The Community Association Management (CAM) industry has evolved rapidly in recent decades. Today, approximately 369,000 community associations serve 77.1 million residents, according to Foundation for Community Association Research—a significant increase from just 10,000 associations and 2.1 million residents in 1970.
With this growth, however, comes new challenges. The industry is facing a talent shortage, rising infrastructure and material costs, and increased pressure to do more with fewer resources. To address these realities, many CAM companies are embracing technology solutions that drive efficiency—and accounts payable (AP) automation technology that integrates with homeowners association management software is leading the way.
5 Benefits of Integrated AP Systems in Community Association Management
A fully integrated AP automation system built specifically for the CAM industry can help companies gain efficiency, visibility, and control. It also helps community association companies streamline financial operations while delivering a better experience for board members, clients, vendors, and staff.
Here’s how:
1. Streamlined Invoice Lifecycle Management
Managing the full invoice lifecycle manually introduces unnecessary delays and errors. By automating everything from submitting invoices to making payments, CAM companies can reduce administrative tasks and help eliminate bottlenecks.
AI-enhanced tools and strategic workflows allow teams to process more invoices with fewer resources, allowing staff to focus more on resident and property needs.
2. Improved Accuracy with Automated Invoice Capture
Managing the full invoice lifecycle manually introduces unnecessary delays and errors. By automating everything from submitting invoices to making payments, CAM companies can reduce administrative tasks and help eliminate bottlenecks.
Reliable data capture is essential for a seamless integration into accounting systems, faster approvals, and reduced exceptions—all critical for lean community association management companies managing multiple properties.
3. Efficient Approval Process for Community Managers and Board Members
Slow approvals can delay payments and strain vendor relationships. The solution? Bring the process into the tools your team already uses—or adopt a trusted platform that fits into your existing workflow.
Choosing an AP system that integrates with homeowners association management software enables community managers and board members to review and approve invoices within the same platform they use to manage daily operations. With mobile access, board members can quickly approve invoices from anywhere, reducing delays and making collaboration easier.
4. More Timely and Secure Vendor Payments with Automation
Vendors play a critical role in keeping communities functioning smoothly—from landscaping to maintenance to emergency services. Late or missed payments can damage those relationships and stall essential services.
Automated AP systems help ensure vendors are paid on time and in the method they prefer. After an invoice is approved, payments are processed through a centralized system supported by a dedicated vendor services team.
This approach not only helps protect against fraud using a more secure payment network than written check but also eases the burden on internal staff by offloading inquiries and payment logistics. The result is reduced friction and improved vendor relationships built on consistent, timely payments.
5. Increased Control Over Financial Workflows
In community association management, managers are responsible for overseeing multiple budgets, coordinating with vendors, and meeting board expectations—making financial control a key part of smooth operations.
Modern AP automation systems offer customizable approval workflows that align with internal policies and community-specific governance structures. Whether approvals are routed by invoice amount, vendor type, GL code, or other variables, these workflows help maintain clarity and consistency—without introducing unnecessary complexity.
A full invoice-to-payment audit trail helps ensure each step is documented, enabling transparency for boards and community managers. Combined with layers of fraud protection, community association management companies can feel more confident in the security of electronic transactions.
By centralizing and standardizing financial workflows, CAM companies gain more control over how invoices are reviewed, approved, and paid—helping enable faster, smarter decision-making across communities.
Learn More about Integrated Accounts Payable Solutions for CAM
As CAM professionals take on more properties and serve growing communities—often with limited staff and budgets—operating efficiently isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.
Integrated AP automation tools don’t just reduce paperwork. They transform the way community association management companies approach financial operations. With faster processing, near real-time visibility, and increased control, your team can spend less time on manual work and more time delivering value to communities.
For CAM companies looking to take the next step, AvidXchange offers a purpose-built solution tailored specifically to the unique financial workflows of the industry. Maintain efficiency, visibility, and control of your processes while reducing the frustrations of manual AP.
Ready to see how integrated AP automation can help your team work smarter and reduce manual tasks? Connect with an expert today to learn more about FRONTSTEPS AP Automation Powered by AvidXchange.
