Credit Control Process Checklist for Small Businesses

At customer onboarding

Confirm the contracting entity, invoice address, payment terms, purchase-order rules and who authorises payment. Maintain a lawful, minimal record of professional contacts.

At invoice issue

Send the invoice promptly with a usable reference, agreed service or goods description and payment instructions. Resolve rejected invoices quickly rather than allowing them to age unnoticed.

At and after the due date

Use a predictable reminder cadence and record responses. If an invoice is disputed, route it to the person able to resolve the commercial issue and avoid indiscriminate repeat contacts.

During reconciliation

Match receipts, credit notes and partial settlements to the correct invoice. Monitor promises and report exceptions weekly or monthly according to volume.

When escalation is considered

Agree thresholds for direct calls, postal demands, external collection and litigation advice. Document authority, data transfers and any fee arrangement.

Practical takeaways

• Name an owner for each aged account.
• Use clear ageing categories and review them regularly.
• Measure actual receipts and dispute resolution, not only outbound activity.