Days Sales Outstanding (DSO) is the most frequently reviewed key performance indicator (KPI) by upper management, representing the average number of days it takes a company to convert its accounts receivable (AR) into cash.

As challenging economic conditions plague all areas of the market, the agricultural industry appears to be consistently slumping as it endures a multi-year trough, testing the patience of credit managers across the industry.  

Expanding on your knowledge of credit management by completing one of NACM and FCIB’s six Professional Certification Programs not only refines the skills you use every day but instills a newfound confidence in even the most experienced credit managers.

Japan’s economy has shown strength and growth so far this year, but the unpredictability of the brewing trade war and the broad-sweeping implications of tariffs from a major trade ally could slow the nation’s growth.

Credit managers are facing new challenges, as economic uncertainty, material shortages and the ever-looming threat of tariffs have stifled customers’ buying power, making it more difficult to predict and mitigate risk. With unpredictability in the market, it can be difficult for credit managers to fully gauge the degree of risk incurred with each transaction. 

Commercial Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings increased 20% year-over-year in March 2025. “The 20% rise in commercial Chapter 11 filings to 733, up from 611 last year, signals persistent economic pressure, mirrored by a 10% increase in total commercial filings to 2,727,” said Michael Hunter, Vice President of Epiq AACER.

It’s no secret that companies across industries are grappling with the ripple effects of shifting supply chains, severe weather events, rising costs and mounting tariffs. This economic volatility can significantly impact businesses by creating unpredictability in customer behavior, supply chains and financial planning. 

The certification program is a valuable resource for credit managers worldwide. Sankar Nair, CICP, senior credit analyst at Daikin Middle East and Africa FZE (Abu Dhabi, UAE) sought his Certified International Credit Professional (CICP) designation to deepen his expertise in credit and trade finance.

Earning a designation through one of NACM and FCIB’s Professional Certification Programs takes perseverance and dedication. It allows professionals to commit to deepening their understanding of business credit and best practices. For Vimal Patel, CCE, director of credit at OneSource Distributers (Oceanside, CA), earning his Certified Credit Executive (CCE) designation was an opportunity to challenge himself to learn more about the credit profession and refine his skills.