Credit Control and Debt Management

The programme

Programme overview

Maintaining financial stability is essential for any organisation, and robust credit control and debt management play a crucial role in achieving this goal. This comprehensive training equips participants with the latest tools and techniques to evaluate creditworthiness, manage receivables efficiently, and reduce the risks associated with bad debts. Whether operating in the public sector, an NGO, or the private sector, attendees will gain practical strategies to enhance their organisation’s financial health and cash flow stability.

By integrating real-world case studies, this Credit Control and Debt Management course explores contemporary challenges such as fluctuating interest rates, economic downturns, and evolving debt collection regulations. Participants will learn how to navigate these complexities while fostering strong client relationships, ultimately ensuring long-term financial success.

Who should attend

Who is this programme for?

• Finance Professionals in Public Sector Organisations
• Credit Managers in Private Companies
• Accountants Managing Receivables and Collections
• NGO Staff Handling Donor and Grant Receivables
• Business Owners and Entrepreneurs Seeking Financial Stability
• Risk Managers Focused on Minimising Bad Debts
• Sales Professionals Managing Client Credit Terms
• Administrators Overseeing Invoicing and Payment Tracking
• Team Leaders Responsible for Financial Operations
• Aspiring Finance Professionals Specialising in Credit Control

Learning outcomes

What you will learn

• Develop and implement robust credit policies tailored to current market challenges
• Assess client creditworthiness using advanced analytical tools
• Apply strategies to reduce overdue payments and improve cash flow
• Navigate legal frameworks and best practices for debt recovery
• Enhance negotiation skills for effective debt settlements
• Strengthen client relationships while ensuring timely payments
• Monitor financial metrics to anticipate risks
• Manage emerging credit and debt challenges, including fraud prevention

Explore the programme

Detailed programme outline

2-Day Essentials — Training Outline

• The role of credit control in financial stability, and the receivables/payments lifecycle
• Establishing credit terms that balance risk and growth
• Developing enforceable credit agreements
• Case study: how a multinational company mitigated credit risks during an economic downturn
• Evaluating financial statements for credit risk analysis
• Leveraging technology and AI for credit decision-making, including AI-driven payment risk scoring delivering DSO reductions of roughly 30-40% in well-implemented programmes
• Best practices for tracking payments and handling chronic late payers
• Case study: preventing credit fraud through enhanced due diligence
• The debt collection process and best practices
• Negotiating settlements while maintaining client relationships
• Assertive yet professional communication strategies for difficult conversations
• Case study: successful debt recovery strategies from industry leaders
• Key indicators for monitoring credit performance
• South Africa's National Credit Act (NCA), 34 of 2005, and the National Credit Regulator (NCR): the foundational legislation and enforcement body for credit agreements and debt collection in South Africa
• Leveraging fintech solutions for debt collection efficiency
• Deciding whether the 5-Day Comprehensive programme is the right next step

5-Day Comprehensive — Training Outline

• The role of credit control in financial stability
• The receivables and payments lifecycle
• Key principles of effective credit management
• Common pitfalls in credit control and how to avoid them
• Case Study: How a multinational company mitigated credit risks during an economic downturn
• Aligning policies with organisational goals
• Communicating credit policies to stakeholders
• Case Study: Lessons from a failed credit policy and how to revamp it
• Conducting credit checks and interpreting credit scores
• Identifying red flags in potential clients
• Leveraging technology and AI for credit decision-making, including AI-driven payment risk scoring
• Case Study: Preventing credit fraud through enhanced due diligence
• Best practices for tracking payments
• Implementing automated reminders and follow-ups
• Strategies for handling chronic late payers
• Ensuring accuracy in invoicing and reconciliation
• Case Study: How automation reduced overdue payments by 30%, consistent with current DSO-reduction benchmarks from AI-driven collections
• Leveraging legal options and debt recovery agencies
• Preventative measures to minimise future risks
• Case Study: Successful debt recovery strategies from industry leaders
• Building rapport to encourage timely payments
• Assertive yet professional communication strategies
• Handling difficult clients and disputes tactfully
• The role of empathy in debt collection
• Case Study: Resolving disputes and retaining key clients
• Cash flow forecasting and risk anticipation
• Reporting financial insights to stakeholders
• Using technology to enhance financial analysis
• Case Study: How a company transformed its credit control through data analytics
• Overview of global debt recovery laws and regulatory approaches
• Common regulatory themes across jurisdictions: credit provider licensing, responsible lending assessments, and debt collector conduct standards
• Organisational rights and obligations in credit management
• Ethical considerations in credit control and debt collection
• Handling sensitive financial data responsibly
• Case Study: Legal pitfalls in debt recovery and how to avoid them, with a note that delegates should confirm the specific regulatory framework applicable in their own jurisdiction
• Evaluating and updating credit policies for emerging risks
• Managing credit control in volatile economic conditions
• Preparing for future trends in credit and debt management
• Case Study: How businesses are adjusting credit control strategies post-pandemic

Learning approach

How you will learn

Our diverse instructional approaches ensure effective learning:

– Lectures & Presentations: Engage with expert-driven, stimulating content.– Course Material: Access well-crafted supporting resources.– Group Work: Collaborate on discussions and case studies for practical insights.– Workshops & Role-Play: Participate in immersive, scenario-based activities.– Practical Application: Focus on applying theoretical knowledge in real situations.– Post-Training Support: Receive extensive support after training for skill implementation.

Discuss your requirements

Dates, duration & arrangements

Contact Ratomac to confirm dates, duration, delivery format, entry requirements and any applicable assessment or certification before booking.