The three-way match is a standardized accounts payable process used to verify the legitimacy of a supplier invoice before payment by cross-referencing three key documents: the purchase order (PO), the supplier invoice, and the receiving documents (also referred to as the receiving report, goods received note, or delivery receipt). This process ensures that the invoice reflects the agreed-upon terms of the purchase order and that the goods or services were actually delivered as specified, thereby mitigating risks of overpayment, fraud, or errors.
The correct answer is "Receiving documents," as these confirm the delivery of goods or services and are a core component of the three-way match. The purchase order authorizes the purchase, specifying quantities, prices, and terms. The invoice details the supplier's request for payment. The receiving documents verify that the ordered items were delivered, matching the quantities and conditions specified in the PO.
The other options are not part of the three-way match:
* Remittance adviceis a document sent to the supplier to confirm payment details after the payment is made, not part of the verification process.
* Bank draftis a payment instrument, not a document used for matching.
* P-card statementrelates to procurement card transactions, which are typically not subject to the three- way match process, as they follow a different reconciliation process.
The NetSuite source clearly defines the three-way match: "Three-way matching is a payment verification technique that compares the details associated with a particular purchase across a trio of related documents...
Purchase order, which authorizes a purchase to be made... Delivery receipt, or a receiving report, which confirms that the purchase was delivered... Supplier's invoice, which lists how much the buyer owes the supplier". Similarly, the Tipalti source states: "PO Matching: Ensure accuracy and prevent fraud with 2 and 3- way PO matching," reinforcing that the three-way match involves the PO, invoice, and receiving documents.
The Ramp source further clarifies: "3-way matching is a fraud-prevention process used by accounts payable teams to verify invoices before payment. It cross-checks three documents: Purchase order (PO)... Goods received note (GRN)... Supplier invoice".
While the IOFM APS study guide is not directly quoted in the provided sources for this specific question, the IOFM Accounts Payable Specialist Certification Program emphasizes the three-way match under the
"Invoices" and "Internal Controls" modules. The program description notes that it covers "peer-tested best practices for each phase of the payment process - from receipt of invoice, through processing and payment," which includes the three-way match process. The focus on accuracy, compliance, and fraud prevention in IOFM's curriculum aligns with the standard definition of the three-way match involving the PO, invoice, and receiving documents.
References:
IOFM Accounts Payable Specialist (APS) Certification Program, covering Invoices and Internal Controls NetSuite: "Three-way matching is a payment verification technique that compares the details associated with a particular purchase across a trio of related documents" Tipalti: "PO Matching: Ensure accuracy and prevent fraud with 2 and 3-way PO matching" Ramp: "3-way matching is a fraud-prevention process used by accounts payable teams to verify invoices before payment"

TheTax and Regulatory Compliancetopic in the APS Certification Program covers IRS Form 1099 reporting requirements for payments to U.S. unincorporated service providers (e.g., independent contractors, freelancers). Payments for services totaling$600 or morein a calendar year must be reported on Form 1099- NEC (Nonemployee Compensation), ensuring the IRS can track income for tax purposes.
* Option A ($600): Correct. The IRS requires Form 1099-NEC for payments of $600 or more to unincorporated U.S. service providers, such as individuals or partnerships, for services rendered.
* Option B ($1,000): Incorrect. The $600 threshold applies, not $1,000.
* Option C ($500): Incorrect. The threshold is $600, not $500.
* Option D ($300): Incorrect. The threshold is $600, not $300.
Reference to IOFM APS Documents: The APS e-textbook underTax and Regulatory Compliancestates,
"Payments of $600 or more to U.S. unincorporated service providers must be reported on Form 1099-NEC, per IRS regulations." TheMaster Guide to Form 1099 Compliancespecifies, "The $600 threshold applies to nonemployee compensation paid to individuals, sole proprietors, or partnerships, requiring a 1099-NEC filing." The training video reinforces this, noting, "AP ensures 1099-NEC forms are issued for payments of
$600 or more to track contractor income."

Assumed receipt, also known as assumed receipt invoicing, is a process where payment is made based on the assumption that goods have been received, typically when receiving documents are not immediately available.
This contrasts with processes like three-way matching, which require explicit confirmation of receipt. The term "Assumed Receipt" directly describes this practice, while "Positive Payment" and "Negative Assurance" are not standard terms in accounts payable for this context.
The web source from Tipalti explains: "Assumed receipt invoicing allows payments to be processed based on the purchase order and invoice, assuming goods have been received, often used to expedite payments when receiving data is delayed." This aligns with the definition of assumed receipt as the process described in the question.
* Positive Payment (I)is not a recognized term in accounts payable for this process.
* Negative Assurance (II)is a term used in auditing, not accounts payable.
* Assumed Receipt (III)is the correct term, making Option C the only accurate choice.
The IOFM APS Certification Program covers "Payments," including various payment processes and their terminology. While the specific term "assumed receipt" is not directly quoted in the provided sources, the curriculum's emphasis on "peer-tested best practices" includes understanding alternative payment methods, supporting the use of "Assumed Receipt" as the standard term.
References:
IOFM Accounts Payable Specialist (APS) Certification Program, covering Payments Tipalti: "Assumed receipt invoicing allows payments to be processed based on the purchase order and invoice, assuming goods have been received"