A-Z of Credit Control

A-Z Credit Control

This practical programme provides a comprehensive understanding of credit control from the initial assessment of customer creditworthiness through to effective debt recovery strategies. Participants will explore financial analysis, credit policies, customer risk assessment, and professional collection techniques to reduce bad debt and improve organisational cash flow.

The course focuses on building structured credit control processes, strengthening communication with customers, and implementing best practices that protect profitability while maintaining strong commercial relationships.

Course Outline

Day 1: Foundations of Effective Credit Control

• The strategic importance of credit control in organisational financial management
• Understanding credit risk and assessing customer creditworthiness
• Developing effective credit policies and approval procedures
• Establishing credit limits, payment terms, and monitoring frameworks

Day 2: Financial Analysis and Customer Risk Assessment

• Analysing financial statements to evaluate customer credit risk
• Using credit reports, trade references, and financial indicators
• Identifying early warning signs of financial distress
• Balancing sales growth with effective credit risk management

Day 3: Managing Accounts Receivable and Payment Performance

• Structuring accounts receivable processes for efficiency
• Monitoring debtor ageing reports and key credit control metrics
• Improving invoicing accuracy and payment tracking systems
• Strategies to reduce overdue accounts and improve payment cycles

Day 4: Professional Debt Collection and Negotiation

• Effective communication techniques for collecting outstanding payments
• Negotiation strategies for resolving payment disputes
• Handling difficult customers and maintaining professional relationships
• Structuring repayment plans and settlement agreements

Day 5: Advanced Credit Control Strategies and Risk Management

• Legal considerations in debt recovery and enforcement options
• Managing high-risk accounts and preventing bad debt
• Using technology and automation in credit control systems
• Building a proactive credit management culture within the organisation

Participants will gain practical tools and frameworks to strengthen credit control practices, reduce financial risk, and improve organisational cash flow.