Accounts Payable



Module 3:
Cash, Receivables, Payables

Duration:
45-60 minutes

Level:
Beginner to Diploma-Level


Lesson Objectives

Define Accounts Payable

Identify transactions that create accounts payable

Record accounts payable transactions correctly

Distinguish between Accounts Payable and Notes Payable

Understand how Accounts Payable appears in financial statements

Explain the importance of managing payables


Key Vocabulary

Accounts Payable
Creditor
Trade Payables
Credit Purchase
Current Liability
Invoice
Due Date


What Is Accounts Payable?

Accounts Payable represents short-term debts owed to suppliers for purchases made on credit.

Examples
Buying inventory on credit
Receiving utility services before paying
Purchasing office supplies on account


Key Characteristics of Accounts Payable

It is a current liability
Usually settled within 30-90 days
No interest is charged | unlike notes payable
Created by credit purchases
Recorded from supplier invoices


Accounts Payable vs Notes Payable

Accounts Payable
Short-term
No interest
Informal
Based on invoices

Notes Payable
Can be short or long-term
Interest is charged
Formal written agreement
Based on promissory notes



Journal Entry for Accounts Payable

Example
Bought goods worth $2,000 on credit.

Inventory / Expense
Accounts Payable

Dr 2,000
Cr 2,000



When payment is made

Accounts Payable
Cash

Dr 2,000
Cr 2,000




Financial Statement Presentation

Balance Sheet
Accounts Payable ➧ Current Liabilities section

Income Statement
No direct appearance | only related expenses appear


Identify Accounts Payable Transactions

State whether Accounts Payable is increased, decreased, or not affected

Bought inventory on credit
Paid supplier in cash
Purchased equipment using a bank loan
Paid electricity bill
Received goods with invoice due in 30 days


Debit or Credit?

Indicate whether Accounts Payable is debited or credited

Buying supplies on credit
Paying a supplier
Returning goods to a supplier
Recording a supplier invoice


Journal Entry Practice

Prepare journal entries for

Purchased office supplies worth $600 on credit

Paid $400 to a supplier

Bought inventory $1,200, half cash and half on credit


Classification

Classify each as Accounts Payable, Notes Payable, or Not a Liability

Supplier invoice
Bank loan agreement
Salaries owed to employees
Owner investment
Utility bill unpaid


Mini Case Study

A stationery shop buys goods worth $8,000 from a supplier on credit. The supplier allows payment within 60 days.

Questions

What account is created by this transaction?

Is it a current or non-current liability?

What journal entry is recorded at purchase?

What happens to Accounts Payable when payment is made?

Where does this appear in the financial statements?


Quick Quiz

What is Accounts Payable?

Is Accounts Payable an asset or a liability?

True or False | Accounts Payable usually earns interest.

Which document creates Accounts Payable?

Where does Accounts Payable appear in the balance sheet?

Answers ➧ Here

Notes Payable ➧ Here