{"id":7800,"date":"2021-03-31T14:39:32","date_gmt":"2021-03-31T18:39:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/?p=7800"},"modified":"2026-02-12T04:48:51","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T09:48:51","slug":"practice-gets-paid-on-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/practice-gets-paid-on-time\/","title":{"rendered":"How to make sure your accounting firm gets paid on time"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/category\/money-matters\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Money Matters<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHow to make sure your accounting firm gets paid on time\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \">Published <time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2021-03-31T14:39:32-04:00\">March 31, 2021<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"How to make sure your accounting firm gets paid on time\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/practice-gets-paid-on-time\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/author\/laurenpearson\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2020\/03\/emiliecarolLauren-4.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Lauren Pearson<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When it comes to running an accounting firm, there are two big things you have to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>You have to win and retain new business.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You have to make sure your practice gets paid on time.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are the two basic blocks of building any business, never mind accounting firms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your clients don\u2019t pay you, or delay paying you, then, put bluntly, your business won\u2019t grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, the big question is, how do you make sure you get paid on time? This article will provide you with some essential tips to help you along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-issues-with-late-payments\">Issues with late payments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An in-depth report compiled for Sage by independent consulting firm Plum examined the impact on small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) when invoices are paid late.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It concluded that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/late-payments-get-paid-faster\/\">Late payments<\/a> are a significant issue, which can cause SMEs to curtail investment, reduce staff bonuses and pay, and in turn pay other suppliers late<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Late payments come from all types of firms, meaning any action to tackle them shouldn\u2019t be targeted at only one size<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Often, firms are told there\u2019s no reason for the late payments, indicating there\u2019s a great opportunity for intervention<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Late payments are most often not chased to protect client relationships \u2013 meaning a shift in culture is required to reduce stigma of chasing payments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So, what can you do to solve the problem? You have to work at it. The best chance to do that is when you first sign up a client and set the ground rules \u2013 the terms and conditions of your relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Starting on the right foot will help in the long run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta gated-content\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Say goodbye to unpaid invoices<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Download our\u00a0 guide for 7 tips to get your invoices paid faster.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-9b2a69dc-e10f-4dbf-b0ce-54a1fa05ac69\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Download Now<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1064\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/07\/1675w-x-1275h_0017_Layer-4-1064x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/07\/1675w-x-1275h_0017_Layer-4-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-utilize-direct-debit\">Utilize direct debit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, if this is retained business (business that occurs every month and not just a project), ask your client to set up ACH payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll get paid on time and it takes the temptation away from the client to delay payments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now, getting a client to organize a direct payment isn\u2019t always easy. The client might feel this is constricting (because they will occasionally have to delay a payment), or shows a lack of trust. This comes down to how firm you want, or need, to be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When taking on a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/focusing-on-ideal-clients\/\">new client<\/a>, and when references and checks are not always up to the job, there\u2019s nothing wrong with asking for some form or surety such as a direct debit, or partial upfront payment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After all, you\u2019re risking your own money and why should you do that, unless the client gives some confidence that you will be paid. Remember, there\u2019s no point in having a client that does not pay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-keep-on-top-of-invoicing\">Keep on top of invoicing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Now, a new relationship is the ideal chance to have a clear deck, to put things in place so as to avoid any embarrassment later on. But what about an existing relationship, where your invoice relies on the good grace of your customer?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The trick here is to&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/free-invoice-templates\/\">stay on top of your invoicing<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And to understand that, what a stable business requires is a stable cash flow. You want an even flow of money, not huge peaks and troughs, because your bills will be regular: wages, rents, loan payments, and so on will come around each month.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So staying on top of your invoices will make life easier, although ironically, even for many accountants, this gets left to the bottom of the in-tray.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But the key is to invoice quickly, to monitor the progress of the invoice and stay in touch with your client until that invoice is paid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you get the direct debit organized, or get some money up front, or decide to give your clients 30 days\u2019 (or indeed 60 days\u2019) credit, you must invoice immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is made far easier with&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/accounting-software\/\">accounting software<\/a>, which allows you to create and issue invoices within minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is vital \u2013 if you delay your invoice, you risk your client saying it hasn\u2019t been received in the agreed time and therefore not in their system, and open to delays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can\u2019t really complain about that, as finance departments can be sticklers for rules and generally unbending when it comes to applying them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once the invoice is in, track its progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Make sure your client has received it, the right person has received it (maybe the buyer needs to forward it to their finance department) and it\u2019s logged in their payment system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Take nothing for granted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t wait 30 days hoping that everything is fine, wonder where your money is, then ring up and discover no one knows about your invoice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Treat each invoice with full care and attention. And don\u2019t worry if you feel your client will be offended by your professional approach. If your client is as good as they think they are, they too will be doing the same thing with their customers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No one can really accuse you of being too professional when it comes to being paid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-top-payment-tips-from-accountants\">Top payment tips from accountants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We spoke to some of our Sage Business Expert accountants to see what tips they have about ensuring payments arrive on time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-sort-advanced-payments\">Sort advanced payments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cCharge up front where possible,\u201d suggests Shaz Nawaz, chartered accountant and owner of <a href=\"http:\/\/aa-accountants.co.uk\/\">AA Accountants<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cMake advance payment non-negotiable and share this requirement on your website, as well as all marketing material and during the sign-up process. A lack of clarity creates resistance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He adds: \u201cBetter than charging interest on late payments is to set your fees in light of the fact that certain clients might pay late and then discount that fee to your standard fee if they pay on time via monthly payments or whichever frequency you prefer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThe carrot usually works better than the stick.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-send-automated-reminders\">Send automated reminders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Paul Donno is the managing director of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.1accountsonline.co.uk\/\">1 Accounts Online Ltd<\/a> and adds, \u201cAutomate your software to send statements and reminders and keep your bank feeds up to date so that you have the information available to know who is not paying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cLook at your trading terms and collection methods. Our accounting business only accepts payment by direct debit. This is one of the conditions of being a client of ours and we don\u2019t have any trade debtors.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-ensure-ach-is-on-the-table\">Ensure ACH is on the table<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Luke Streeter is founder, accountant and chief delivery officer for <a href=\"https:\/\/flinder.co\/\">Flinder<\/a>, an innovative and award-winning financing outsourcing company for SMEs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Streeter says that his firm stops working for clients if the monthly direct debit fails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He says: \u201cWe take a very clear cut approach, because the time we spend chasing a cancelled direct debit mandate or collecting outstanding debts is very disruptive to our business \u2013 and very disruptive to the client\u2019s business too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThey have to pay to get the services we\u2019re going to deliver.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Simplicity in fees is also a good approach, Streeter continues: \u201cWe don\u2019t nickel and dime with clients. It makes it quicker for us to quote and engage with someone if we have a simple pricing structure, and we list it and we advertise it on our website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cTransparency is key, if a client pushes back, we say, actually, it\u2019s all very visible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-make-sure-your-invoice-states-payment-terms\">Make sure your invoice states payment terms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sid Moore is the owner of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/mooreaccountancy.co.uk\/\">Moore Accountancy<\/a>. She says: \u201cHere are a few things we like to do. Get a direct debit or standing order for invoices so that clients are paying over the year for the service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIf it\u2019s a small job, then the invoice should clearly state the terms, seven days, for example. After eight or nine days, automatically chase the client, and then weekly thereafter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThankfully we have a low debtor ratio. If it\u2019s outstanding for over a month, we\u2019ll start mentioning late interest accruing \u2013 which is in our letter of engagement \u2013 and call the client too to find out why they have not paid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cIf they\u2019re in financial difficulties, we\u2019ll actively work to get a payment plan as some money in is better than none.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-final-thoughts-on-ensuring-your-practice-gets-paid-on-time\">Final thoughts on ensuring your practice gets paid on time<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With all our accounting experts, you\u2019ll notice they are on the ball when it comes to invoicing \u2013 and that\u2019s basically the answer. Don\u2019t let your invoicing drift, stay in touch with your clients, and be firm. Doing so will pay dividends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What challenges are you facing when it comes to getting paid on time and how are you overcoming them? Let us know in the comments below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Editor\u2019s note: This article was first published in September 2018 and has been updated for relevance.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Grow your practice with Sage accountant software<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p class=\"\">CPAs and accountants can trust Sage\u2019s tools and resources to grow their accounting firms and better serve clients.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p><!-- wp:image {\"id\":8125} --><\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"100\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/02\/sage-boss-your-practice-tick-horizontal_white.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8125\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/02\/sage-boss-your-practice-tick-horizontal_white.png 800w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/02\/sage-boss-your-practice-tick-horizontal_white-768x96.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<p><!-- \/wp:image --><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/accountants\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tid=\"cta-id-3526\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-button-location=\"cta_box\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Learn more<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1215\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-645973033-1215x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-645973033-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to the Sage Advice Accountants newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-ab515c6e-7e90-4c2f-a67e-113872516e8b\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1064\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/02\/SageAdvice-christina-wocintechchat-com-2JDDn7iSGH8-unsplash-1064x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Women in tech\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2021\/02\/SageAdvice-christina-wocintechchat-com-2JDDn7iSGH8-unsplash-1064x810.jpg 1064w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/hub\/accountants\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAccountants\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/hub\/boss-your-business\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBoss your business\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/hub\/cash-flow\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCash Flow\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-33549 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-accountants tag-accountants tag-accounting-101 tag-fixed-assets tag-small-business business_type-small-business business_type-accountants card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1215\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1450969748-1215x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1450969748-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1450969748-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1450969748-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2025-12-22T09:26:06-05:00\">December 22, 2025<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">4 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/fixed-asset-lifecycle-management-efficiency\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tStreamline your fixed asset lifecycle from acquisition to disposal\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tSimplify every stage of fixed asset management with best practices that reduce manual work, improve accuracy, and keep your organization audit-ready.\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 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https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0968-512x768.jpg 512w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0968-540x810.jpg 540w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2025-12-18T15:04:29-05:00\">December 18, 2025<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">3 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tThe essential guide to sub-ledger accuracy and 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h5\">\n\t\t\tMindful fixed asset reporting: Best practices for cleaner reconciliations\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-13397 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-accountants category-free-guides-templates category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accountants tag-automation tag-cfo business_type-small-business business_type-accountants business_type-growing-business industry-financial-services industry-software-saas\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/5-steps-to-build-your-revenue-recognition-strategy\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" 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0-.957-.099.75.75 0 0 0-.315.776c.031.146.104.28.211.384l3 3a.75.75 0 0 0 1.06 0l3-3a.76.76 0 0 0 .231-.533.74.74 0 0 0-.22-.538q-.108-.106-.247-.164c-.139-.058-.191-.057-.291-.056s-.198.022-.29.061-.174.097-.243.169l-1.72 1.72V3.75a.76.76 0 0 0-.22-.541.76.76 0 0 0-.542-.22zM5.75 8.5C4.24 8.5 3 9.74 3 11.25v7C3 19.76 4.24 21 5.75 21h12.5c1.51 0 2.75-1.24 2.75-2.75v-7c0-1.51-1.24-2.75-2.75-2.75h-3a.76.76 0 0 0-.537.216.74.74 0 0 0-.223.535.76.76 0 0 0 .223.535.74.74 0 0 0 .537.216h3c.699 0 1.25.551 1.25 1.25v7a1.24 1.24 0 0 1-1.25 1.25H5.75a1.24 1.24 0 0 1-1.25-1.25v-7c0-.699.551-1.25 1.25-1.25h3a.76.76 0 0 0 .537-.216.74.74 0 0 0 .223-.535.76.76 0 0 0-.223-.535.75.75 0 0 0-.537-.216z\" \/><\/svg>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2025-09-24T15:43:15-04:00\">September 24, 2025<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">5 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\t5 steps to mastering revenue recognition for SaaS\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-13831 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-accountants category-money-matters tag-accountants tag-accounting-101 tag-cash-flow tag-cloud-financial-management business_type-small-business business_type-accountants business_type-growing-business industry-software-saas\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/accounting-compliance-and-reporting-best-practices-for-saas\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-580503469-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"A woman holding a phone and sitting in front of a computer\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-580503469-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-580503469-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-580503469-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2025-07-30T12:27:13-04:00\">July 30, 2025<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">13 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tUnderstanding SaaS compliance: Best practices for accounting and reporting\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Late payments can be an issue for accountancy practices. Here&#8217;s what you need to do to ensure your practice gets paid on time.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":995,"featured_media":3034,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"_pwl_sage_podcast_buzzsprout_src":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[158,43],"tags":[2,195,299],"business_type":[312],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[57],"persona":[150],"imagine_tag":[222],"coauthors":[606],"class_list":["post-7800","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-accountants","category-money-matters","tag-accountants","tag-boss-your-business","tag-cash-flow","business_type-accountants","industry-financial-services"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-us","author_name":"Lauren Pearson","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2017\/11\/Growingaccountingfirm.jpg","imagine_tags":{"222":"Accountants"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice US","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7800","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/995"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7800"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7800\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/3034"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7800"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7800"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7800"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=7800"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=7800"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=7800"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=7800"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=7800"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=7800"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=7800"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}