August 16, 2010 09:45 ET

Accounts Receivable Professionals Encouraged to Embrace Benefits of AR Certification Program

ATLANTA, GA--(Marketwire - August 16, 2010) -  With regulatory oversight expanding and improved operating technology emerging at a rapid pace, accounts receivable professionals around the world are being urged to become accredited. The Accounts Receivable Network (http://www.thearnetwork.com) is pleased to announce the launch of The Accounts Receivable Certification Programs for managers and specialists.

"There are numerous technical, legal and operational reasons why accounts receivable professionals should work to achieve certification, but among the most important is this: certification is being viewed more and more as a critical factor in career advancement," said Phil Binkow, CEO of The Accounts Receivable Network (TARN), founder of The Accounts Receivable Certification Programs. "Having the accreditation designation behind your name sends the message to the world -- and especially to your management -- that you are dedicated to knowledge and excellence in your work."

Recently launched by The Accounts Receivable Network to meet increased demand for demonstrating excellence, the Accounts Receivable Certification Programs allow AR managers to pursue three levels of certification:

• Accredited Receivables Manager (ARM) for themselves
• Accredited Receivables Specialist (ARS) for their key staff
• Accredited Receivables Department (ARD), a designation reflecting a major level of achievement for an entire group of professionals

Binkow explained that interactive AR exam prep training programs can be scheduled on-site for group training. Additional training materials for the program include an examination study guide and an online video where AR professionals can study at their convenience.

For more information, go to ARCertification.com.

MAINTAINING CERTIFICATION

In order to maintain certification, Binkow said a holder must achieve continuing education credit hours every two years, as follows:

• ARS - 20 CEU
• ARM - 30 CEU

Today's receivables managers and specialists use the latest tools, practices and electronic processing technologies, work closely with other departments within the organization and are tasked with one of the most important aspects of any organization -- guarding assets while enabling sales, so as to bill, collect and make deposits as quickly as possible. Cash management, cash forecasting, automation investment, regulatory and legal compliance, as well as Sarbanes-Oxley are near the top of a long list of issues causing top management to scrutinize accounts receivable more closely.

"The profession has largely kept pace, much to its credit, but accounts receivable managers and staff have had few ways to demonstrate their overall expertise -- from credit to billing to collections to cash application," observed Binkow. "With this certification program, AR professionals will be able to demonstrate a significantly greater level of knowledge very quickly, can stay abreast of -- or ahead of -- critical changes in industry trends, best practices and general operations."

About The Accounts Receivable Network
The Accounts Receivable Network (TARN) provides comprehensive resources that support ongoing accounts receivable compliance, performance, controls and training requirements.

In one convenient, on-demand location, members of The Accounts Receivable Network tap into the best practices and benchmarking needed to measure and improve accounts receivable processes for optimum efficiency and revenue generation. Included are management strategies, technology solutions, helpful tools that save time and money, and updates to keep on top of the latest AR developments.

The Accounts Receivable Network helps finance professionals avoid costly mistakes when selecting suppliers or implementing new AR technologies, as well. The Accounts Receivable Network's tools help them compare vendor data, find new ways to streamline operations, take advantage of educational opportunities, and gain an unparalleled opportunity to share problems and solutions with their peers "in the trenches" by joining online AR discussion groups.