Moneyzine
Contents
/Investment Guides /Accounts Payable

Accounts Payable

Moneyzine Editor
Author: 
Moneyzine Editor
Last updated on November 6th, 2024
Advertiser Disclosure
Accounts Payable

Definition

Also referred to as "payables," this is the accounting term used to describe balances owed to trade partners for materials, supplies, goods and services that were purchased on credit. Accounts payable recognizes the timing difference between the company's receipt of the benefit or asset, and the payment for this expense.

Explanation

Accounts payable is recorded on the balance sheet as a current liability. As such repayment of this debt is expected in less than 12 months. The normal repayment terms to creditors such as trade partners are 30 to 60 days.

Related Terms

  • Balance Sheet
    Also known as a statement of financial position, the balance sheet is used to show the financial health of a company at a particular point in time. The balance sheet consists of assets, liabilities, and owner's equity in the company. It is one of the four key financial statements issued by public companies.
    Moneyzine Editor
    Moneyzine Editor
    November 6th, 2024
  • Liabilities
    The financial accounting term liability is used to describe the debt of a corporation that results from a transaction involving the transfer of an asset or the provision of a service. Liabilities are reported on a company's balance sheet.
    Moneyzine Editor
    Moneyzine Editor
    November 6th, 2024
  • Current Liabilities
    The financial accounting term current liabilities are generally defined as any debts that must be paid within one year or one operating cycle, whichever is longer. Current liabilities are a subcategory of liabilities, which appear on a company's balance sheet.
    Moneyzine Editor
    Moneyzine Editor
    November 6th, 2024
  • Income Taxes Payable
    The financial accounting term income taxes payable is used to describe money owed to government authorities but not yet paid. Income taxes payable appears in the current liabilities section of the company's balance sheet.
    Moneyzine Editor
    Moneyzine Editor
    November 6th, 2024

  • Active vs Passive Investing in Volatile Markets
    Recent years have been a reminder that prices do not move in straight lines. Interest rate hikes, persistent inflation, and sharp reversals in sectors like technology have all contributed to faster, more unpredictable swings.
    April 15th, 2026
  • The Versatile World of Financial Instruments: What Are Futures Contracts?
    The financial landscape is as vast as it is complex, woven with various types of instruments that cater to the myriad needs of traders and investors alike. Among these, futures contracts play a significant role, especially for those looking to hedge against risk or speculate on the price movements of assets.
    February 10th, 2025
  • Biden Or Trump: Who Is Better For The Economy And Stocks?
    Yup. This is one of those articles. It's an election year, and here in the U.S., we get to decide which old dude who’s been alive long enough to remember when there were only 48 states in the U.S. will be the leader of the free world.
    March 19th, 2024
  • When it comes to strategic business planning, accounting is front and center, shaping the course of action. At least it should be.
    March 14th, 2024
  • How To Invest in Real Estate Without Becoming a Landlord
    We all know that in order to build wealth and prepare for retirement, investing is the key. However, it can be hard to figure out what to invest in and how to put your money to good use. One of the most talked about ways to build wealth is owning property and being a landlord to bring in passive income. But what if you don’t want to do that? You can still invest in real estate!
    November 15th, 2024

Contributors

Moneyzine Editor
The Moneyzine editorial team consists of writers and content specialists with diverse backgrounds.