eNews Archive

Credit managers encounter financial fraud every day, whether it is as simple as a spoofed phone call mimicking an established customer or the manipulation of a compromised email. Equipped with ever-evolving technology, fraudsters are more empowered than ever before, requiring credit professionals to be diligent in every facet of their work.   Why it matters: With innovations in technology and the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), traditional forms of fraud have become more advanced while new schemes have emerged, leaving credit managers facing increasingly complicated fra…

Across the business world, the days of landing a job based solely on a prestigious degree or a narrow set of technical expertise are largely behind us. Today, hiring managers aren’t just looking for people who have specialized knowledge—they’re looking for professionals who can communicate clearly, build relationships and collaborate effectively.  Why it matters: Credit management has evolved from a numbers-driven, accounting-focused role into one that requires a balance of operational and interpersonal skills. In many cases, behavioral compet…

The fiscal year-end is one of the most demanding periods for any business, and the credit department is often tasked with managing audits, collecting outstanding payments and meeting tight deadlines. Completing the annual closing can be especially challenging if it coincides with the holidays, which brings its own unique demands to businesses and employees. Why it matters: Whether your accounting period ends in December, March or another month, having a strategic plan in place can help you navigate even the busiest of times.  By the numbers: A recent eNew…

Since the end of World War II, the United States’ dollar (USD) has been recognized as the world’s primary reserve currency and the most widely used medium of exchange in global transactions. Despite its long-standing dominance, the dollar remains susceptible to periods of devaluation.  Why it matters: Currency fluctuations increase risk in international trade credit. Credit professionals who understand both the advantages and challenges of a changing dollar are better equipped to reduce exposure and secure payment in cross-border transactions.  Over the past few years, the d…

December in Washington is dominated by last-minute negotiations on an array of must-pass bills Congress still needs to act on. Top of the list is the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which funds the nation’s nearly $1 trillion annual defense budget. While predominantly focused on defense, the NDAA has become a Christmas tree for non-defense related legislation to ride along, and this year is no exception. But this year’s tree is looking comparatively bare, a reflection of how few items this Congress can agree on and the narrow vote margins Congressional leadership has to manage…

No aspect of credit management exemplifies the give-and-take nature of your relationship with your customer quite like disputes and deductions. Deductions and disputes can consume a significant amount of your time as a credit manager—from complaints about billing errors to missing items from orders—and without a solid protocol in place, they can leave your credit department overwhelmed. Why it matters: Deductions and disputes may be a daily occurrence or few and far between, depending on your company’s size, industry and customer base. Regardless of their frequency, it is important that …

Working in credit can sometimes mean juggling many responsibilities at once. From the overflowing email inbox to the back-to-back meetings, your days in credit are often packed with so many urgent tasks that it can be hard to stay on top of it all.   Why it matters: With so much on your plate, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by your ever-growing to-do list, especially when unpredictable fires pop up and throw all your plans out the window. Effective time management not only helps you stay on top of your work but creates a better balance to help ease stress. Each day in credi…

Credit professionals are wired for change, continually adapting to new technologies and innovations. From automated collections to AI-powered predictive modeling, they have access to a wide range of advanced tools designed to streamline daily operations and enhance departmental efficiency. With so many options available, finding the right product or service can be overwhelming.   Why it matters: Credit professionals who come in with a clear strategy and a willingness to learn can more effectively narrow their choices and form successful partnerships. An exposition is an invaluable r…