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How can a controller improve my accounts receivable process?

A bookkeeper records invoices and payments. A controller looks at the bigger picture and asks why certain customers consistently pay late, whether your credit terms make sense, and what’s actually causing cash flow gaps. That analytical layer is what transforms AR from a clerical function into a strategic one.

The first thing a controller typically does is review your AR aging report with fresh eyes. They’re looking for patterns your internal team might miss because they’re too close to the daily work. Maybe 40% of your receivables are over 60 days, but nobody has flagged it because the numbers crept up slowly. A controller spots that immediately and starts asking questions about what changed.

Credit policies often need attention. Many businesses extend the same terms to every customer regardless of payment history or order size. A controller will recommend tiered terms based on customer track record. New customers might get net-15 while established accounts with clean payment histories get net-30. That simple change can dramatically improve collection timing.

Invoice accuracy and timing matter more than most business owners realize. Late invoices get paid late. Invoices with errors get disputed and delayed. A controller reviews your invoicing workflow to ensure bills go out promptly with all the information customers need to pay without questions. They also verify that invoice amounts match contracts and purchase orders so there’s no excuse for delay.

Collection follow-up is where many businesses lose money. Without a defined process, overdue invoices sit while everyone assumes someone else is handling it. A controller establishes clear escalation procedures. Day 31 triggers an automated reminder. Day 45 gets a phone call. Day 60 involves a formal demand. Having this documented and followed consistently improves collection rates significantly.

Cash flow forecasting ties directly to AR management. When a controller tracks your professional services receivables alongside payment patterns, they can predict cash availability weeks in advance. That visibility lets you make better decisions about when to hire, invest in equipment, or take on new projects.

Customer concentration risk is another area controllers monitor. If one customer represents 30% of your revenue and they’re slow to pay, your entire cash position depends on their accounting department’s mood. A controller will flag this concentration and recommend either diversifying your customer base or negotiating better payment terms with that key account.

The return on controller-level oversight usually shows up in days sales outstanding. If your average collection time drops from 52 days to 38 days, that’s real money back in your operating account faster. For a business doing $2 million in annual revenue, shaving two weeks off collections means roughly $75,000 more cash available at any given time.

Most AR problems aren’t about having bad customers. They’re about having unclear policies, inconsistent follow-up, and no one watching the overall trends. A controller brings the oversight and discipline that turns receivables into predictable cash flow.

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More Questions

How can a controller improve my financial reporting?

A controller transforms raw bookkeeping data into accurate, decision-ready financial statements. They ensure proper accruals, reconciliations, and month-end close procedures that give you reliable numbers each month.

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How can a CFO help me plan for business growth?

A CFO translates your growth ambitions into financial reality by building forecasts, modeling scenarios, and identifying the capital and cash flow requirements to expand without running out of money.

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How can a controller help with accrual accounting?

A controller ensures your accrual entries are accurate and timely. They handle adjusting entries like prepaid expenses, accrued liabilities, and deferred revenue so your financial statements reflect reality, not just cash movement.

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How long does it take to clean up years of bad bookkeeping?

Timeline depends on how many years need work, transaction volume, and how messy the records are. A single year with moderate transactions might take a few weeks. Multiple years with high volume and poor documentation can take several months.

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Can I fix my books before filing taxes?

Yes, and you should. Cleaning up your books before filing ensures accurate tax returns, prevents overpaying or underpaying, and avoids problems if you're ever audited.

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What size business needs a fractional CFO?

Most businesses benefit from fractional CFO support between $2M and $20M in annual revenue. But size alone isn't the deciding factor. Complexity, growth rate, and the financial decisions you're facing matter more than raw numbers.

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Premium controller and CFO advisory services for South Florida businesses, located in Boca Raton. Jargo delivers executive-level financial leadership to companies that have outgrown basic bookkeeping. Owned and operated by a CPA with over 15 years of C-suite experience.

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