How Do You Link the Same Accounts-Payable Entry to Several Different Cost Centers Without Duplicating the Record?
In Jestor, just create a connected-tables field (an N:N relationship) between accounts payable and cost center, letting you select more than one cost center on the same entry, without duplicating any record.
Why this relationship avoids duplication
A single expense can belong to more than one area, like marketing and operations at the same time. Without an N:N relationship, the team would need to duplicate the entry for each cost center, making reporting and reconciliation harder.
How the N:N relationship between tables works
- The connected field lets you select as many cost centers as needed on the same row
- Each cost center, in turn, can be linked to several accounts-payable entries
- No need to duplicate the entry's record for each cost center involved
- The field's label can be set up to display the name, instead of a numeric ID
How to set up accounts payable with multiple cost centers
- In the accounts-payable table, add a column and choose "connected tables"
- Select the cost-center table as the connection's target
- When filling out a new entry, select one or more cost centers
- Save — the entry stays linked to every chosen cost center
Process automation for finance with no rework
This N:N relationship is part of how Jestor simplifies financial process automation, allowing cost-splitting between areas with no duplicated registries or side spreadsheets for tracking.
Table Summary
| Relationship type | What it allows |
|---|---|
| N:N (connected tables) | Selecting several cost centers on the same entry |
| Without N:N | Would require duplicating the entry per cost center |
Video Tutorial: Step by Step
Video: Ep 17: N:N Relationships — video tutorial showing this feature in practice, right inside the Jestor interface.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an accounts-payable entry belong to more than one cost center at once? Yes, using the N:N relationship you can select as many as needed.
Do I need to duplicate the entry for each cost center? No, the same record stays linked to every chosen cost center.
Can I display the cost center's name instead of its ID? Yes, just set the field as the label on the cost-center table on jestor.com.
Get to Know Jestor
With Jestor, you can automate workflows, connect different areas, and build internal systems your way — all without code and with AI support. Check out Jestor at jestor.com and discover how to take your company's management to a new level of efficiency and integration.