BILL vs. Tipalti - Which AP Solution is Best For You?

There are many AP Automation tools on the market, and it’s critical to understand the differences to determine which is the right solution for you. 

When it comes to accounts payable automation, BILL is a better option for small businesses looking for a streamlined solution, while Tipalti is a platform designed for larger enterprises with complex global payment needs. This post will cover both platforms in-depth to help you determine which one aligns better with your business requirements. Additionally, we’ll highlight Routable as an alternative to BILL and Tipalti, offering a compelling solution that combines the best features of both platforms and more.

Tipalti and BILL Overview

Tipalti

Tipalti is a global payables automation solution designed for enterprise companies. It automates the accounts payable process, from invoice intake to payment remittance, while providing financial controls and compliance features.

Key features of Tipalti include:

• End-to-end accounts payable automation
• Global mass payments (multi-currency, multi-method)
• Procurement and supplier management
• Integrated expense management
• Advanced tax and regulatory compliance

BILL

BILL is a cloud-based accounts payable and receivable automation platform that simplifies the way businesses manage their finances. It streamlines the entire invoice-to-payment process, enabling users to approve bills, route payments, and sync transactions with their accounting software.

Key features of BILL include:

• Accounts payable automation
• Accounts receivable management
• Expense tracking and reimbursement
• Payment processing (ACH, virtual cards, international payments)
• Accounting software integrations (QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, etc.)

Tipalti and BILL Feature Comparison

Invoice Processing

BILL

BILL offers basic invoice processing capabilities that allow users to capture invoices digitally, route them for approval, and sync with accounting software. While functional for small to medium businesses, the process can be manual and time-consuming for organizations handling high volumes of invoices. The platform covers fundamental needs but lacks the automation features that larger enterprises typically require.

Tipalti

Tipalti provides robust invoice processing with advanced automation features designed for enterprise-level operations. The platform leverages AI-powered data capture technology to automatically extract and process invoice information, reducing manual effort and improving accuracy. Key features include:

• Automated coding and categorization of invoices
• Two-way synchronization with accounting systems
• Advanced data extraction capabilities
• Intelligent invoice matching

However, some users have reported challenges with integrations and slower-than-expected implementation timelines.

Payment Processing

BILL

BILL supports various payment methods including ACH transfers, virtual card payments, and international payments. The platform works well for standard business operations but has notable limitations when it comes to payment volumes and global reach. These constraints may not suit businesses with complex payment needs or those requiring sophisticated international payment capabilities.

Tipalti

Tipalti excels in global mass payment processing, making it particularly suitable for enterprises with international operations. The platform offers comprehensive payment capabilities including:

• Multi-currency payment support across global markets
• Multiple payment methods for different regions
• High-volume payment processing capabilities
• Complex payment scenario management
• Advanced payment routing and optimization

This robust infrastructure makes Tipalti ideal for businesses with sophisticated international payment requirements and high transaction volumes.

Vendor Management

BILL

BILL provides basic vendor management features that allow users to maintain vendor information and track payment histories. The system handles straightforward vendor relationships adequately but lacks the comprehensive features needed for complex vendor onboarding processes and advanced compliance requirements that larger organizations typically need.

Tipalti

Tipalti offers comprehensive vendor management designed for enterprise-level requirements. The platform includes sophisticated vendor onboarding workflows, comprehensive tax compliance management, and dedicated supplier enablement services. Features include:

• Automated vendor onboarding and verification
• Tax compliance and regulatory management
• Supplier enablement services
• Advanced vendor portal capabilities

However, the extensive feature set can create complexity challenges, and some users find the platform overwhelming to navigate initially.

Approval Workflows

BILL

BILL allows users to define approval workflows and routing rules for both invoices and payments. The system works well for organizations with straightforward approval hierarchies and standard business processes. However, the workflow capabilities may be limited for businesses requiring complex, multi-level approval processes with intricate routing logic and sophisticated financial controls.

Tipalti

Tipalti offers highly customizable approval workflows with advanced financial controls that can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of large enterprises. The platform provides extensive configuration options including:

• Multi-level approval hierarchies
• Role-based access controls
• Customizable routing rules
• Advanced financial oversight capabilities

The trade-off is a more complex setup and configuration process that requires dedicated time and expertise to implement effectively.

Expense Management

BILL

BILL incorporates expense management functionality directly into its platform, allowing users to capture receipts digitally, create expense reports, and process employee reimbursements. The system handles standard expense management needs adequately, including mobile receipt capture and basic approval workflows. However, these features may seem basic when compared to specialized, dedicated expense management solutions.

Tipalti

Tipalti offers integrated expense management capabilities that work seamlessly with its broader financial automation platform. The system includes receipt capture technology, approval workflow integration, and streamlined reimbursement processing. While functional and well-integrated, some users have noted that these expense management capabilities may not match the depth and sophistication of standalone expense management solutions.

Reporting and Analytics

BILL

BILL provides standard reporting and analytics functionality that enables businesses to track invoices, monitor payments, and analyze cash flow patterns. The reporting capabilities cover fundamental business intelligence needs including basic dashboards and standard financial reports. However, the features may be limiting for organizations requiring complex, customized reporting solutions or advanced data analysis capabilities.

Tipalti

Tipalti delivers comprehensive reporting and analytics capabilities designed for enterprise-level data analysis requirements. The platform offers sophisticated business intelligence tools including:

• Customizable report generation and scheduling
• Real-time business insights and dashboards
• Advanced data visualization capabilities
• Comprehensive financial analytics and KPI tracking
• Multi-dimensional reporting across vendors, payments, and compliance

Despite these powerful features, some users have reported difficulties with data accessibility and challenges in customizing reports to meet specific organizational requirements.

BILL Use Cases

• Small businesses looking for a streamlined AP/AR solution
• Companies with straightforward approval workflows and payment needs

Tipalti Use Cases

• Mid-market and enterprise companies with global operations
• Businesses with complex payment scenarios and high payment volumes

Pros Compared

BILL Pros

• User-friendly interface and easy to navigate
• Tight integration with popular accounting software
• Quick onboarding and implementation process

Tipalti Pros

• Robust global payment capabilities and multi-currency support
• Advanced tax compliance and regulatory features
• Comprehensive vendor management and onboarding services

Cons Compared

BILL Cons

• Limited scalability for businesses with complex payment needs
• Basic reporting and analytics capabilities
• Lack of advanced vendor management and compliance features

Tipalti Cons

• Steep learning curve and complex implementation process
• Higher pricing compared to other AP solutions
• Limited integration with some accounting software

Pricing Comparison

Pricing information for both BILL and Tipalti is not publicly available, as it varies based on factors such as the number of users, payment volumes, and additional features required. Both platforms offer customized pricing plans based on the specific needs of the customer.

When To Use BILL or Tipalti

When to use BILL:

• Your business is small with relatively simple payment needs
• You primarily operate within a single country or region
• You prioritize ease of use and a streamlined user experience

When to use Tipalti:

• Your business is an enterprise with global operations
• You have complex payment scenarios, high payment volumes, and multi-currency needs
• You require advanced tax compliance and regulatory features
• You have a dedicated finance team to manage the implementation and ongoing usage

How Routable Stands Apart

Seamless integration with accounting software

Routable offers a real-time, two-way sync with popular accounting software like QuickBooks, NetSuite, and Xero, ensuring that your financial data is always up-to-date and accurate.

AI-powered invoice processing

Routable’s advanced AI capabilities enable efficient invoice capture, data extraction, and processing, reducing manual effort and improving accuracy.

Comprehensive vendor management

Routable’s vendor management features go beyond basic vendor information tracking, offering robust vendor onboarding, compliance checks, and tax management capabilities.

Unified Platform for AP, payments, and more

Routable provides a unified platform for accounts payable automation, mass payments, vendor management, and more, eliminating the need for multiple tools and streamlining your finance operations.

Easy to configure to fit your existing workflows

Routable works the way you work, eliminating the need for disruptive changes. Its flexible platform adapts to your unique requirements, allowing you to maintain familiar workflows (like bill approvals) while enhancing efficiency.

Built-in controls and compliance

Integrated procurement controls, tax management, and automated approvals ensure your spending complies with internal guidelines and regulations. Take the burden off your employees and put it in the hands of Routable’s automated platform.

Request a Routable demo.

Conclusion

While Tipalti and BILL offer valuable accounts payable and receivable solutions, Routable emerges as a more comprehensive and advanced alternative for modern finance teams. With its seamless integration capabilities, advanced AI and machine learning features, robust global payment capabilities, and comprehensive suite of finance automation solutions, Routable positions itself as a powerful platform for businesses seeking efficiency, cost savings, and streamlined finance operations.