ostolaskun

Ostolasku is the Finnish term for a purchase invoice, a document issued by a supplier to request payment for goods or services delivered to a buyer. It represents a financial obligation (ostovelka) and forms a key element of a company’s accounts payable.

A typical ostolasku includes: seller and buyer details (names, addresses, business IDs), invoice number and date, due date and payment terms, currency, and a summary of amounts. It also lists line items with descriptions, quantities, unit prices, net amounts, and VAT rates and amounts, as well as the total amount due. Many invoices reference a related purchase order or contract and provide the supplier’s payment instructions and bank details.

Processing and workflow: When received, the ostolasku is verified for accuracy and compliance, including tax information. It is usually matched with the corresponding purchase order and a goods receipt as part of a three-way match. Approved invoices are posted to the accounts payable ledger, scheduled for payment, and ultimately archived for record-keeping.

Electronic invoicing: In Finland, ostolasku processing is often conducted electronically using formats such as Finvoice or other XML/EDI standards. Electronic invoicing can speed up validation, reduce errors, and simplify archival.

Legal and archival considerations: In Finland, invoices must meet statutory content requirements and are kept with the accounting records for a defined retention period, typically six years from the end of the accounting period. Digital copies may be stored in compliant electronic archives.

Related concepts include ostovelka (accounts payable), tilausvahvistus (purchase order confirmation), and myyntilasku (sales invoice).