The Institute of Financial Operations Self-Study Portal

Accounts receivable is a critical asset of any organization. Once viewed as a basic function, successful organizations have come to realize the importance of providing continuing improvement to this vital function and that by doing so it can lead to significant financial and non-financial gains for the organization.

Obtain a certificate for expertise in AR Essentials, proving you have the knowledge to better assist your organization in meeting its goals and objectives.

The three most commonly recognized processes in the AR function are risk management, collection management, and cash application. Organizations that apply best practices to their operating procedures are continually evaluating their procedures and educating their associates to provide their customers the best service and efficiency to compliment their products.

Simply attend eight 90-minute web-based educational sessions followed by a comprehensive online knowledge assessment on the program content. Successful completion of the course will result in earning a professional development certificate that validates your knowledge of the subject.

Course Curriculum:

Session 1 – The Accounts Receivable Function
The four primary components that make up the AR function

• The difference between policies and procedures
• The internal and external relationships
• The pros and cons of centralization and decentralization
• Ideal AR candidate qualifications

Session 2 – Risk Management (Part 1)
The function and four elements of credit

• Credit application vs. credit agreement
• The types of business entities
• The purpose and sources of credit information
• The types of credit analysis

Session 3 – Risk Management (Part 2)
Secured vs. unsecured credit

• The types of financial analysis
• The differences between a credit line and a credit limit
• The methods used to identify risk
• The methods used to minimize risk
• The methods used to determine the amount of risk to take

Session 4 – Collection and Deductions (Part 1)
The function of collections

• When to begin collecting
• The methods of collecting
• Who to contact for payment

Session 5 – Collection and Deductions (Part 2)
The types of deductions

• Obtaining assistance from internal sources
• When to seek outside assistance
• The steps in the litigation process
• The steps in the bankruptcy process

Session 6 – Cash Application
The function of cash application

• Sources of payments
• Discounts
• Payment processing
• Batching and posting remittances
• Unidentified remittances
• Post dated checks

Session 7 – Legal Aspects of Accounts Receivable (Part 1)
Credit and collection laws

• Secured vs. unsecured creditors
• Contracts
• Security devices

Session 8 – Legal Aspects of Accounts Receivable (Part 2)
Escheatment

• OFAC and The Patriot Act
• Sarbanes Oxley
• Record retention and destruction
• Bankruptcy