The Payment Accounts make up the foundation of your Accounts Receivable subledger.
Every student in your school is associated with one or more adult guardians. These Guardians have various permissions for interacting with the Student. Some are permitted to pickup while others may only be emergency contacts. For every student there must always be one Guardian designated as the PRIMARY GUARDIAN. Among other things, the Primary Guardian is FINANCIALLY responsible for that student and has a Payment Account setup in their name where charges, credits, and payments are posted.