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

  1. In the accounts-payable table, add a column and choose "connected tables"
  2. Select the cost-center table as the connection's target
  3. When filling out a new entry, select one or more cost centers
  4. 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.