background

Michael's Background

Michael Todd has been immersed in account management for over four decades, initially working for Finance Companies during the 1970s and early '80s. Their approach was strict and systematic, repossessing cars if customers failed to pay on time, with little regard for customer goodwill.

In 1986, Michael joined Ernst & Young, where his collection expertise was crucial to handle clients with overdue accounts, though no existing system was in place. His new employers were overly lenient compared to the Finance Companies, prompting him to realize the need for a balanced approach to managing overdue accounts.

After establishing his consulting firm in 1986, Michael advised and assisted numerous accounting and legal practices, private schools, and enterprises, guiding them in handling account payments without upsetting their customers. His fundamental philosophy has always been maintaining open communication with account holders.

Throughout his thirty-year consulting career, Michael delivered keynote presentations across Australia, leaving a positive impact on various professional firms, schools and businesses. His clients praised his practical approach to improving account collection skills.

Now retired, Michael is channeling his knowledge and experience into book format.

My Philosophy

Let me be blunt: I dislike chasing overdue accounts, and I’m not alone in that sentiment. My system emerged out of necessity—I hated making those calls. But I discovered that turning collections into a simple system dramatically reduces the need for awkward conversations.

In 1977, I was thrown into debt collection at a finance company. The approach was aggressive—threatening repossessions—but I quickly realized that hostility isn’t my style. Instead, I relied on politeness and respect, and it worked. People were more cooperative, and I avoided the confrontations others faced.

Years later, working for an accounting firm, I refined this approach. They wanted overdue fees collected without alienating clients. By creating a non-confrontational, systematic process, payments increased, clients stayed happy, and goodwill was preserved.

My first experience with school fee collections came in 1986, at a Catholic school facing cashflow issues. Parents were taking advantage of the school’s kindness. Using my system, adapted to suit the school’s values, payments improved significantly within weeks.

Since then, I’ve applied this system to hundreds of organizations, consistently achieving the same results: less staff effort, happier payers, and stronger cashflow. It’s proof that being polite and systematic pays—literally.

So don’t just read about these methods—act on them. The results will speak for themselves.

Good luck,
Michael Todd