Every dusty item on a shelf is a silent cash-flow leak waiting to be exposed. Small businesses underestimate how much money is trapped in stock that no one wants to buy anymore. When accountants step in and help identify obsolete inventory, they free up working capital and protect clients from inflated closing stock and SARS problems. This is practical advisory work clients value immediately.

Most businesses give credit, but few manage it well. The accounts receivable cycle, often treated as an afterthought, can make or break cash flow, influence client relationships, and expose weaknesses in your internal controls. This article unpacks how to take control of the entire AR process, from setting credit terms and vetting clients to effective follow-ups, reconciliations, and write-offs. If you're ready to turn outstanding invoices into real income and protect your practice from preventable risks, this is your practical guide.