What does accounts payable (A/P) represent in a business?

Accounts payable (A/P) represents debts a business owes to its creditors. This includes amounts that a business is obligated to pay for goods and services that have been received but not yet paid for. It is a key component of a company’s balance sheet and falls under current liabilities, which are obligations due to be settled within one year. A/P reflects outstanding invoices from suppliers or vendors, indicating the company’s reliance on credit for its operations, which can impact cash flow management.

Understanding accounts payable is crucial for tracking a company's financial health, as well as its operational efficiency. Managing A/P effectively ensures that a business can meet its obligations in a timely manner without straining its cash resources.