How does the increase in accounts recievable effect cash flow?

This is pretty simple to answer as it doesn't need a lot of explanation or examples. An increase in accounts receivable would decrease a company's cash flow (incoming cash would be effected.) Accounts receivable are accounts of persons or other company's that owe you (or your company) money but has not yet been paid. Since this shows money owed to you by another there is no "cash" changing hands and that of course effects you (or your company's) cash flow.