Accounting Principles II: Accounts Payable

Accounts Payable

Accounts payable represent trade payables, those obligations that exist based on the good faith credit of the business or owner and for which a formal note has not been signed. Purchases of merchandise or supplies on an account are examples of liabilities recorded as accounts payable. The credit terms of each transaction and the company's ability to take advantage of available discounts determine the timing of payments of accounts payable balances.