Accounts receivable refers to the money owed to a company by its customers for goods or services delivered but not yet paid for. Accounts receivable represent the amount of money that a company expects to receive from its customers in the future, and are a critical component of effective cash flow management.

When a company sells goods or services to a customer on credit, it creates an accounts receivable balance that reflects the amount owed by the customer. The accounts receivable balance typically includes information such as the customer name, invoice number, date, and amount owed.

Managing accounts receivable requires careful attention to customer payment behavior and effective collection strategies. This may involve establishing clear credit policies and guidelines for extending credit, monitoring customer payment activity, and taking appropriate action to follow up on outstanding debts. It may also involve using tools such as customer statements, collection letters, and collection agencies to encourage timely payment and recover outstanding balances.

Overall, accounts receivable are a critical component of effective cash flow management, and require careful attention to customer behavior and effective collection strategies. By managing accounts receivable effectively, companies can improve their cash flow, reduce the risk of bad debts, and maintain positive relationships with their customers.

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