Monday, May 10th; 9:45 - 10:45 AM

Patricia Druschat, CAPP - Corporate Director of Accounts Payable

Baptist Health South Florida - 24 AP Employees; Healthcare Services

Presentation Style - Traditional PowerPoint

Field of Study - Business Management & Organization

Intermediate # 455 - Updated Session

Even though many companies are downsizing, Baptist Health South Florida is acquiring new businesses and needing to deal with the assimilation of these units into its centralized accounts payable departments. See how this process is working in its Lawson/ImageNow shop and share your experiences with mergers and acquisitions. Learn about bringing in existing hospitals and physicians practices, as well as joint ventures and the establishment of new business entities.

Monday, May 10th; 9:45 - 10:45 AM

Mary Schaeffer - Publisher and Editorial Director

Accounts Payable Now & Tomorrow - Publishing Services

Rich Lanza - President

Cash Recovery Partners - Business Services

Best Suited for Companies Processing 250,000-500,000 Invoices Annually

Presentation Style - Traditional PowerPoint

Field of Study - Business Management & Organization

Intermediate # 460 - New Session

How good are your master vendor file processes? When was the last time you cleaned up the vendor file? Whether you're looking to reduce duplicate payments, comply with Sarbanes-Oxley requirements, or just implement strong internal controls, good master vendor file processes - along with a regular cleanup - are needed. This special session combines the expertise of Mary Schaeffer, a leading accounts payable expert, and Rich Lanza, a tech genius with special expertise when it comes to accounts payable data. In this session they will:

• Quickly review best practices related to master vendor files.
• Explain how to purge the master vendor file effectively and efficiently.
• Identify common mistakes made with vendor master file setup.
• Explain how to use Excel to clean up your master vendor file.
• Explain how to use Excel as audit tool.

Wednesday, May 12th; 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Jim Arnold, CAPP - President and COO

Joe Collins - Senior Director of Client Elation

APEX Analytix - Business Services

Best Suited for Companies Processing more than 750,000 Invoices Annually

Presentation Style - Interactive Facilitated Discussion

Field of Study - Business Management & Organization

Intermediate # 465 - New Session

During this session designed for large AP organizations, we'll share with you the insights that we have gained from working with some of the top companies in the world and tell what strategies they have implemented to become the best. You'll also work with fellow session attendees to develop and share ideas and solutions about how to improve your operations and achieve best in class.

Wednesday, May 12th; 9:45 - 10:45 AM

Patty Carrel - Director of Shared Services

Beverly Carling - AP Manager

Catholic Healthcare West - 75 AP Employees; Healthcare Services

Brian Rosenberg - CEO

RPI Consultants, LLC -Business Services

Best Suited for Companies Processing more than 750,000 Invoices Annually

Presentation Style - Traditional PowerPoint

Field of Study - Business Management & Organization

Basic # 470 - New Session

Catholic Healthcare West, a 40-hospital healthcare system, recently completed a transition to shared services AP in less than one year. Learn how the case for shared services was made, key design and technology decisions, how challenges were overcome, and lessons learned.

Using a Social Networking Model to Push Adoption of Electronic Payments to Your Vendors

Thursday, May 13th; 8:45 - 9:45 AM

Mike Kresse - Senior VP of Payment Services

SunGard AvantGard - Business Services

Best Suited for Companies Processing more than 750,000 Invoices Annually

Presentation Style - Traditional PowerPoint

Field of Study - Business Management & Organization

Intermediate # 475 - New Session

Today, approximately 10 billion business-to-business transactions are processed in the U.S. annually, at costs ranging from a high of $58.09 per transaction for inefficient organizations tied to paper checks to a low of $1.50 per transaction for highly efficient organizations using electronic payment processing (Aberdeen, 2007). There is a continued movement toward electronic payments in North America, but adoption is slow. Many companies want to pay their vendors electronically, but a fair number of those vendors do not accept electronic payments. Because some companies have thousands of vendors, a one-to-many approach of inviting a company to accept electronic payments is needed. Even more ideal is an invitation model based on social networking concepts, allowing payees to register in a global directory where payers could invite them into their secure networks. In this session, you will hear from a $1 billion-plus company that will demonstrate through a case study the benefits of electronic payment systems and will explore the use of a social networking model to invite multiple vendors to accept electronic payments. You will learn:

• Benefits of electronic payments.
• How to migrate or continue migrating to electronic payments.
• Why automated payment systems save time and money, and improve visibility and accuracy
• How to get your customers and vendors to migrate to electronic payments for greater efficiency.

Where Else Can We Find Money? Looking at New Audit Areas

Thursday, May 13th; 8:45 - 9:45 AM

Chris Siemasko - VP of Product Management

Jeremy Dotson - Director of Freight Audits

APEX Analytix - Business Services

Best Suited for Companies Processing 500,000-750,000 Invoices Annually

Presentation Style - Traditional PowerPoint

Field of Study - Auditing

Intermediate # 480 - New Session

How can you turn your accounts payable team into a strategic profit-saving machine? Ask yourself: Where else can we find more money? During this session, you'll learn about innovative areas to audit that can help your company uncover potential overpayments and payment errors that impact your company's hard-earned revenue. You'll learn that by exploring these new audit areas, such as freight rate, and media and advertising, AP can increase the value of its operations and potentially bring needed cash back to your company.

St Pepper's Lonely Vendor File" - Leveraging Your Vendor File to Maximize Profits

Tuesday, May 11th; 2:15 - 3:15 PM

Sherry DePew - VP, Account Management

Lavante - Business Services

Presentation Style - Traditional Power Point Presentation

Field of Study - Business Management & Organization

Advanced # 485 - New Session

One key to maximizing your profits in lies in your Master Vendor File. Proper management and maintenance of your Master Vendor File can mean the difference between adding to your company's bottom line or taking away from it. Learn best practices for managing your vendor file to uncover and recover credits due to you, and to increase your company's bottom line. You'll learn:

• How to turn your vendor file into a strategic resource
• How to reduce duplicate payments
• How to eliminate B-Notices
• Insights for earning deeper discounts and better terms
• Tips for avoiding vendor fraud

Accounts Payable Optimization at Northrop Grumman

Tuesday, May 11th; 2:15 - 3:15 PM

Michele Bristow - AP Supervisory & Project Systems Support

Wayne King - Information Technology

Northrop Grumman

Thomas Walker - Portfolio Manager, SAP Invoice Management

Open Text

Presentation Style - Traditional PowerPoint

Field of Study - Business Management & Organization

Intermediate # 490 - New Session

Northrop Grumman wanted to introduce more automation, controls, efficiency and visibility into their invoice-handling process. AP personnel wanted to eliminate non-value added activities and reduce the manual effort that was previously involved in the process. As Northrop moved from a decentralized Accounts Payable Department to a Shared Service Center, it became critical to improve the process in order to handle the increased volume while increasing control and visibility. As part of the improvement effort, Northrop implemented SAP Invoice Management by Open Text. Learn how process automation at Northrop, for both PO and non PO invoices, has assisted with the transition to a world class Shared Service Center.