Accounts Receivable
BusinessGlossary term
Definition
The money that customers owe a business for goods or services that have been delivered but not yet paid for. Accounts receivable is recorded as an asset on the balance sheet because it represents future cash the company expects to collect. Managing accounts receivable efficiently is crucial for maintaining healthy cash flow, and businesses often track metrics like days sales outstanding to monitor how quickly they collect payments.
Related terms
- Accounts PayableThe money a business owes to its suppliers, vendors, and creditors for goods or services received but not yet paid for. Accounts payable is recorded as a liability on the balance sheet and represents short-term obligations the company must fulfill. Effectively managing accounts payable helps businesses maintain good supplier relationships, take advantage of early payment discounts, and manage cash flow strategically.
- Balance SheetA financial statement that provides a snapshot of a company's financial position at a specific point in time, showing what the business owns (assets), what it owes (liabilities), and the owners' equity. The fundamental accounting equation states that assets must always equal liabilities plus equity. Reviewing a balance sheet helps investors and business owners assess the company's financial health, liquidity, and ability to meet its obligations.
- Cash Flow Statement (Business)A financial statement that tracks the actual movement of cash in and out of a business over a specific period, organized into operating, investing, and financing activities. Unlike the income statement, which includes non-cash items like depreciation, the cash flow statement shows whether a company is generating enough actual cash to fund operations and growth. Positive cash flow is essential for business survival, even for companies that appear profitable on paper.
- Working CapitalThe difference between a company's current assets (cash, accounts receivable, inventory) and its current liabilities (accounts payable, short-term debts), representing the funds available for day-to-day operations. Positive working capital indicates that a business can cover its short-term obligations and invest in growth, while negative working capital may signal financial trouble. Managing working capital efficiently is critical for maintaining liquidity and ensuring smooth business operations.
Get advice that uses your real numbers
Warren reads your accounts and explains what terms like this mean for your plan. Free to start, no credit card required.