PO and Non-PO Invoices: Meaning, Differences and Examples

Mastering the nuances of PO and non-PO invoices is crucial for efficient financial management. PO invoices provide a structured approach to procurement, ensuring pre-approval and accurate documentation. Conversely, non-PO invoices offer flexibility for ad-hoc spending. By understanding these distinctions, businesses can optimize invoice processing, boost productivity, and mitigate financial errors through automation.

Table of Contents

Differences Between PO Invoice and Non-PO Invoice

Criteria	PO Invoice	Non-PO invoice
Definition	Invoices with a corresponding purchase order.	Invoices without a pre-approved purchase order.
Approval Process	Typically pre-approved, resulting in faster processing.	Approval procedure is more difficult and generally slower.
Usage	Primarily used for direct acquisition of goods or services.	Typically used for indirect purchases and ad-hoc expenses.
Transparency	Boosts transaction transparency and accuracy.	Less transparent, increasing the risk of errors.
Examples	Vendor invoices for regular supplies.	Employee reimbursements and service invoices.
Documentation	Includes extensive information matching the PO.	May lack detailed documentation, leading to potential disparities.

Related Read: What is the Difference Between Invoice and Bill?

What Is a PO (Purchase Order) Invoice?

A PO invoice, short for a purchase order invoice is directly linked to a pre-existing purchase order (PO) which includes detailed order information like items, quantities, prices, and the corresponding PO number. As PO invoices are typically pre-approved, payment is swift and accurate when it matches the original order. This streamlined process enhances purchasing control, ensures cost accuracy, and streamlines financial record-keeping.

Related Read: What is an Invoice?

PO Invoices Examples

1. Vendor Invoices

These are issued by suppliers when goods or services align with a previously issued purchase order (PO). For instance, a vendor providing office furniture as per a PO would send a vendor invoice detailing items, prices, and payment terms.

2. Goods Received Invoices

When a company receives a delivery of goods, the supplier sends a purchase order invoice that corresponds to the purchase order created for that shipment. For instance, a wholesaler may purchase products for a store, and the wholesaler will then give a PO invoice matching the order upon delivery, making accurate record-keeping and payments easier.

3. Invoices for Recurring Purchases

Companies frequently make periodic purchases for regularly purchased items like office supplies, these invoices adhere to pre-approved purchase orders enhancing the buying consistency and streamlining the approval process.

4. Service Invoices

A PO invoice is produced in accordance with the service agreement in situations when services, such as IT support or maintenance, are contracted for. For example, to ensure that the services are accepted and documented, a business may issue a PO for monthly IT assistance, and the service provider would reply with an invoice.

The Procurement Process for PO Invoices

STEP 1: Determine Needs and Create a Purchase Request

Identify the required goods or services and create a detailed purchase request outlining items, quantities, and budget.

STEP 2: Approve Purchase Requisition

The purchase request undergoes review and approval by authorized personnel to ensure alignment with budgetary constraints and company policies.

STEP 3: Issue a Purchase Order

Upon approval, a formal PO is issued to the selected vendor, outlining the order details.

STEP 4: Vendor Confirmation

The vendor confirms their ability to fulfill the order as per the PO’s terms, establishing a mutual agreement.

STEP 5: Delivery of Goods and Services

The vendor delivers the ordered items or services, which are verified by the receiving department to match the PO.

STEP 6: Creating a Purchase Order Invoice

The vendor generates a PO invoice based on the delivered goods or services and the original PO.

STEP 7: Three-Way Matching

The PO invoice is matched three times against the original purchase order and the documentation for the items received to ensure accuracy and prevent discrepancies.

STEP 8: Approval and Payment of Invoices

After successful three-way matching, the invoice is authorized for payment, and funds are transferred to the vendor as per agreed terms.

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What Is A Non-PO Invoice?

A non-PO invoice is generated for purchases outside the formal procurement process. Unlike PO invoices, they lack a pre-approved purchase order.

Non-PO invoices demand a more rigorous approval process, often involving multiple stakeholders and additional documentation. To mitigate risks like duplicate payments, clear guidelines and robust procedures are essential.

Common examples include:

Employee reimbursements, utility bills, and one-time services.

Travel reimbursement forms for employee travel expenses.
Mileage reimbursement forms to cover employee driving and parking fees.
Miscellaneous payment forms to cover the costs of stipends, professional licenses, society dues, or other odd expenses.

Examples of Non-PO Invoices

1. Advertising Expenditures

To ensure prompt payments to marketing companies or media agencies, businesses frequently incur marketing expenses without the need for a formal purchase order (PO).

2. Utility Expenses

Bills for utilities such as water, electricity, and telephone services are managed as non-PO invoices, indicating ongoing operational costs that do not require a purchase order.

3. Employee Reimbursements

For travel, food, and supply costs, employees submit non-PO invoices, which enable prompt payment without requiring a pre-authorized PO.

4. Legal Services

Law firms’ invoices for legal advice or services are categorized as non-PO bills as they are frequently provided on a need basis.

5. Maintenance and Repair Services

Emergency maintenance or repairs, such as electrical or plumbing work, are invoiced as non-POs so that essential services can be paid for immediately.

6. Subscription Fees

Recurring subscription services that don’t need a formal purchase order every billing cycle, such as software licences or online tools, are invoiced on a non-PO basis. These services are budgeted.

7. Mileage Reimbursement Forms

These documents are used to claim back expenses incurred by employees when using their personal vehicles for business purposes. They typically include details such as the start and end points of the journey, mileage covered, and the rate per mile.

8. Miscellaneous Payment Forms

These are forms used for various one-off payments that don’t fit into other categories. They can include expenses such as stipends for employees, professional licenses, membership fees, or other miscellaneous costs. These forms often require additional supporting documentation to justify the payment.

The Procurement Process For Non-PO Invoice

Non-PO invoices arise from purchases outside the standard procurement process. These typically cover routine expenses, employee reimbursements, and one-time services. Unlike PO-based transactions, they require a more flexible approval process and lack pre-authorization. Common examples include utilities, travel costs, professional fees, and government levies.

STEP 1: Invoice Generation

Vendors or service providers issue invoices for goods or services delivered without a corresponding purchase order.

These typically cover:

Small, recurring expenses (e.g., utilities, office supplies)
Employee reimbursements (travel, meals, parking)
Professional services (legal, consulting)
Government fees (taxes, permits)
Contractual obligations (rent, leases)

STEP 2: Invoice Receipt

The organization receives the non-PO invoice from the vendor or service provider.

STEP 3: Invoice Validation

The accounts payable department reviews the invoice for:

Accuracy of information (dates, amounts, descriptions)
Verification of goods or services received
Compliance with company spending policies

STEP 4: Approval Routing

The invoice is routed through the appropriate approval workflow based on:

Invoice amount
Department or cost center
Company policies
Required sign-offs

STEP 5: Invoice Coding and Approval

Accounting codes are assigned to the invoice for accurate financial classification.
Authorized approvers review and approve the invoice.

STEP 6: Payment Processing

Upon final approval, the invoice is processed for payment according to the company’s payment terms.

STEP 7: Record Keeping

Invoice, approval, and payment details are maintained for audit and reconciliation purposes.

How to Automate PO and Non-PO Invoice Process?

Automating non-PO invoices streamlines processing, reduces errors, and accelerates payment cycles. By handling both PO and non-PO invoices, automation ensures consistent AP practices, improves cash flow, and enhances overall financial management.

1. Invoice Capture

Optical Character Recognition (OCR):Extract data from paper or digital invoices to create structured data.
Email Integration: Automatically capture invoices sent as email attachments.
Portal Uploads: Enable suppliers to upload invoices directly to a secure portal.

2. Data Extraction and Validation

Intelligent Data Capture (IDC): Extract key data points (invoice number, date, vendor, amount, etc.) accurately.
Data Validation: Verify extracted data for inconsistencies or errors.
Duplicate Invoice Detection: Identify and eliminate duplicate invoices.

3. Workflow Automation

Approval Routing: Establish automated approval workflows based on invoice amount, department, or other criteria.
Notifications: Send automated notifications to approvers and stakeholders.
Escalation: Implement automated escalation procedures for overdue approvals.

4. Coding and Classification

AI-Powered Coding: Use artificial intelligence to suggest appropriate general ledger codes based on invoice data.
Coding Templates: Create standardized coding templates for common expense types.
Cost Allocation: Automatically allocate costs to the correct departments or projects.

5. Payment Processing

Integration with Financial Systems: Seamlessly integrate with ERP or accounting systems for payment processing.
Payment Options: Offer various payment methods (ACH, EFT, check).
Payment Reminders: Send automated payment reminders to vendors.

6. Analytics and Reporting:

Performance Metrics: Track key performance indicators (KPIs) like average processing time, approval cycle time, and error rates.
Spend Analysis: Gain insights into spending patterns and identify cost-saving opportunities.

7. Compliance and Audit:

Audit Trails: Maintain detailed records of invoice processing for compliance and audit purposes.
Fraud Prevention: Implement fraud detection mechanisms to identify suspicious invoices.

Conclusion

Understanding what is PO and non-PO invoices and their differences is crucial for optimal financial management. Automation has proved to be a game changer, with studies indicating that it may save up to 80% on automated invoice processing expenses and reduce processing times by 75%. As more businesses implement automated solutions, the future offers even better efficiency, accuracy, and improved vendor connections, setting them for long-term development and success.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is a purchase order important for PO invoices?

For PO invoicing, a purchase order plays an important role because it creates a legal contract between the customer and the supplier, detailing transaction terms. It ensures purchases are approved and properly recorded while aiding in budget management and spending tracking. POs also act as a legal buffer, giving both parties protection and clarity in the event that there are disagreements over the order.

2. When are Non-PO invoices typically used?

Non-PO invoices are commonly used for small, one-time purchases that don’t need a formal purchase order. They enable businesses to swiftly manage ad hoc transactions, like office supplies or service fees, eliminating the need for complex approval procedures. Furthermore, non-PO invoices are frequently issued for expenses like employee reimbursements or utility payments, allowing for greater flexibility in handling various types of expenditures.

3. How can businesses improve the management of Non-PO invoices?

Businesses can enhance non-PO invoice management by automating invoice processing, thus reducing human errors and streamlining approval procedures. A centralized digital platform guarantees improved tracking and transparency of all bills.

4. What is the difference between sales and purchase invoices?

Businesses issue sales invoices to customers when they sell products or services and request transaction payments. On the other hand, purchase invoices containing expenses incurred are received by businesses from suppliers when they purchase goods or services from them. Purchase invoices influence costs and accounts payable, whereas sales invoices impact revenue and accounts receivable.

5. How does the approval process differ for PO and non-PO invoices?

There are significant structural and complexity differences in the approval procedure for PO and non-PO invoices. In order to speed up payment, PO invoices are normally pre-approved and go through a short approval procedure that frequently just requires a simple match to the original purchase order. Non-PO invoices, on the other hand, typically include a more intricate, multi-tiered approval procedure and do not include a pre-approval stage. This might result in payment delays and more administrative work.

6. Are non-PO invoices riskier than PO invoices?

Yes, non-PO invoices are typically considered riskier than PO invoices as they are more prone to errors and scams. They lack a pre-approval and organised documentation that PO invoices provide. Furthermore, the lack of a structured procurement procedure may result in approval delays, a higher likelihood of duplicate payments, and trouble correctly tracking spending.