BILL vs. Tipalti - Which AP Automation Platform is Best?

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 (formerly Bill.com) 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.)

Why Routable is a Better Alternative to BILL and Tipalti

Routable combines the best features of BILL and Tipalti while offering additional capabilities that set it apart as a comprehensive finance automation platform. Here are a few reasons why Routable is a better alternative:

Real-time two-way sync with accounting software (Oracle NetSuite, Sage Intacct, QuickBooks Online, Xero, etc.)
AI-powered invoice capture and processing
Vendor onboarding and compliance management
International payments and multi-currency support
Approval workflows and PO matching
Payment reconciliation and real-time reporting
Easy to configure to fit your existing workflows
Built-in controls and compliance

Tool	Summary	Best For
Tipalti	End-to-end AP automation with global payment capabilities	Large, multi-entity businesses with international operations
BILL	Basic AP/AR automation and payment processing	Small businesses operating within the United States making a handful of monthly payments
Routable	Comprehensive finance automation platform with advanced features	Modern finance teams seeking efficiency, speed, scale and cost savings

Request a Routable demo.

Tipalti and BILL Feature Comparison

Feature	BILL	Tipalti
Invoice Processing	BILL offers basic invoice processing capabilities, allowing users to capture invoices, route for approval, and sync with accounting software. However, the process can be manual and time-consuming for businesses with a high volume of invoices.	Tipalti provides robust invoice processing features, including AI-powered data capture, automated coding, and two-way sync with accounting systems. However, some users have reported challenges with integrations and slow implementations.
Payment Processing	BILL supports various payment methods, including ACH, virtual cards, and international payments. However, there are limitations in terms of payment volumes and global reach, which may not suit businesses with complex payment needs.	Tipalti excels in global mass payments, offering multi-currency and multi-method capabilities. It can handle high payment volumes and complex payment scenarios.,
Vendor Management	BILL provides basic vendor management features, allowing users to maintain vendor information and track payments. However, it lacks advanced vendor onboarding and compliance capabilities.	Tipalti offers robust vendor management features, including vendor onboarding, tax compliance, and supplier enablement services. However, some users have reported challenges with the complexity of the platform.
Approval Workflows	BILL allows users to define approval workflows and routing rules for invoices and payments. However, the workflow capabilities may be limited for businesses with complex approval hierarchies.	Tipalti offers customizable approval workflows and financial controls, which can be tailored to meet the needs of large enterprises. However, the setup and configuration process can be complex.
Expense Management	BILL includes expense management capabilities, allowing users to capture receipts, create expense reports, and process reimbursements. However, the feature set may be basic compared to dedicated expense management solutions.	Tipalti offers integrated expense management features, including receipt capture, approval workflows, and reimbursement processing. However, some users have reported limitations in the expense management capabilities compared to standalone solutions.
Reporting and Analytics	BILL provides standard reporting and analytics capabilities, allowing users to track invoices, payments, and cash flow. However, the reporting features may be limited for businesses with complex reporting needs.	Tipalti offers robust reporting and analytics capabilities, including customizable reports, real-time insights, and advanced data visualization tools. However, some users have reported challenges with data accessibility and report customization.

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

Routable: A Better Alternative to Tipalti and BILL

Feature	BILL	Tipalti	Routable
Invoice Processing	Basic invoice processing capabilities	Invoice processing, including automated data capture and automated coding	AI-powered invoice capture, PO matching, and two-way sync with accounting software
Payment Processing	Supports ACH, virtual cards, and international payments	Global mass payments, multi-currency and multi-method	Supports global mass payments, multi-currency, and various payment methods (ACH, wire, checks, etc.)
Vendor Management	Basic vendor management features	Vendor management, including onboarding and compliance	Comprehensive vendor management, including onboarding, compliance checks, and tax management
Approval Workflows	Define approval workflows and routing rules	Customizable approval workflows and financial controls	Highly configurable approval workflows and routing rules
AI-powered Invoice Capture	No	Yes	Yes, with advanced AI capabilities for data extraction and processing
PO Matching	No	Yes	Yes, with automated PO matching and reconciliation
Vendor Onboarding and Compliance	Limited	Yes	Yes, with comprehensive vendor onboarding and compliance checks
Real-Time Two-Way Sync	No	No	Yes, with real-time two-way syncs with 99.8% accuracy
Real-time Payments	No	No	Yes

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.