Accounts Receivable Troubleshooting Guide ( MLS 2026 )

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Accounts Receivable Troubleshooting Guide ( MLS 2026 )

Even with a well-defined workflow, issues can occur in Accounts Receivable that require special handling.

This section outlines common problems, their likely causes, and the steps to resolve them.

👉 Use this guide whenever something “doesn’t look right.”


1. A Single Client Needs a Statement

Symptoms

Need to print a statement for one client only

Cause

Statements are processed by billing cycle

Fix

1.Go to Receipts → Edit

2.Change the client’s Billing Cycle to a temporary code (e.g., X)

3.Run Reports → Statements for cycle X

4.Print the statement

5.Restore the original billing cycle

Tip

Assign frequent-request clients their own billing cycle.


2. A/R Totals Don’t Match the General Ledger

Symptoms

A/R total ≠ G/L A/R account

Totals appear incorrect

Likely Cause

Transactions not tied to valid accounts or billing cycles

Fix

1.Run Transaction Report (wide date range)

2.Look for:

oMissing billing cycles

oVery old transactions

oAccounts not closed

3.Assign affected accounts to a temporary cycle

4.Re-run balances and statements

5.Close the period

6.Close outdated accounts


If the Problem Persists

Run dSalvage on aartrn.dbf

Corrects file issues (e.g., stray end-of-file markers)


3. Returned Check (NSF)

Symptoms

Payment reversed by the bank

Fix

Post negative payment (e.g., -125.00)

Apply to original invoice

If invoice is already cleared

Post as a negative credit


4. A Credit Needs to Be Applied

Preferred Method: Credit Invoice

Why

Adjusts income correctly

Provides printed record

Maintains audit trail

How

Enter negative part (Credits)

Enter negative labor with explanation


Alternative Method (Not Recommended)

Enter negative charge in A/R

⚠️ Limitations

Must manually assign G/L account

Does not adjust parts/labor/profit


5. A Posting Error Was Made

Symptoms

Wrong amount, date, invoice, or G/L


Correction Logic

Was the invoice cleared?
        ↓
   YES         NO
    ↓           ↓
Post difference   Reverse entire entry
only              (negative transaction)
                 then re-enter correctly


Steps

1.Enter reversing transaction (all negative)

2.Enter correct replacement


6. A Client Won’t Pay (Bad Debt)

Symptoms

Account is uncollectible

Fix

1.Create negative invoice

2.Document collection efforts

3.Post to A/R (no payment)


Result

Account balances to zero

Cleared during next closing

Important

Set Flag = HOLD


7. Write-Offs Required

Symptoms

Uncollectible balances remain

Fix

1.Go to A/R Tools → Write Offs

2.Select account

3.Double-click invoice

4.Enter write-off amount

5.Repeat as needed

6.Select Process

Tip

Set account to HOLD after write-off


8. Overdue Accounts Are Increasing

Symptoms

Growing number of late accounts

Cash flow pressure

Fix

Review Overdue screen weekly

Document all contact attempts

Follow up consistently

Flag repeat offenders (HOLD)

Adjust credit limits if needed

Pro Tip

Use a headset for faster note entry


9. Workorder Did Not Transfer to A/R

Symptoms

Closed workorder missing from A/R

Likely Causes

A/R account not created

Incorrect A/R number

Alternate Billing not set


Recovery Flow

Check A/R account exists
        ↓
Correct account if needed
        ↓
Press REFRESH in A/R
        ↓
System pulls missing balance


10. Statements Don’t Match Client Records

Symptoms

Missing or duplicate charges

Missing payments

Fix

Run Individual Account Report

Use full date range

Provide to client for review


11. Closing Was Missed or Done Late

Symptoms

Aging incorrect

Statements don’t match balances

Completed items missing


Reality

Late closing breaks the link between:

Statements

Account history

Aging


Fix

1.Re-run statements for affected cycle

2.Close the period immediately

3.Review aging and overdue accounts

4.Document discrepancies in Notes