In business it's vital to maintain a cordial relationship with the customer in order to grow and get ahead of the competition. While it takes a lot of care on the part of production division to create cutting edge products or services, it's up to the marketing division to create the market for those products or services. Finally, it is extremely important for proper follow-through to take place - even if that means chasing down people who owe the company money.

A mishap or misunderstanding in attempting to collect receivables can adversely affect a company's reputation. That said the accounts receivable team perform a valuable function make significant contributions to the company's survival and growth.

It does pay to understand and follow certain guidelines. Job responsibilities include keeping an up-to-date billing system since inaccuracies result in collection errors. Keeping a check on monthly receivables activity while making sure that that billing, collection, and reporting activities are carried out per specified dates. Looking into and researching customer account details, which include non-payments, delayed payments, and other irregularities. Creating an appropriate communication system that reminds the customer about payment without offending them. Last and most importantly, creating a recovery system while sourcing its strengths internally or identifying an external source for faster recovery at minimal expenses.

The communication can make use of telephone calls, post mail, email, and so on. The language should never sound bullying, but it should sound firm, and it should state all the facts. The person who owe money may even appreciate the service of being informed exactly how much they owe and for what. This helps them in their own personal accounting.