Strong cash flow is the lifeblood of every business. When payments are delayed or missed, even profitable companies can struggle to cover operating costs and reinvest in growth. That’s why effective accounts receivable management is one of the most important aspects of financial health.
At Eastern Credit Management Services, we work with businesses across New Brunswick and Atlantic Canada to strengthen cash flow, reduce overdue balances, and implement systems that prevent payment issues before they happen.
Here’s how you can take control of your receivables and build a healthier financial foundation.
The first step to effective accounts receivable management is clarity. Customers should understand your credit terms, payment timelines, and penalties for overdue accounts before any transaction begins.
Tips for success:
Define payment terms (e.g., Net 15, Net 30) clearly on invoices
Set realistic credit limits for new clients
Communicate late fees or interest charges upfront
Having clear policies reduces confusion and helps set the tone for timely payments.
Late or inaccurate invoices can delay payments significantly. Make sure your invoicing process is prompt, consistent, and error-free.
Best practices:
Send invoices immediately after goods or services are delivered
Include all details: description, date, amount, and due date
Offer multiple payment options (EFT, credit card, cheque)
Consistency builds trust and helps your customers plan their payments efficiently.
Following up on overdue accounts is often uncomfortable — but it’s essential. Without a structured process, late payments can slip through the cracks.
Consider creating a reminder schedule:
Day 1: Send invoice confirmation
Day 15: Gentle reminder email
Day 30: Second reminder and late fee notice
Day 45+: Escalate to a professional debt collection partner
At Eastern Credit Management Services, we specialize in helping businesses recover overdue accounts efficiently while protecting client relationships.
Automation can make a huge difference in managing receivables effectively. Modern accounting software allows you to send reminders, reconcile payments, and track overdue accounts automatically.
Benefits of automation:
Reduces manual data entry errors
Saves time for your accounting team
Provides real-time cash flow insights
Our team at Eastern Credit Management Services can help assess your current systems and recommend tools to improve your invoicing and follow-up processes.
Knowing your numbers helps you spot potential cash flow issues before they grow.
Key metrics to track:
Days Sales Outstanding (DSO): The average number of days it takes to collect payments
Aging Reports: Categorize outstanding invoices by how long they’ve been overdue
Collection Effectiveness Index (CEI): Measures how much of your receivables you’re successfully collecting
Regularly reviewing these metrics allows you to identify trends and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Your accounting or customer service teams play a crucial role in maintaining positive relationships while ensuring timely payments. Training staff on professional communication and negotiation can make all the difference.
At Eastern Credit Management Services, we help businesses create customized communication templates and escalation protocols to handle overdue accounts efficiently and respectfully.
Despite best efforts, some accounts will still go unpaid. Partnering with a professional collection agency ensures those debts are handled legally, ethically, and efficiently.
A trusted local debt recovery agency can help you recover funds without damaging client relationships — allowing you to focus on your business operations.
At Eastern Credit Management Services, we offer personalized collection strategies and transparent reporting so you’re always informed.
Improving cash flow doesn’t happen overnight, but consistent, strategic accounts receivable management can transform the financial health of your business.
By setting clear policies, leveraging technology, and partnering with professionals, you can maintain strong customer relationships while ensuring predictable revenue.
If your business is ready to take the next step, contact Eastern Credit Management Services today. We’ll help you strengthen your cash flow and streamline your collection process.