Getting Started with D365 for Accounts Payable Professionals

As more companies transition to cloud-based ERP systems, Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365) is becoming a go-to solution for finance teams. If you’re working in Accounts Payable (AP), learning how to navigate D365 can greatly enhance your productivity and career growth.

Why This Guide?

Recently, a member of our Accounts Payable Professionals Facebook Group asked:

“Anyone work in D365? Looking for some training in the AP module. TIA.”

That simple question inspired us to create this guide for Accounts Payable professionals who are either new to Microsoft Dynamics 365 or want to sharpen their skills in the AP module.

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What Is Microsoft Dynamics 365?

Microsoft Dynamics 365 is an integrated suite of business applications that combines ERP and CRM functionality. For AP teams, D365 provides tools to manage vendor invoices, process payments, and maintain vendor data efficiently, all within a centralized, cloud-based platform.

Key Features for AP Professionals

Here are some of the most valuable features D365 offers to AP users:

• Invoice Processing: Upload and match invoices with purchase orders (PO) and receipts.

• Vendor Management: Store vendor contact info, bank details, tax information, and contract data.

• Workflow Automation: Use built-in workflows for invoice approvals, escalations, and exceptions.

• Payment Runs: Generate and approve scheduled payments via checks, ACH, or wire.

• Reporting: Access real-time reports on payables, aging, and payment status.

How to Learn D365 for AP

There are several resources to help you start learning:

✅ Microsoft Learn
Microsoft’s official learning hub offers free modules like "Introduction to Dynamics 365 Finance."

✅ LinkedIn Learning & Coursera
Both platforms offer paid and free courses on D365 Finance and Operations. Start learning Microsoft Dynamics 365 on Coursera.

✅ YouTube Tutorials
Search for terms like "D365 Accounts Payable demo" or "Dynamics 365 invoice process."

✅ Community Forums
Join forums like Dynamics User Group or the Microsoft Tech Community to ask questions and share insights.

First Steps Inside D365

If you're new to using the system, here’s a simple walkthrough:

1. Log in via your organization’s credentials

2. Navigate to the Accounts Payable module

3. Explore sections like Vendors, Invoices, and Payment Journals

4. Run basic reports like Vendor Transactions and AP Aging

Common Transactions to Learn

• Enter vendor invoice (vendor invoice journal)

• Process PO invoice matching (three-way match)

• Run vendor payments (payment proposal, journal posting)

Final Thoughts

Understanding how to use D365 can help streamline AP tasks and make you a valuable team member in any finance department. Whether you're brand new or transitioning from another ERP, start small, practice often, and take advantage of community knowledge.

Want more AP-focused D365 content? Let us know in the comments or via our LinkedIn Group!

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