Check Run Management: How to Streamline Business Payments
Running a check isn’t just about printing and mailing payments—it’s a critical part of your accounts payable process. Done inefficiently, it can lead to delays, missed payments, compliance issues, and wasted hours for your finance team. But when done right, a well-managed check run can help your business stay organized, on time, and in control of cash flow.
In today’s fast-paced business environment, managing check runs manually—especially using desktop software or spreadsheets—is no longer sustainable. Let’s break down what check runs are, common challenges, and how businesses can modernize their payment process for better efficiency and control.
What Is a Check Run?
A check run is the process a business follows to issue multiple checks in a single batch. It usually happens on a regular schedule—weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly—and includes reviewing, approving, printing, and sending payments to vendors or suppliers.
A typical check run includes:
- Reviewing unpaid invoices
- Selecting which payments to issue
- Getting internal approvals
- Printing or distributing checks
- Recording and reconciling payments
The Problem with Traditional Check Runs
Manual check runs—especially those managed in accounting software that lacks automation—can create headaches:
- Slow approvals: Checks may be delayed if key decision-makers are out of the office or unavailable.
- Human error: Mistakes in invoice amounts, dates, or vendor details can lead to costly errors.
- Limited visibility: Teams may not have a clear view of what’s pending approval or what’s been paid.
- Insecure processes: Physical checks and signatures can be misplaced, lost, or forged.
- Remote limitations: When your team works remotely, on-premise check processing becomes a major roadblock.
These pain points are even more critical for businesses with distributed teams or those transitioning to hybrid or remote models.
How to Streamline Your Check Run Process
Here are five best practices to modernize and improve your check runs:
1. Move to the Cloud
Cloud-based payment tools (like Checkrun) allow your team to manage check runs from anywhere. No more waiting for someone to be in the office to sign checks—approvals can happen remotely and securely.
2. Automate Approvals and Workflows
Set up configurable workflows that automatically route invoices to the right people. With Checkrun, you can assign approval roles, customize thresholds, and track status in real time—keeping your process efficient and audit-ready.
3. Schedule Regular Check Runs
Set a consistent cadence for your check runs—weekly or bi-weekly—to avoid last-minute scrambling. Regular check runs also help you manage cash flow predictably and maintain better vendor relationships.
4. Use Digital Check Printing Tools
With Checkrun, you can print checks securely from any location or outsource printing altogether. Digital check printing eliminates the need for pre-printed check stock and reduces the risk of errors.
5. Maintain a Clear Audit Trail
Every action in your check run should be documented. A centralized, digital platform ensures that approvals, changes, and payments are logged and traceable—reducing fraud risk and helping with audits.
Why Businesses Choose Checkrun for Modern Check Runs
Checkrun was built to help businesses manage check runs more efficiently—without giving up the control and security of physical check payments. Our cloud-based platform integrates with QuickBooks Online, giving finance teams the tools they need to:
- Approve checks securely from anywhere
- Create and customize approval workflows
- Print checks in-house or via remote print partners
- Maintain a full audit trail of all activity
- Reduce processing time and errors
Modern Check Runs Start with Smarter Tools
Check runs don’t have to be tedious or manual anymore. With the right platform, your team can simplify the process, save time, and keep payments secure—even across multiple locations.
If your business still relies on outdated methods for running checks, now’s the time to rethink your approach. Checkrun gives you the power to modernize your payment workflows—without losing the security and familiarity of check payments. Ready to transform how your business handles check runs? Book a free demo today.
