Addisson Rockledge Co-Importance of Accounts Receivable Management

1. Addisson Rockledge Co-Importance of Accounts Receivable Management Want to enhance the company cash flow by preventing nonpayment or late payment? Effective accounts receivable management from experts like Addisson Rockledge Co ensures that money owed by customers for goods delivered or services provided is paid to the company in a timely manner. Foundational Accounts Receivable Collection Methods and Procedures The foundational accounts receivable strategy focuses on developing crystal clear contracts with your clients and using workable systems to handle those contracts. Your contracts should specify your terms of payment, cash-up-front or retainer stipulations, or any early payment discounts you offer to motivate clients to pay ahead of their invoice deadlines.

2. Contracts should also stipulate parameters about starting work only after contracts or agreements are signed. Stay organized and know where every contract is in the agreement process and the status of every invoice. Contact management systems and accounts receivable management systems can help you process, review, and access documents faster, and more easily track and report on status. Create a Process for Sending Invoices and Payment Reminders Setting up and maintaining systems and standards is essential for mitigating your A/R risk. Make sure that invoices are sent out regularly by adhering to a repeatable process. Call customers before invoicing due dates and take steps to address non-payment the minute that a receivable becomes overdue. Sending notices of late invoices will help to highlight the issue, and the practice provides a valuable paper trail so that you are prepared if you need to escalate the matter later. Include this documentation in the onboarding of new back-office staff.

3. Once an invoice is 14 days past due, it’s time to reach out via accounts receivable collections email. Make sure your email is respectful, concise and specifically explains that you are writing about a past-due invoice. In bullet points, summarize the details of the past-due invoice, including invoice tracking number, the principal amount, any interest or fees and a description of what the original balance is for — including dates and locations. Then, thank the recipient for swift payment or a call to discuss terms. Reference our accounts receivable collections letter template to help make this process easier. Revisit and Improve Your Accounts Receivable Processes Institute new policies to protect your business, and set a calendar reminder now to revisit your accounts receivable process again a year from now. Many companies use down payments, cash-up-front terms, retainers, or milestone payments to minimize the amount they could lose. Another option could be to keep an alternative form of payment on file such as a credit card, and include in your agreement a remedy to charge the account in the case of a missed invoice. Secure the signatures. Establishing a requirement that an agreement or contract is signed before products or services are provided is a key component to an effective A/R process. Remember that the terms in your contract may impact your competitive edge: if your competitors offer open terms and you require cash terms, you may lose business. Establish a digital filing system for signed agreements to insulate your company from some (or all) receivables risk. Ensure that all contract documents are easily accessible and

4. set your system up to receive e-signature documents as well as scans. Don’t let things live only in email.