Rising costs put numerous companies under pressure and lead to liquidity bottlenecks. It is all the more important that incoming payments are generated promptly. Modern accounts receivable accounting provides the foundation for this.
Unfortunately, sales alone do not yet lead to a stable liquidity situation. For companies, it is crucial that their customers also pay for the invoiced deliveries or services. This is especially true in times of rising costs. However, if invoices remain unpaid for a long time, this can quickly lead to liquidity bottlenecks.
Payment delays put companies under pressure
Unfortunately, payment discipline is not always as desirable as it should be. The credit insurer Coface surveyed over 1,000 companies from various industries for a study (published in September 2022). The result shows that 65% of the surveyed companies experienced payment delays in the past twelve months. Furthermore, companies try to receive their money quickly by setting short payment terms. The vast majority (90%) demand payment of the invoice within 60 days.
Monitor Incoming Payments
Companies are not entirely helpless in this situation: Customers’ payment behavior can indeed be influenced. For example, in some industries, it can be beneficial to encourage early payment of invoices by granting discounts or rebates. However, in accounts receivable management (or receivables management), transparency must be created for all transactions. Open items must be monitored, and payment reminders or dunning notices sent if necessary.
Accounts Receivable Accounting is Crucial for Successful Receivables Management
| Key Tasks of Accounts Receivable Accounting |
|---|
| – Management of customer master data – Management and posting of receivables and credit notes – Verification of payment transactions – Monitoring of receivables development – Review and clarification of open items – Dunning process – Clarification of accounting and valuation issues |
Accounting creates the basis for successful receivables management. This can already begin with customer administration. Thus, customer master data must be maintained. After invoicing, all invoice data is posted. This records the amount of a receivable, the amount of VAT reported, and much more. However, incoming payments are also processed in accounting. This data is important for receivables management to build upon:
- Are there outstanding receivables?
- Is the invoice amount already overdue?
- Are measures required?
Why the Effort Pays Off
Accounts receivable accounting and receivables management undoubtedly involve a lot of effort for a company. Companies (especially small and medium-sized enterprises) do not always have their own specialized expertise on this topic. However, precisely this is an important safeguard for corporate liquidity.
While software solutions can already automate many processes, such as in dunning, a delicate touch is required for maintaining customer relationships. If a long-standing business customer misses an invoice payment for the first time, it could well be an oversight or a misunderstanding. An experienced accounts receivable accountant can identify when clarification is needed. However, it is also clear: companies can hardly finance poor payment discipline from customers today. A clear strategy must be applied here.
How is your accounts receivable accounting organized? We look forward to your comment.
Image source: Adobe Stock Photographer: Mymemo
Author
Sylvia Meier
Guest Author
Sylvia Meier is a certified financial economist (FH) and has worked at the tax office, in consulting (Big Four firm), and for a specialized publisher. Today, as a freelance consultant, she supports companies and can demonstrate numerous publications, particularly on the topics of taxes, controlling, accounting, and finance.
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