What is Accounts Receivable?
When your clients receive goods or services on credit, they owe your business money. These outstanding payments, known as accounts receivable, can become a bottleneck for your business growth if not managed effectively.
Some businesses need help managing accounts receivable efficiently. This guide will help you see the intricacies of accounts receivable, from understanding its role in your finances to adopting best practices for managing it effectively.
What is accounts receivable?
Accounts receivable is the amount of money your customers/users owe your business for goods / services provided on credit. When you extend credit, you're giving your customers a short-term, interest-free loan. The value of these transactions is recorded as accounts receivable in your books until the invoices are paid.
These outstanding invoices are legal obligations for your customers. They typically have 30 to 90 days to make the payment, depending on the agreed terms. Once paid, the accounts receivable are marked as paid, converting these legal IOUs into documented, finalised cash payments.
Similar reading: IRS From 1120.
Why accounts receivable is crucial?
Timely payment of invoices turns your earned revenue into accessible cash, crucial for day-to-day operations, supplier payments, and business growth. Efficient accounts receivable management can also lead to rapid business growth by ensuring a steady cash flow and minimising bad debt.
Key components of accounts receivable
Invoicing and billing
Accurate invoicing and billing are essential. An invoice acts as a legal document stating your customer's obligation to pay for the goods or services received. Using accounting software to automate this process can save time, reduce errors, and ensure clarity, leading to prompt payments and a healthy cash flow.
Credit terms
Clear credit terms outline when and how customers should pay for goods or services received on credit. Terms like "Net 30" or "Net 60" indicate the number of days customers have to pay. Balancing fair credit terms with your business's cash flow needs ensures timely payments and good customer relationships.
Aging of accounts receivable
Tracking the aging of accounts receivable helps organise and prioritise invoices based on how long they've been unpaid. Categorising invoices into periods like 30, 60, or 90 days helps identify overdue invoices and prioritise collection efforts, reducing the risk of bad debt.
Best practices for managing accounts receivable
Establish clear credit policies
Set clear credit policies to manage customer credit effectively. These should detail credit terms, early payment incentives, and late payment repercussions. Clear policies help avoid misunderstandings, reduce payment disputes, and ensure a healthy cash flow.
Invoice promptly and accurately
Quick and accurate invoicing gives customers ample time to pay and reduces the payment cycle, improving cash flow. Ensure invoices clearly state transaction details, reducing the chance of disputes and delays.
Offer early payment discounts
Incentivise early payments with discounts, such as a “2/10 net 30” offer. This encourages prompt payments and can improve cash flow, outweighing the small cost of the discount.
Follow up on overdue accounts
Timely and consistent follow-up on overdue accounts encourages customers to prioritise payments. Automating this process with accounting software can save time and ensure persistent follow-up.
Consider collection agencies for complex accounts
If internal efforts fail, consider using a collection agency. While this service comes at a cost, it can help recover overdue payments and improve your accounts receivable turnover ratio.
Train your staff
Educate your staff on best practices for managing accounts receivable, including understanding credit terms, efficient invoicing, and assertive follow-up techniques. A knowledgeable team can streamline the receivable process.
Related reading: Your guide to streamlining international payments in 2024.
The financial impact of accounts receivable
Cash flow management
Accounts receivable management is critical for maintaining a steady cash flow, essential for covering operational expenses, reinvesting in the business, and managing debts efficiently.
Impact on financial statements
Accounts receivable appear as current assets on your balance sheet. Only collected invoices can turn into good debt, positively impacting your company's profitability and financial health.
The role of tech
Using accounting software to automate invoicing, payment reminders, and record-keeping can save time, increase efficiency, and reduce errors. These tools provide valuable insights into customer payment habits and the accounts receivable process, informing better financial decisions.
Legal and ethical considerations
Ensure your accounts receivable management complies with federal, state, and local debt collection laws. Upholding ethical standards and maintaining respectful communication with customers helps maintain good business relationships and avoid legal issues.
Future trends
Technological advancements, such as automated billing systems and AI, will continue to streamline accounts receivable processes. Accounts receivable financing is also becoming more popular, providing businesses with quick cash by selling unpaid invoices.
Want to know more? Please check out Inkle Books here.
Common pitfalls and solutions in managing accounts receivable
Pitfall 1: Inaccurate invoicing
Issue: Errors in invoices, such as incorrect amounts, missing details, or wrong payment terms, can delay payments and lead to disputes. Solution: Use automated invoicing software to ensure accuracy and consistency. Always double-check invoices before sending them and provide clear, detailed information. Automated systems reduce human errors and speed up the invoicing process.
Pitfall 2: Lack of clear credit policies
Issue: Without clear credit policies, customers might not understand the payment terms, leading to delayed payments and confusion. Solution: Establish and communicate clear credit policies to all customers. Define terms such as "Net 30" or "Net 60" and outline any penalties for late payments. This clarity helps set expectations and encourages timely payments.
Pitfall 3: Poor follow-up on overdue accounts
Issue: Neglecting to follow up on overdue invoices can result in prolonged unpaid balances and an increased risk of bad debt. Solution: Implement a systematic follow-up process. Use accounting software to send automated reminders and follow up with phone calls if necessary. Regular, polite reminders help keep payments on track.
Pitfall 4: Extending credit to high-risk customers
Issue: Granting credit to customers without assessing their creditworthiness can lead to high default rates. Solution: Conduct credit checks before extending credit and set appropriate credit limits. Monitor customer payment histories and adjust credit terms as needed to minimise risk.
Pitfall 5: Inefficient record keeping
Issue: Disorganised records can make it difficult to track outstanding invoices and follow up appropriately. Solution: Maintain a well-organised accounting system. Use software that tracks and categorises all receivables, making it easy to identify overdue accounts and manage collections efficiently (GetApp).
Industry-specific advice for managing accounts receivable
Retail industry
Challenge: High volume of small transactions and potential for frequent returns or disputes. Advice: Implement a robust point-of-sale system that integrates with your accounting software to automatically track sales and returns. Offer multiple payment options to customers and clearly communicate your return and credit policies.
Manufacturing industry
Challenge: Long production cycles and large invoices can complicate cash flow management. Advice: Use progress billing to invoice customers at various stages of production. Always negotiate favourable payment terms with suppliers to align with your receivables cycle. Monitor inventory levels closely to avoid overproduction and tie up capital.
Service industry
Challenge: Often relies on ongoing contracts and can have complex billing cycles. Advice: Use contract management software to keep track of service agreements and automate recurring billing. Offer discounts for early payments and ensure that all service deliverables are clearly outlined in contracts to avoid disputes.
Healthcare industry
Challenge: Dealing with insurance companies can lead to delayed payments and complex billing procedures. Advice: Implement medical billing software to manage claims efficiently. Verify insurance coverage upfront and follow up promptly on denied or delayed claims. Offer patients multiple payment options and clear billing statements.
Closing thoughts
By addressing common pitfalls and tailoring strategies to industry-specific challenges, businesses can improve their accounts receivable management, leading to healthier cash flow and reduced risk of bad debt.
Send us a message on LinkedIn.
