In accounting, what does "settling supplier bills" refer to?

Settling supplier bills refers specifically to the act of making payments to suppliers for goods or services received. This process is an essential function of managing accounts payable and directly impacts a company's cash flow and its relationship with vendors. When a business receives an invoice for a purchase, settling the bill ensures that the payment is made within the agreed terms, maintaining good supplier relationships and avoiding late payment penalties.

In contrast, issuing new purchase orders relates to initiating new transactions rather than completing existing ones, while issuing credits to customers pertains to customer transactions and returns rather than supplier liabilities. Adjusting supplier accounts may involve reconciling discrepancies or updating account information, but it does not encompass the act of payment itself. Thus, the focus on settling bills highlights the necessity of ensuring timely financial obligations to suppliers are met, which is integral to effective accounting practices.