Document Date vs Posting Date

Many users assume Document Date and Posting Date are the same thing.

Document Date = The date on the source document (invoice, credit memo, etc.)

Posting Date = The date that impacts your accounting periods and financial statements

For example, a vendor invoice is dated August 23rd but is posted on September 2nd

Document Date = August 23rd, Posting Date = September 2nd

The invoice keeps its original document date while posting to the September accounting period

Understanding the difference can help avoid issues with aging, payment discounts and month-end reporting