Topic archive
Research and practical notes filed under this topic.
December 29, 2025
Average collection period estimates how many days credit sales remain in accounts receivable before collection. This guide shows the calculation, a worked example, practical ways to use the metric, and the limits that prevent it from serving as a stand-alone measure of liquidity or credit quality.
Read the analysisDecember 17, 2025
Buying a debt portfolio is an underwriting and operations decision, not simply a discounted purchase. This guide explains how to evaluate account records, model a purchase, negotiate sale terms, and plan for consumer-debt collection, credit-reporting, and state-law controls. Published by Search Receivables, a research publication for the receivables industry edited by Jeffery Hartman.
Read the analysisDecember 16, 2025
In-house collections automation can reduce repetitive administrative work and create a more consistent process when it is built around documented controls. This guide explains how to design workflows, communication safeguards, human review, and measurement without treating automation as a substitute for legal and operational judgment. Published by Search Receivables, a research publication for the receivables industry edited by Jeffery Hartman.
Read the analysisDecember 15, 2025
AI tools used in collections remain subject to existing consumer-protection requirements, while new state AI rules vary sharply by jurisdiction, timing, and the type of organization involved. This guide separates current requirements from forthcoming Colorado and California obligations and outlines practical controls for AI-assisted collection workflows.
Read the analysisDecember 15, 2025
Accounts receivable turnover, days sales outstanding (DSO), and the Collection Effectiveness Index (CEI) describe different parts of the order-to-cash cycle. Used with consistent inputs and an aging review, they can help an organization distinguish sales-volume changes from collection, dispute, and credit-risk issues. Net receivables and a receivables-purchase valuation require separate, fact-specific accounting and contract analysis.
Read the analysisDecember 15, 2025
ACA International is a trade association that offers accounts receivable management advocacy, education, and resources. This guide explains its role, the current Blueprint quality-management certification references, and why organizations still need a fact-specific compliance process. Published by Search Receivables, a research publication for the receivables industry edited by Jeffery Hartman.
Read the analysisDecember 13, 2025
The cash conversion cycle shows how long operating cash is tied up in inventory and receivables before supplier obligations are paid. A durable improvement comes from faster, accurate invoicing and collections, disciplined inventory decisions, and payment terms that are negotiated and sustainable for suppliers.
Read the analysisDecember 13, 2025
Supply chain finance and receivables finance can both accelerate access to cash, but they begin from different sides of a commercial transaction. This guide explains the mechanics, working-capital effects, reporting considerations, and questions to resolve before adopting either arrangement.
Read the analysisNovember 13, 2025
Selling an accounts receivable portfolio is a controlled transfer of account rights and records, not simply a spreadsheet handoff. A sound process emphasizes accurate account data, usable documentation, secure handling of personal information, thoughtful buyer due diligence, and contract terms that allocate risk clearly.
Read the analysisJanuary 18, 2025
A toll operator may be able to sell or place unpaid toll receivables, but the structure must be authorized by the operator's governing law, contracts, and procurement rules. The transfer also requires careful treatment of motor-vehicle-record data, account documentation, and any consumer-protection rules that apply to the collector and account.
Read the analysisJanuary 11, 2025
Selling a defined pool of unpaid dental patient balances can convert part of a practice's receivables into immediate cash, but it also changes how patient information and collection activity are handled. This guide distinguishes a sale from agency placement, outlines a careful account-review process, and identifies privacy and consumer-protection questions that need attention before a transaction closes.
Read the analysisDecember 28, 2024
Starting an accounts receivable management firm begins with a clear decision about the services it will provide and the accounts it will handle. A durable launch plan combines entity formation, state-by-state licensing review, consumer-debt compliance controls where applicable, information security, trained staff, and measurable operating processes.
Read the analysisJuly 19, 2020
A state compensation benchmark for bill and account collectors should compare a consistent job scope, published wage estimates, total employment cost, and verified operating outcomes. Bureau of Labor Statistics data are a useful starting point, but they are survey estimates rather than a pay-plan recommendation and must be paired with jurisdiction-specific compliance review.
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