Task-Level vs Request-Level Rejection

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Overview

In Spendflo, rejections can happen at two levels: at the task level (rejecting a specific approval step within a request) or at the request level (cancelling the entire request). Understanding the difference helps you take the right action and communicate correctly with your team.

Use this guide when:

  1. An approver needs to reject a specific task within a request without ending the entire workflow.
  2. A requestor or admin needs to cancel a request entirely.
  3. You want to understand the downstream effects of each rejection type.

Task-Level Rejection

A task-level rejection occurs when an approver rejects their specific approval step within an active request. The request is not cancelled — instead, it may be sent back for revision or routed to the next step, depending on the workflow configuration.

How to reject a task:

  1. Open the request from the Requests list or your notifications.
  2. Navigate to the task assigned to you for approval.
  3. Click Reject on the task and provide a reason if prompted.
  4. The rejection reason is recorded and may trigger a revision loop or escalation based on workflow rules.
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Request-Level Rejection (Cancellation)

A request-level rejection means cancelling the entire request. This is typically done by the requestor, a manager, or an admin when the need for the request no longer exists.

How to cancel a request:

  1. From the Requests list, locate and open the request you want to cancel.
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  2. On the request detail page, click the actions menu (the three-dot or kebab menu, or the Cancel Request option if visible).
  3. Select Cancel and confirm the action.
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  4. The request status changes to Cancelled and all pending tasks within the request are closed.

Key Differences

Task-Level Rejection: Only the specific task is rejected. The request continues in the workflow. Used by approvers.

Request-Level Rejection: The entire request is cancelled. All tasks are closed. Used by requestors or admins.

Quick Reference

Who can reject a task: The assigned approver for that task.

Who can cancel a request: The requestor, their manager, or an admin.

Effect on workflow: Task rejection may loop back; request cancellation ends the workflow entirely.