Business Practices Archive

Credit managers are the link between customers and many other business functions such as marketing, sales, logistics, customer service, accounts payable and treasury. The responsibilities of a credit manager often overlap with the traditional roles in other departments. Why it matters: Understanding the interconnectedness of the credit department with other business functions is critical for effective collaboration and ensuring a smooth flow of operations.

In response to global conflicts, the U.S. and its allies have increased economic sanctions and enforcement measures against various countries. Businesses can minimize their exposure to these changes by regularly monitoring sanction updates, understanding applicable laws, integrating sanctions compliance into regulatory processes and strengthening Know-Your-Customer (KYC) policies. Why it matters: The noticeable surge in, attention to and enforcement of international trade requirements and regulations underscore the need for credit managers to stay vigilant and be aware of potential …

The construction industry is directly impacted by weather conditions—heavy rain, snowstorms and dangerous heat temperatures can cause issues such as improper concrete curing and foundation pouring, for example. These can lead to prolonged delays resulting in project timeline disruptions, increased costs and ultimately impact the ability for creditors to get paid. Extreme weather events are only expected to become more common, and the construction industry is faced with finding creative strategies to adapt.

Adhering to a corporate credit policy is essential to managing and assessing credit risk, setting payment terms and ensuring a healthy cash flow. Having a policy in place to follow establishes the guidelines to maintain financial stability and build trust with customers while minimizing the potential for bad debt. Although a credit policy is one of the most important documents in credit management, many credit departments do not have a credit policy set in place. Establishing a sound credit policy empowers the credit department to not only be an asset to the company but also play a key role…

The causes of late payments are diverse and can negatively impact stakeholders across various industries—everything from supply chain delays, cash flow issues and invoicing errors. Credit managers must use proactive strategies to encourage timely payments from habitual and sporadic late payers.

We all know the saying “cash is king” rings as a true statement in the credit world. It’s critically important to look closely at where and how a business generates its cash, looking no further than the Statement of Cash Flows. This statement provides information on a business’s cash during a specified period, helping credit professionals analyze its financial health. Understanding cash flow is critical for assessing risk and the financial outlook of a company.

As we usher in the new year, we thought we’d examine the shifting currents of the workforce. Let’s unravel the latest labor trends and workforce challenges identified in eNews poll questions. A recent poll indicated that 32% of credit professionals point to an increased workload as a big challenge while navigating layoffs or workforce adjustments within their credit team closely follow. Maintaining team morale amid the fear of potential layoffs is a challenge for 14% of respondents and another 14% have struggled to hire and retain skilled credit managers.

New Year’s resolutions often symbolize a fresh start and a commitment to improvement—a chance to become the best version of yourself in both your personal and professional lives. As we approach the New Year, credit managers are presented with limitless opportunities for growth and success.