Here are good accounts-payable (AP) software options that include robust approval workflows, with a quick note on each and what they’re best for — plus a short buying checklist and suggested next steps.

Top AP systems with approval workflows

• Airbase — Full spend + AP automation: touchless invoice capture, rule-based approval workflows (sequential & parallel), PO/3-way matching, and approvals via desktop, Slack, mobile or email. Best if you want one platform for bills, cards, POs and spend control. (airbase.com)
• Bill.com (BILL) — Easy, SMB-focused AP automation: invoice capture/OCR, flexible multi-step routing and mobile approvals, simple GL syncs and payments (ACH, card, wire). Good for small-to-midsize teams that want fast time-to-value. (bill.com)
• Stampli — Collaboration-first AP: strong AI/OCR, predefined and dynamic approval workflows, invoice-centric comment/chat and audit trail. Good when stakeholders need an easy approval experience and rich invoice conversation history. (stampli.com)
• Tipalti — Global AP & payments: supplier hub, e‑invoicing, AI capture and configurable workflows plus strong multi-currency payment automation. Best for companies with high international payment volume and many suppliers. (help.tipalti.com)
• AvidXchange — Invoice automation with strong payment/approval tooling: invoice capture, configurable routing and vendor payment options; positioned for mid-market to enterprise customers. Good if you want a robust AP/payments partner that integrates with common ERPs. (globenewswire.com)

Enterprise / ERP-native options

• NetSuite (Oracle NetSuite) — Native AP automation and SuiteApprovals for ERP-centric workflows and 2/3‑way matching; best when you already run NetSuite or need deep ERP-native controls. (netsuite.com)
• Coupa — Enterprise procure-to-pay and AP automation (touchless invoicing, approvals, global e‑invoicing); suited to large companies focused on spend control and compliance. (coupa.com)

How to choose — quick checklist

• Volume & scale: low volume (Bill.com, Stampli) vs. high-volume/global payments (Tipalti, AvidXchange, Coupa).
• Workflow complexity: need simple thresholds or multi-step conditional routing and parallel approvals? Confirm the vendor supports both sequential and concurrent approvals.
• PO matching & exceptions handling: do you need 2-way/3-way matching and automated exception routing?
• Integrations: confirm prebuilt connectors to your ERP/accounting system (QuickBooks, NetSuite, Sage, Dynamics, etc.).
• Payment types: virtual card, ACH, wire, check and multi‑currency support.
• Mobile/email approvals & audit trail: ensure approvers can act without logging into the app and every approval is auditable.
• Security & controls: role-based access, segregation of duties, 2FA and fraud controls.
• Pricing & implementation: ask about per-invoice vs. per-user fees, onboarding time, and professional services.

Suggested next steps

1. Shortlist 3 vendors above that match your company size and integration needs.
2. Request demos focused on: (a) building the approval workflow you use today, (b) exception routing, and (c) integrations to your accounting/ERP.
3. Pilot with a sample month of invoices (10–50 invoices) to test capture accuracy, approvals, and GL sync.
4. Ask for references from clients in your industry and for a breakdown of total implementation + ongoing costs.

If you’d like, tell me: company size (annual spend on AP or monthly invoice volume), ERP/accounting system, and whether you need global payments — I’ll pick the 3 best matches and give a one‑page feature comparison you can use for demos.