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Finance & Accounting

Effective Credit Control training

This course provides practical training in effective credit control techniques, focusing on managing credit risk, improving cash flow, and minimising bad debts. Participants will develop skills to implement robust credit control processes and enhance their decision-making capabilities in financial management.

5 days Classroom or live online English
Smart Horizon Certified - Global Leadership Consultants
Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Effective credit control is crucial for maintaining healthy cash flow and ensuring the financial stability of an organisation. Poor credit management can lead to increased bad debts, impacting profitability and operational efficiency. Participants will learn to identify credit risks through financial analysis, implement strategies to mitigate them, and develop effective communication skills for negotiating payment terms. These capabilities are essential for fostering positive customer relationships while ensuring timely payments, which ultimately supports the organisation's financial health and operational success. Additionally, understanding the nuances of credit control can empower professionals to make informed decisions that directly affect their organisation's bottom line.

Participants will engage in practical exercises that simulate real-world credit control scenarios, such as assessing customer creditworthiness and implementing debt recovery strategies. By practising skills in negotiation and policy development, attendees will enhance their ability to make informed decisions that directly affect cash flow. This training equips professionals with the tools needed to optimise credit control processes, manage customer accounts effectively, and contribute to their organisation's financial success. The course also emphasises the importance of continuous improvement in credit management practices, enabling participants to adapt to changing market conditions and customer behaviours.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

  • Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
  • Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
  • Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.
Course methodology

How you will learn.

The course employs a blend of interactive workshops, case studies, and role-playing exercises to build practical skills in credit control. Participants will engage in simulations that mimic real-life credit management challenges, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in a controlled environment. Specific exercises will include drafting credit policies, assessing customer profiles, and negotiating payment terms. Outputs will include credit assessment reports, payment negotiation strategies, and action plans for improving credit control processes. This hands-on approach ensures that participants not only learn concepts but also develop the confidence to implement them in their workplace effectively, resulting in measurable improvements in credit management practices.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Assess credit risk using financial statements and credit reports to inform decisions.
  • Design effective credit control policies tailored to organisational needs and customer profiles.
  • Calculate key performance indicators (KPIs) for monitoring credit control effectiveness and cash flow.
  • Negotiate payment terms with clients to optimise cash flow and reduce overdue accounts.
  • Implement a systematic approach to debt collection and follow-up processes for overdue payments.
  • Evaluate customer creditworthiness through comprehensive analysis of financial data and credit history.
  • Construct a credit control action plan based on identified risks and organisational goals.
  • Communicate credit policies clearly to stakeholders to ensure understanding and compliance.
Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

  • Credit Controllers responsible for managing accounts receivable and minimising bad debts.
  • Finance Managers overseeing cash flow and credit policies to ensure financial stability.
  • Accounts Receivable Specialists focused on effective debt collection processes and customer management.
  • Business Owners seeking to improve financial stability through robust credit management practices.
Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

  • Evaluate customer credit profiles effectively using financial analysis tools.
  • Implement credit control policies that align with business objectives and customer needs.
  • Negotiate effectively with clients regarding payment terms to enhance cash flow.
  • Monitor and analyse credit control performance metrics to identify areas for improvement.
  • Develop strategies for efficient debt collection that maintain customer relationships.
  • Communicate credit policies clearly to stakeholders to ensure compliance and understanding.
Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Understanding Credit Control Fundamentals

Applied activity: Participants will analyse a fictional company's financial statements to identify potential credit risks and discuss findings in groups. Each group will present their analysis and recommendations for credit control improvements, focusing on practical applications and decision-making processes.

Output: A comprehensive credit risk assessment report, including identified risks and proposed strategies.

  1. 09:00–09:54Define credit control and its importance in financial management for businesses.
  2. 09:54–10:48Identify key components of an effective credit control system and their interrelationships.
  3. 10:48–11:00Explore the relationship between credit control and cash flow management in organisations.
  4. 11:00–11:30Coffee break
  5. 11:30–12:12Explore the relationship between credit control and cash flow management in organisations. (continued)
  6. 12:12–13:06Discuss the impact of poor credit control on business operations and profitability.
  7. 13:06–14:00Review relevant legislation and ethical considerations in credit control practices.

Day 2Assessing Creditworthiness

Applied activity: Using provided customer profiles, participants will assess creditworthiness and prepare a summary report outlining their evaluation criteria and recommendations. This will involve analysing financial data and credit history to make informed decisions about extending credit or requiring upfront payments.

Output: A creditworthiness assessment summary for each customer profile, detailing the evaluation process and recommendations.

  1. 09:00–09:54Learn techniques for evaluating customer creditworthiness through financial analysis.
  2. 09:54–10:48Understand the use of credit reports and scoring systems in assessing risk.
  3. 10:48–11:00Discuss the importance of financial statement analysis in credit assessment processes.
  4. 11:00–11:30Coffee break
  5. 11:30–12:12Discuss the importance of financial statement analysis in credit assessment processes. (continued)
  6. 12:12–13:06Explore industry benchmarks for credit evaluation and their application in decision-making.
  7. 13:06–14:00Review case studies of successful credit assessments and their outcomes.

Day 3Developing Credit Control Policies

Applied activity: Participants will draft a credit control policy for a fictional company, considering various customer segments and risk factors. They will present their policy to the group for feedback and discussion, focusing on practical implications and potential challenges in implementation.

Output: A draft credit control policy document, including rationale and implementation strategies.

  1. 09:00–09:54Identify best practices for creating credit control policies that suit organisational needs.
  2. 09:54–10:48Discuss the role of credit limits and payment terms in mitigating risk.
  3. 10:48–11:00Explore the importance of customer segmentation in credit control strategies.
  4. 11:00–11:30Coffee break
  5. 11:30–12:12Explore the importance of customer segmentation in credit control strategies. (continued)
  6. 12:12–13:06Learn how to communicate credit policies to clients and staff effectively.
  7. 13:06–14:00Review examples of effective credit control policies and their implementation.

Day 4Debt Collection Strategies

Applied activity: Participants will role-play debt collection scenarios, practising negotiation techniques and communication strategies to recover overdue payments. They will receive feedback on their approaches and discuss alternative strategies for improvement, focusing on maintaining customer relationships while ensuring payment.

Output: A recorded role-play session with feedback on negotiation skills and strategies.

  1. 09:00–09:54Explore techniques for effective debt collection and follow-up processes.
  2. 09:54–10:48Discuss the role of communication in debt recovery and maintaining customer relationships.
  3. 10:48–11:00Learn about legal considerations in debt collection practices and compliance.
  4. 11:00–11:30Coffee break
  5. 11:30–12:12Learn about legal considerations in debt collection practices and compliance. (continued)
  6. 12:12–13:06Evaluate the effectiveness of different collection methods and their impact on cash flow.
  7. 13:06–14:00Review tools and technologies that support debt collection and improve efficiency.

Day 5Integrating Credit Control Practices

Applied activity: Participants will develop a comprehensive credit control action plan for a fictional company, integrating all learned concepts and strategies to address identified risks and improve cash flow. This will involve collaboration and presentation of their plans, focusing on practical implementation steps and expected outcomes.

Output: A detailed credit control action plan presentation, including identified risks and proposed strategies.

  1. 09:00–09:54Review the entire credit control process from assessment to collection and its best practices.
  2. 09:54–10:48Discuss the integration of credit control with overall financial strategy and operations.
  3. 10:48–11:00Explore the use of technology in enhancing credit control efficiency and effectiveness.
  4. 11:00–11:30Coffee break
  5. 11:30–12:12Explore the use of technology in enhancing credit control efficiency and effectiveness. (continued)
  6. 12:12–13:06Learn how to monitor and report on credit control performance metrics and KPIs.
  7. 13:06–14:00Discuss continuous improvement strategies for credit control to adapt to market changes.

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Kuala Lumpur 9 Nov - 13 Nov 2026
Confirmed dates
€1,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 9 Nov - 13 Nov 2026
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Rome 16 Nov - 20 Nov 2026
Confirmed dates
€2,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 16 Nov - 20 Nov 2026
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Paris 23 Nov - 27 Nov 2026
Confirmed dates
€2,860.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 23 Nov - 27 Nov 2026
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Istanbul 7 Dec - 11 Dec 2026
Confirmed dates
€2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 7 Dec - 11 Dec 2026
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Amsterdam 14 Dec - 18 Dec 2026
Confirmed dates
€2,540.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 14 Dec - 18 Dec 2026
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Singapore 11 Jan - 15 Jan 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,820.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 11 Jan - 15 Jan 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
London 25 Jan - 29 Jan 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 25 Jan - 29 Jan 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Dubai 8 Feb - 12 Feb 2027
Confirmed dates
€3,150.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 8 Feb - 12 Feb 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Barcelona 15 Feb - 19 Feb 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,840.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 15 Feb - 19 Feb 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Frankfurt 22 Feb - 26 Feb 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 22 Feb - 26 Feb 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Kuala Lumpur 8 Mar - 12 Mar 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 8 Mar - 12 Mar 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Paris 22 Mar - 26 Mar 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,860.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 22 Mar - 26 Mar 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Rome 5 Apr - 9 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 5 Apr - 9 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Istanbul 12 Apr - 16 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 12 Apr - 16 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Amsterdam 26 Apr - 30 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,540.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 26 Apr - 30 Apr 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Singapore 10 May - 14 May 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,820.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 10 May - 14 May 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
London 24 May - 28 May 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 24 May - 28 May 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Cape Town 7 Jun - 11 Jun 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,890.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 7 Jun - 11 Jun 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Dubai 14 Jun - 18 Jun 2027
Confirmed dates
€3,150.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 14 Jun - 18 Jun 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Frankfurt 21 Jun - 25 Jun 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 21 Jun - 25 Jun 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Kuala Lumpur 12 Jul - 16 Jul 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 12 Jul - 16 Jul 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Paris 26 Jul - 30 Jul 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,860.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 26 Jul - 30 Jul 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Istanbul 9 Aug - 13 Aug 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 9 Aug - 13 Aug 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Cape Town 16 Aug - 20 Aug 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,890.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 16 Aug - 20 Aug 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Amsterdam 23 Aug - 27 Aug 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,540.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 23 Aug - 27 Aug 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Singapore 13 Sept - 17 Sept 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,820.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 13 Sept - 17 Sept 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
London 20 Sept - 24 Sept 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 20 Sept - 24 Sept 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Vienna 4 Oct - 8 Oct 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,940.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 4 Oct - 8 Oct 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Dubai 11 Oct - 15 Oct 2027
Confirmed dates
€3,150.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 11 Oct - 15 Oct 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Frankfurt 25 Oct - 29 Oct 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 25 Oct - 29 Oct 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Kuala Lumpur 8 Nov - 12 Nov 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,450.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 8 Nov - 12 Nov 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Paris 22 Nov - 26 Nov 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,860.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 22 Nov - 26 Nov 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Istanbul 6 Dec - 10 Dec 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,650.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 6 Dec - 10 Dec 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register
Amsterdam 13 Dec - 17 Dec 2027
Confirmed dates
€2,540.-Register
Online Live virtual classroom 13 Dec - 17 Dec 2027
Confirmed dates
€1,250.-Register

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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