In simple terms, accounts receivable management is the means for collecting money that is owed after extending credit for or agreeing to provide goods and services. During downturns in the economy or when otherwise strapped for cash, businesses typically have working capital trapped in receivables that are unpaid or not paid on time.
The process of collecting what's due from customers can go by several names. Accounts receivable, receivables, A/R, accounts receivable collections, debt collections, and more.
(Not to be confused with accounts payable, which is a different part altogether.)
Many of these terms are not interchangeable but actually define different levels or areas of the process of collecting payments.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it. But do you know if your collections efforts are broken?
If your business has established in-house (first-party) collections, accounts receivable and/or debt collection agency partners, it is still a good idea to ensure you're leveraging the best resources, technology, and vendor pricing available.
Commercial credit analysis evaluates corporations to determine if they can pay their financial obligations. Although this is pre-engagement and on the front end of the A/R and collection process, it’s still an important part of any B2B accounting process. To help reduce delinquencies and bad debt write-offs, businesses should put focus on the front-end credit analysis process prior to contracting with a new client.
When hiring a qualified accounts receivable specialist, it's important that they have the right skill sets. They're going to be speaking with your customers directly about one of the most uncomfortable topics - money. They need confidence, persistence and enthusiasm, and also they need the proper training. We took a look at A/R job descriptions for a better idea of what's required.
There are numerous red flags that could signal a late payment from your clients. Red flags, however, could be easily ignored. Green flags, on the other hand, provide a sense of safety and trust. The more green flags, the more you know that your business is working with the right clients - those who respect your time and value your partnership - and that you're doing A/R right.
A solid cash flow is essential to the success of any growing business. Good relationships with your business partners are just as important. Supply chains involve several businesses along a network to provide an end product to a customer. If any payments are delayed along the way, it can cause tension within the relationships and challenges with the manufacturing process.
Getting frustrated or writing off client invoices isn't going to get them paid. An unresolved problem remains unresolved unless you do something about it. When a client agrees to pay for goods or services that your business is offering, it is well within your rights to request that they pay you.
Have you ever deep cleaned your house and found coins in the couch cushions or bills in the laundry? The same can be done for your business! With a few extra tasks, you can increase working capital and breathe a little easier for the rest of the year.
Unfortunately, many of us learn from hard lessons about money in adulthood. When you run a business, there are more hard lessons to learn, often at a high cost to your success. Certain expectations can actually be harmful to your business's cash flow. Take a look at these assumptions to see if you need to re-examine your thoughts around money and your business.
