Request for Proposal Tips for an Accounts Payable Audit

Using a Request for Proposal (RFP) can be a good way to learn about accounts payable audit vendors and what they offer.  You are free to ask all your questions of sample companies at once, and compare answers.  The challenge is coming up with the questions to ask.  This can be especially tough if you are new to the accounts payable recovery audit format.  Much as it could in high school, copying can get you into trouble in a hurry.

It's tempting to grab a request for proposal that another organization used as an example, copy the questions, then add in a few more questions of your own.  Next, someone will borrow your RFP, and add a few of their questions to the template you created.  After this process is repeated a few times, the request for proposal becomes filled with irrelevant questions.  Now the RFP becomes a time waster instead of a time saver.  Asking lots of questions in your RFP isn't the answer.  Asking the right questions for you is the way to go.

Important RFP Considerations for a Recovery Audit

The RFP is a filter to help you cut through the clutter and simplify your decision.  Responses to the request for proposal form should help you make sure you're getting everything you want, and nothing you don't want.  All else is just a distraction that creates unnecessary work, overwhelms you with information, wears you out, and clouds your decision.

You can probably identify a dozen or two key things to focus on.  Get clear on your desired outcomes, how you're going to measure them, and the necessary constraints and boundaries.  Use the RFP as a tool to communicate expectations for a productive working relationship.  Make the template relevant to your decision.

If you haven't used an RFP for an accounts payable audit before (or if it was less than wildly successful for you), request our white paper, Key Request for Proposal Elements for an Accounts Payable Recovery Audit.  It will help you isolate the deliverables, practices, and qualifications that will really matter to you and your organization.  To get yours, simply fill out the form below and we'll send you a free copy right way.