Purchase Order vs. Purchase Invoice: What is the difference?

Lack of clear purchasing records or accountability can create chaos and lead to maverick spend. This is why purchase orders and invoices are essential tools in the procurement process. They ensure clarity, accuracy, and accountability in your company's spending. In this article, we will explore what purchase orders and invoices are, their differences and similarities, and why both are crucial for companies.

Purchase order vs. Invoice

The key difference between a purchase order and invoice is that a purchase order is issued by the buyer to request goods or services, specifying the details like quantity, price, and delivery terms. It acts as a formal agreement to initiate a purchase. While the invoice is issued by the supplier after delivering the goods or services, listing the amount owed, payment terms, and any applicable taxes. It serves as a request for payment.

What is a Purchase Order?

A purchase order is a formal document issued by a buyer to a supplier, outlining the details of a purchase. It specifies the types, quantities, and agreed-upon prices for products or services. A purchase order acts as a legal offer to buy and, once accepted by the supplier, becomes a binding contract.

It includes key information, such as:

• Buyer and Supplier Information: Contact details of both parties.
• Order Date: The date when the order is placed.
• Order Number: A unique identifier for tracking purposes.
• Item Descriptions: Detailed description of the goods or services.
• Quantities and Prices: Specific quantities and agreed-upon prices.
• Delivery Instructions: Details about delivery date and location.
• Terms and Conditions: Payment terms and other relevant conditions.

What is the purpose of a purchase order?

A purchase order acts as a legally binding agreement between a buyer and seller, outlining transaction details like products, prices, and delivery dates. It helps manage budgets, track orders, and streamline the purchasing process. In addition,

• PO acts as a binding contract that outlines the terms of the purchase.
• It helps to clearly communicate the requirements like product details, quantities, prices, delivery timelines, and payment terms, ensuring both parties have aligned expectations.
• Purchase orders help organizations to track and manage spend by comparing purchases against approved budgets.
• It enable the buyer to monitor the status of deliveries and ensure timely fulfillment.
• POs create a paper trail - useful for auditing, reporting, and verifying that payments align with orders.

What comes first invoice or purchase order?

A purchase order comes first as it is issued by the buyer to request goods or services from a supplier, establishing the terms of the transaction. After the vendor fulfills the order, they generate an invoice to request payment for the goods or services provided.

Can a purchase order be used as an invoice?

No, a purchase order cannot be used as an invoice. While PO outlines the buyer's intent to purchase goods or services, an invoice is a request for payment issued by the supplier after fulfilling the order.

What is a purchase invoice?

A purchase invoice is a financial document issued by a seller to a buyer after goods or services have been provided, detailing the products or services sold, their quantities, unit prices, and the total amount due. It functions as a formal request for payment and includes key information, such as:

• Invoice Number: A unique identifier for tracking purposes.
• Date: The date of issuance, which helps in payment scheduling.
• Supplier and Buyer Details: Includes contact details for both parties.
• Description of Goods/Services: Itemized list with quantities, prices, and any applicable discounts.
• Taxes and Additional Charges: Specifies any taxes or fees, such as shipping or handling charges.
• Total Amount Due: Sum total of the invoice after taxes and adjustments

What is the purpose of a invoice?

An invoice serves as a formal request for payment from a supplier to a buyer for goods or services provided. It documents transaction details, acts as legal proof of sale, aids in accounting and taxation, and helps manage cash flow by indicating payment expectations, ensuring clarity in business transactions.

Key functions of an invoice include:

• Invoices clearly outlines the amount due and payment terms.
• Documents the details of the sale, including items or services rendered, quantities, prices, and any applicable taxes.
• Acts as legal proof of the transaction, which can be used in case of disputes or audits.
• Facilitates accurate bookkeeping and helps both parties track expenses and revenues for tax purposes.
• Aids in managing cash flow by indicating when payments are expected.

Can you invoice without a purchase order?

Yes, you can invoice without a purchase order. Although PO is a formal agreement between the buyer and supplier, it is not always required. Invoices can be issued directly by the supplier for goods or services provided.

What is a purchase invoice vs sales invoice?

The same invoice acts as a purchase invoice for the buyer and a sales invoice for the seller. It contain key information like item description, price, quantities, and taxes, but the difference lies in perspective:

• For the buyer, it’s a purchase invoice and represents a payable.
• For the seller, it’s a sales invoice and represents a receivable.

Wrap-up

Purchase orders and invoices are fundamental components of the procurement process, ensuring that transactions are clear, accurate, and accountable. While they serve different purposes, both are essential for maintaining financial accuracy and resolving disputes. By improving the processing of these documents through automation, integration, standardization, and training, businesses can achieve greater efficiency and accuracy. As you review your procurement practices, consider how these improvements can enhance your operations and support better financial management.