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Stop Chasing Payments: Advanced Receivables Management Strategies with QuickBooks® Online

In the high-pressure landscape of tax season and busy client deliverables, overdue invoices can undermine even the most diligent small business owner. Effective accounts receivable (A/R) management is fundamental—not only for healthy cash flow, but for sustained client trust and regulatory compliance. If you’re an accountant or tax professional guiding clients, leveraging QuickBooks® Online equips you to help clients streamline receivables control without endless follow-ups.

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Why Strategic Receivables Management is Crucial

Erratic cash flow is a leading cause of business distress. Recent 2024 QuickBooks® research revealed that 60% of small businesses endure annual cash flow hurdles due to late client payments. As their trusted advisor, helping clients strengthen A/R processes positions you as a proactive partner, not just a bookkeeper.

Using QuickBooks® Online to Master Accounts Receivable

QuickBooks® Online empowers businesses to monitor open invoices, overdue accounts, and payment patterns seamlessly. Here’s how to leverage its advanced features for optimal results:

  • Accounts Receivable Aging Report
    Access via: Reports > Who owes you > Accounts Receivable Aging Summary
    This mission-critical tool categorizes outstanding invoices by delinquency period (1–30, 31–60 days, etc.), enabling efficient risk assessment and targeted collection efforts.
  • Automated Invoice Reminders
    Navigate to: Gear Icon > Account and Settings > Sales > Reminders
    Activate automated payment reminders to eliminate manual follow-ups and keep receivables moving, improving both client relationships and internal efficiency.
  • Custom Payment Terms
    For businesses with tiered services or retainer models, configure invoice terms per customer profile inside QuickBooks®. Clear terms facilitate transparent expectations and streamline reconciliation workflows.

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Pro Tip: Implement a Receivables Monitoring Workflow

Recommend that clients review their A/R Aging Summary on a weekly basis. Pair this with scheduled reconciliation of bank feeds to promptly match incoming payments. For managed accounting engagements, consider establishing alerts for invoices over 60 days past due, allowing for efficient intervention or escalation to collections—well in advance of year-end reporting.

Addressing Persistent A/R Challenges

If receivables start to accumulate, it may signal a need for more robust billing processes or tighter contract enforcement. Advise your clients to consider:

  • Collecting partial deposits upfront for large engagements
  • Offering early payment discounts to incentivize on-time payments
  • Applying late fees in compliance with local regulations and ethical standards
  • Utilizing QuickBooks® recurring billing features for subscription-model businesses
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Helping clients maintain visibility over outstanding balances with QuickBooks® Online isn’t just fundamental accounting—it's a driver of business resilience. By combining cloud-based automation, robust A/R analytics, and ongoing advisory support, you empower clients to optimize cash flow, minimize stress, and foster long-term professional trust.

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