Optimizing Accounts Payable Functions November 26 & 27, 2008 Toronto

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Conference Agenda

Session 1:

9:00-9:45 - OPG Case Study: Automating the AP Process to Reduce Costs and Boost Efficiency
Neville da Silva, Director of Financial Processing Services, Ontario Power Generation Inc.

Advances in technology have made it possible to automate many aspects of the AP process, resulting in increased productivity as well as time and cost savings. This session will look at best practices from OPG and new developments in the area of AP automation.

? Automation technology: workflow and imaging
? Developing an automation plan
? Tips for reducing costs
? How to implement automation
? Benchmarking



9:45-10:30 - Case Study: Measuring the Performance of Your AP Function to Increase Productivity
Radica Kazim, Manager, Accounts Payable, Brookfield LePage Johnson Controls (BLJC)

Performance metrics are necessary to ensure that the accounts payable department is performing well. They can also be used when developing benchmarks. With its AP departments located in Victoria, BC and Markham, ON, BLJC sought to implement a performance measurement system with a goal to halve the cost of invoice-processing and remain competitive. This presentation will outline the objectives and implementation of the organization's performance metrics.

? Identifying the areas to be measured: data entry of invoices, supplier setup, payments
? Dividing the department into its various functions
? Developing performance metrics: a spreadsheet to track errors from data verifications
? How to use metrics as a benchmarking tool: report on cost for each function and cost per invoice
? Cross-training team members on all functions, so that coverage is provided during absences and vacations
? Establishing a service level


10:30-11:00 NETWORKING BREAK

10:30-10:45 - Networking Break


10:45-11:30 - Panel Discussion: Strengthening Accounts Payable Internal Controls
Leigh-Ann Tung, Director, Finance, Electrolux Home Care Products Canada Inc. Consuelo Uribe, Accounts Payable Coordinator, Associated Brands Stacey Karim, Accounts Payable Supervisor, Oxford Properties Group

Having strong internal controls in place is crucial to preventing fraud, mispayments, liability for other errors or mishandling. One key part of this initiative is being in a position to delegate authority to qualified personnel to process and review AP activities. This presentation will discuss best practices undertaken by three leading Canadian companies to improve internal controls in their accounts payable departments.

? Determining objectives of internal controls
? Identifying vulnerabilities in current internal controls
? Maintaining internal control activities
? Methods for securing accounts payable processes



11:30-12:15 - Optimizing AP Processes to Prevent Fraud
Gary E. Moulton, Partner, Deloitte & Touche LLP, and Chair, Forensic Accounting Committee of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants

The causes of fraud can be either internal or external. Nevertheless, if the right processes are in place, you can reduce the chances of it occurring. This session will review methods for preventing and detecting fraud associated with accounts payable.

? How to conduct internal audits
? Reporting tools that can help prevent fraud
? How to implement processes that can help detect fraudulent vendors
? Software for preventing fraud



12:30-1:30 Lunch