Good AP Times

In this episode of Good AP Times, brought to you by Factura.ai, we sit down with Herb Taylor, Managing Director at Eisner Advisory Group, to explore a fascinating question: What if restaurants operated more like hotels, airlines, or even tech companies?With decades of experience helping hospitality brands improve operations and profitability, Herb shares why many restaurants still rely on "the binder," tribal knowledge, and manual processes that create unnecessary complexity and risk. From handwritten checks to disconnected systems, he explains how these outdated habits hold brands back from scaling efficiently.Fair warning: if you've spent years in restaurant operations and have a little PTSD from printer jams, missing invoices, and that one mysterious binder everyone is afraid to touch, you've been warned. In fact, after this conversation, we briefly considered naming the episode "Trauma Bonding."Drawing lessons from industries that have mastered consistency and process, Herb discusses how restaurants can adopt more discipline and automation without sacrificing the hospitality and culture that make them unique. We dive into everything from employee experience and predictive scheduling to the importance of building a thoughtful technology stack that supports growth instead of creating more chaos.Whether you're operating a single location or managing dozens of units, this conversation offers practical insights on how to move beyond constant firefighting and build a business designed for long-term success.In this episode, you'll learn:Why hotels and airlines prioritize operational discipline and what restaurants can learn from them.The hidden costs of relying on paper processes and tribal knowledge.How technology can improve both the employee and guest experience.Why scaling successfully requires systems, not heroics.How to preserve hospitality while embracing automation and standardization.About Herb TaylorHerb Taylor is a Managing Director at Eisner Advisory Group and a longtime restaurant operations leader with extensive experience helping hospitality organizations improve performance, streamline operations, and scale sustainably. His unique perspective combines decades of industry expertise with a passion for helping brands modernize without losing the heart of hospitality.Special thanks to Factura.ai, the AI-powered accounts payable and intelligence platform for multi-unit operators, and Eisner Advisory Group, a leading business advisory and consulting firm, for supporting conversations that help hospitality leaders build stronger, more resilient businesses.Connect with Herb Taylor:Herb's LinkedInLearn more about Eisner Advisory Group

Most companies are stuck in the past when it comes to accounts payable - drowning in manual tasks, endless paper, and costly inefficiencies that threaten growth. But what if there’s a better way?Mark Brousseau, a leading voice in AP transformation, reveals how outdated processes are costing businesses millions in late payments, fraud risk, and lost strategic value and shares how AI and holistic automation can turn AP from a pain point into a strategic powerhouse.In this episode, Mark exposes the true state of AP today: 84% of an AP team’s day wasted on manual data entry, approvals stuck in endless email chains, and paper checks still being written long after the digital age passed us by. He dives deep into the hidden costs; late payment penalties, supplier distrust, and even fraud vulnerabilities, all driven by broken workflows and outdated data practices. You'll discover why traditional automation solutions often fall short and how AI-powered tools can seamlessly extract invoice data, eliminate manual errors, and provide real-time visibility.We break down the critical steps to transforming your AP: conducting honest workflow assessments, setting meaningful KPIs like cost per invoice and early payment discount capture, and embracing a holistic, data-driven approach. Mark shares practical strategies to cut costs, scale operations without increasing headcount, and turn AP into a strategic data broker that fuels smarter business decisions.Whether you’re in hospitality, retail, or manufacturing, this episode holds the secrets to not just surviving, but thriving, in today’s fast-changing economy.If you've been hesitant about AI or overwhelmed by where to start, this episode is your game-changer. Mark’s insights will inspire you to rethink AP’s role, from mere transaction processing to an invaluable source of strategic intelligence, and show you how to leverage technology to reduce costs, prevent fraud, and build stronger vendor relationships. Plus, learn how to avoid the biggest pitfalls, like hoarding paper or relying on tribal knowledge that leaves your business vulnerable when key people leave.Perfect for finance leaders, operations managers, and anyone serious about scaling smarter, this episode unlocks the potential of automation and data in AP not as a cost center, but as a catalyst for growth. Ready to ditch the chaos and harness the power of intelligent AP? Hit play and start your transformation today.[Mark Brousseau is an AP automation expert and industry advisor known for pioneering innovative solutions that solve real-world challenges across multiple industries.Efficiency Benchmarking Quiz

Unlock the transformative power of AI in finance and hospitality! Discover the real differences between generative, agentic, and traditional AI, and learn how to leverage these game-changing tools effectively.Most people are overwhelmed by the AI buzz, mistaking superficial features for true innovation. Derek Henry, a CPA, fraud examiner, and AI educator with over 20 years of experience, reveals how AI is fundamentally reshaping industries, especially accounting, restaurants, and retail, by boosting efficiency, reducing errors, and creating new roles, not replacing them.He shares insights on the buzzwords you need to understand: what makes AI truly impactful versus just trendy. If you're evaluating AI tools or thinking about integrating AI into your processes, this episode will give you the clarity needed to cut through the noise.You'll discover:Why prompt engineering is the new career path and how to master itHow AI thrives on quality data and why a strong foundational data layer is essential for meaningful resultsThe practical ways AI is automating routine tasks in Excel, finance, and restaurant operationsWhat makes agentic AI different, and how it can perform tasks beyond simple queries, like building reports and making decisionsHow to avoid common pitfalls—using AI as a bandaid rather than fixing root problemsWhy humans remain irreplaceable in hospitality: the importance of warmth, human connection, and excellent customer service in an AI-driven worldCritical steps for restaurant operators and finance teams to start their AI journey without getting overwhelmedThis episode is perfect for finance professionals, restaurant owners, and managers eager to harness AI’s potential without the hype. Derek Henry’s insights will empower you to leverage AI responsibly, avoid hallucinations, and create new opportunities for your team, all while maintaining that essential human touch.Derek Henry is a senior solutions consultant at OneStream, a CPA, certified fraud examiner, and AI educator known for making complex topics accessible. His passion for efficiency, accountability, and hospitality shines through as he explains how AI can serve as a powerful ally, if used with purpose and consciousness.Don't miss out on the practical guidance that could redefine your approach to automation, data, and customer experience. Grab the knowledge to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving AI landscape.Reference Tip: Here’s the link to a video of my favorite custom Excel hack: Watch hereCompanies:ExcelEvateOneStreamMusic Licensed Through SoundstripeCode: EMVEXMFCJPAJJGFZ

Most companies overlook the real cost of bad data and inefficient processes, and it’s draining their cash flow without them even realizing.In this episode, Factura.ai founder Brad shares an eye-opening look at how misunderstood automation and flawed workflows are quietly bleeding businesses dry and what they can do to plug the leak.Brad, a seasoned expert in the accounting and hospitality industries, reveals how understanding multi-entity setups shaped the design of Factura.ai’s breakthrough AP automation system. He discusses the crucial role customer service plays not just as a value-add but as a core pillar for business success and how a hospitality mindset can revolutionize your approach to support.This isn’t just theory Brad shares concrete examples from restaurants to multi-location businesses, illustrating how standardized processes and true automation can save time, reduce errors, and unlock hidden profit.You'll discover: why many automation tools fall short of genuine efficiency, what ‘true automation’ really looks like, and how overcoming tribal knowledge can become your company's secret weapon. Brad emphasizes that the key to scaling - especially for emerging brands - is creating repeatable, scalable workflows that minimize manual work and errors, thus saving you millions in the long run.Ultimately, ignoring these nuances means missed opportunities, cash leaks, and frustrated teams. This episode is essential listening if you're ready to move beyond superficial automation and build a truly efficient, customer-first operation.Whether you're a restaurant chain, retail brand, or growing business, Brad’s insights will challenge your assumptions and show you how to unlock the real power of technology and service.Brad is the founder of Factura.ai, a trailblazing AP automation platform specifically built for multi-location, multi-entity businesses. His expertise in accounting, combined with a passion for exceptional customer service, drives his mission: helping businesses eliminate inefficiencies and deliver better support.If you're at the cusp of scaling your organization or want to learn how to turn complex workflows into simple, scalable processes, this episode is your blueprint for smarter growth and happier customers.

The conversation with Andy Laufer, managing partner at Laufer LLP, delves into the evolving role of finance teams in multi-unit businesses, emphasizing the shift from historical reporting to operational influence. Andy highlights the importance of actionable information, collaboration between finance and operations, and the impact of technology on back-office efficiency.TakeawaysOperational InfluenceCollaborationTechnology ImpactChapters00:00 The Role of Finance in Multi-Unit Businesses09:22 The Impact of Data on Decision Making16:18 Collaboration Between Finance and Operations

Most restaurant owners overlook how quickly their finance chaos spirals out of control as they scale until it’s too late. Brad Schuchardt, founder of BTBK Accounting, reveals the crucial tipping points where restaurant finance systems break down and how you can stay ahead of the curve. In this episode, you'll discover why manual processes like repetitive data entry and disconnected sales systems cause costly delays often behind by a month or even a year. Brad explains how automating accounts payable, sales reporting, and multi-location management isn’t just a luxury but a necessity for growing restaurant brands. He shares real-world insights on the biggest hurdles that turn into chaos at the scaling phase, from volume overload to messy invoice lifecycles.We break down the hidden costs of mismanaged data, misplaced expenses, incorrect period matching, and delayed insights, and show how tools like Factura.ai, Claude Cowork, Restaurant 365 and more can revolutionize your operations. Brad emphasizes that the key to success lies in reliable, real-time data that empowers owners and operators to make swift, informed decisions, before they drown in outdated reports or manual errors.Beyond the tactical, this episode explores the emotional stakes: the stress of financial disarray, missed opportunities, and the chance to leverage cutting-edge technology to free up your time and energy. Brad shares his industry-changing perspective on the future of restaurant finance, where automation and data storytelling will redefine what’s possible.Perfect for restaurant owners, operators, and CFOs looking to avoid costly pitfalls and unlock growth. This episode is packed with actionable frameworks and practical strategies to streamline your finance function. If you’re serious about scaling without sacrificing accuracy or control, you can’t afford to miss this.Brad Schuchardt is a CPA and founder of BTBK Accounting, a hyper-focused bookkeeping firm that specializes in restaurant industry finance. His expertise in helping multi-unit brands transition from chaos to clarity is a game-changer for anyone in the hospitality space.Get ready to transform your restaurant’s financial future! Listen now and take the first step to smarter growth.

The conversation with Cody Wong from CW Management covers the challenges of scaling a restaurant business, the importance of efficient reporting and finance management, and the role of customer service in the context of AI and technology. Cody shares insights on the impact of AI on restaurant operations and the significance of timeliness in financial reporting. Additionally, he discusses the importance of building the right team and leveraging the right tools for success.TakeawaysEfficiency through AIChallenges of scalingImportance of customer serviceChapters00:00 Introduction and Scaling Challenges05:30 Pressure Points in AP and Finance12:15 Staying Ahead with the Right Team and Tools21:04 Rapid Fire Fun Questions