What is the Accounts Payable Specialist (CAPS) Certification?

The Leading Professional Credential in the UK for Accounts Payable Professionals

The Accounts Payable Specialist certification (CAPS) course is the technical level of the CAPP programme. 

No matter your experience, the CAPS course will enhance your knowledge and skills, enabling you to progress your career in Accounts Payable and wider finance functions. 

Covering core finance and Accounts Payable subject matter, such as AP Accounting, invoice processing and handling best practices, supplier setup and masterfile, risk management, process analysis and technology in finance, this course and CAPS professional credential will help you stand out from the crowd.


Who is this course designed for?

Ambitious individuals either currently working within a finance role or those looking to gain the knowledge and skills to start a career in finance.

Typical CAPS enrolee job titles include:

Accounts Payable or Purchase Ledger Clerk / Analyst / Team Leader / Manager

Finance Assistant / Finance Operations Manager / Financial Controller and many more


Employment Benefits of Becoming a CAPS

As the field’s leading designation, the CAPP is the key indication of candidates with proven ability and experience. To earn it, you must not only complete the online study programme but also pass two challenging and rigorous exams. Employers globally recognise this and in many cases require their Accounts Payable team members to hold either CAPS, CAPM or CAPP certifications.



Develop the practical finance skills and knowledge to boost your career

Accounts Payable is a challenging area of finance which requires a complex skillset to be successful

  • Understand finance and accounting terminology

  • Successfully manage customers and stakeholders expectations

  • Understand invoice processing and handling best practices

  • Embrace the uses and benefits of todays technology in finance

  • Understand internal controls, risk management and compliance

How to obtain the CAPS professional credential

In 3 simple steps

  • Online Study

    Complete the Accounts Payable Specialist online study programme.

  • Exam Preparation

    Use the study material, practice questions, live and recorded classes to prepare for the final exam.

  • Take The Exam

    When you’ve completed the course you can take the relevant exam at your convenience, online within the IFOL Academy

Accounts Payable Specialist Certification Curriculum

On-demand and self paced study programme

  • 1

    Course Introduction

    • Welcome To The CAPS Course

    • Join the IFOL global community

    • About You and Your Career Goals

    • It's Time To Begin
  • 2

    The Accounts Payable Function and Terminology

    • Accounts Payable Role and Responsibilities

    • Essential AP Terminology Glossary

    • Accounting Terminology Questions
  • 3

    Accounts Payable Processes and Procedures

    • Module Overview

    • The Accounts Payable Process

    • 3 Way Match and Processing Invoices

    • Invoice to Pay Masterclass (28 mins)

    • Invoice Processing Best Practices Masterclass (41 mins)

    • Debit Balances, Exceptions and Purchase Orders

    • How to Achieve Purchase Order Compliance (40 mins)

    • Statement Reconciliations

    • Accounts Payable Process Knowledge Check
  • 4

    Technology for Accounts Payable

    • Module Overview

    • Evaluating Software Solutions for AP

    • Solution Types

    • RACI Matrix Template

    • Automated Expense Systems, Supplier Portals and Invoice Capture

    • Self Service Supplier Portals

    • Supplier Self Service Portals Masterclass (44 mins)

    • Digital Payments Masterclass (36 mins)

    • Robotic Process Automation (RPA)

    • Getting Started with RPA Masterclass (41mins)

    • Technology Knowledge Check
  • 5

    Customer Service and Stakeholder Management

    • Module Overview

    • Understanding Good Customer Service

    • Measuring Success Task

    • Customer Service Continued

    • Customer Service Masterclass (41 mins)

    • Your Customer Service Brand

    • Types of Customer

    • Handling Complaints Effectively

    • Customer Service Knowledge Check
  • 6

    Supplier Onboarding and Maintenance

    • Module Overview

    • Standardising the Supplier Masterfile to Prevent Fraud Masterclass (47 mins)

    • Supplier Management and Masterfile

    • Sarbanes Oxley Act UK (SOX)

    • Supplier Sanctions and Maintenance

    • Supplier Data

    • How to Clean Up Dirty Data Masterclass (41 mins)

    • Risk Intelligence and Supplier Relationship Management

    • Suppliers Knowledge Check
  • 7

    Communication and Negotiation Skills

    • Module Overview

    • Communication Overview and Types

    • Importance of Good Communication

    • Communication and Negotiation Knowledge Check
  • 8

    Data Entry and AP Accounting

    • Module Overview

    • Data Entry, Analysis and Numerical Skills

    • Accounts Payable Accounting Masterclass (45 mins)
  • 9

    Travel and Entertainment Expenses

    • Module Overview

    • Travel and Entertainment Overview

    • Guidelines on Travel, Subsistence and Entertainment

    • Monitoring Compliance

    • Expense Management Solutions

    • Travel and Entertainment Expenses Knowledge Check
  • 10

    Internal Controls, Risk Management and Audits

    • Module Overview

    • Compliance and Controls

    • Supplier Debtor Balances, Prompt Payment Code and Reporting

    • Risk Management and Records Retention

    • Accounts Payable Fraud

    • Audits and Audit Compliance

    • What to Expect in a Finance Audit Masterclass (42 mins)

    • Compliance and Controls Knowledge Check
  • 11

    Fraud Prevention in Accounts Payable (Masterclass Series)

    • Masterclass Series Overview

    • Avoiding Payments Fraud in Accounts Payable (58 mins)

    • Segregation of Duties to Avoid Fraud (17 mins)

    • Supplier (or Vendor) Validations for Reducing Fraud Risk (18 mins)

    • Combatting Business Email Compromise or BEC (21 mins)
  • 12

    Performance Management, Team Building and KPI's

    • Module Overview

    • Performance Management and Team Building

    • Performance Management Masterclass (31 mins)

    • Dashboards and Key Performance Indicators

    • Performance and KPI's Knowledge Check
  • 13

    Exam

    • Exam Prep Guidance

    • Exam Prep: Mock Exam Questions

    • Starting The Exam

    • CAPS Exam

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