Managing your business's finances is similar to navigating a complex maze. Whether you are a seasoned business owner or just starting your venture, understanding and effectively managing your cashflow is paramount to your financial health.
One crucial tool in this regard is a cashflow forecast, which serves as a guiding light through the financial labyrinth. In this article, we will delve into the nuances of cashflow forecasting, shedding light on its advantages, creation, limitations and more.
Advantages of a cashflow forecast
A cashflow forecast offers several advantages that can help you steer your company towards success:
Anticipate cash shortages
By predicting when your business might run out of cash, you can take proactive measures to secure additional funding or optimize your operations.
Financial planning
A cashflow forecast enables you to create a roadmap for your company's financial future, aligning your business plans with your financial capabilities.
Safeguarding against surprises
Unexpected expenses or fluctuations in revenue can jeopardise your business. With a cashflow forecast, you can prepare for these surprises, ensuring that you have the necessary resources to weather any storm.
Better decision making
Armed with insights from your forecast, you can make informed decisions about investments, expansion, or even cutting costs when necessary.
What goes in your cashflow forecast
Creating an accurate cashflow forecast requires a comprehensive understanding of what components should be included:
- Financial statements – start by listing your expected income sources, including sales forecasts, investment income statement, and any other revenue streams
- Accounts receivable – consider when you expect to receive payments from customers. Be realistic about payment terms and past payment behaviors
- Accounts payable – similarly, project when you will make payments to suppliers, employees, and other creditors
- Raw materials and operating expenses – include costs related to producing your products or services (raw materials, labour, rent, utilities and other overheads should be accounted for)
- Bank accounts – keep track of your current cash balances in different bank accounts
What comes first, profit and loss or cashflow forecast?
A common misconception is that profit and loss (P&L) statements should precede cashflow forecasts. However, in the world of finance, timing matters. For a small business owner in the UK, creating a cashflow forecast should take priority.
Why? Well, your cashflow forecast is concerned with the actual flow of money in and out of your business, taking into account the timing of payments. In contrast, a P&L statement focuses on revenue and expenses, regardless of when the money actually changes hands. So, your cashflow forecast provides more immediate insights into your business's financial health. Of course, both P&L statements and cashflow forecasts are crucial for financial planning, but understanding your cashflow should be your starting point.
Cashflow forecast accuracy
The accuracy of your cashflow forecast is paramount. Inaccurate forecasts can lead to poor financial decisions, potentially harming your business. To ensure the reliability of your forecast, consider the following tips:
- Regular updates – update your cashflow forecast regularly, especially when significant changes occur in your business operations or market conditions
- Historical data – use historical financial data as a basis for your cash flow projections (past performance can offer valuable insights into future cashflows)
- Consult experts – if you’re unsure about creating an accurate cashflow forecast, consider consulting with financial experts or using accounting software to assist you
How to create a cashflow forecast
Creating a cashflow forecast need not be a daunting task. Here are some simple steps to get you started:
- Gather data – collect all relevant financial data, including historical cashflow records, sales forecasts, and business expense data.
- Identify categories – categorise your income and expenses into clear categories, making it easier to track and manage.
- Project timelines – estimate when cash will flow in and out of your business. Be as precise as possible, considering payment terms, the time of year and other factors.
- Use accounting software – consider using accounting software tailored to cashflow forecasting. These tools can automate much of the process and provide real-time updates.
- Monitor and adjust – regularly review your forecast against actual cashflows. Adjust as needed to stay on track and make informed decisions.
How often to do a cashflow forecast
The frequency of cashflow forecasting depends on your business's unique circumstances. However, a common practice is to create a 12-month cashflow forecast and revisit it monthly or quarterly. This approach allows you to adapt to changing conditions while maintaining a long-term perspective.
If you’re a small business owner, maintaining a cashflow forecast can be the difference between smooth financial sailing and turbulent waters. It helps you keep a pulse on your business's financial health, ensuring you have the resources needed to keep operations running smoothly.
Cash flow forecast limitations
While a cashflow forecast is a valuable tool, it's important to be aware of its limitations:
Unexpected events
Unexpected events, such as economic downturns or global crises, can disrupt your cashflow even if your forecast was accurate. Always be prepared for the unexpected.
Dependent on assumptions
Your forecast relies on various assumptions about future sales, expenses, and payment timelines. If these assumptions are inaccurate, your forecast may be too.
Not a guarantee
A cashflow forecast is a projection, not a guarantee. Actual cashflows may deviate from your forecast due to various factors.
Complexity
Creating a cashflow forecast can be complex, especially for businesses with numerous revenue streams and expenses. Seek professional guidance when necessary.
Get legal assistance from LawBite
A cashflow forecast is a vital tool for any small business owner. It provides invaluable insights into your business's financial health, helps you make informed decisions and enables you to navigate the financial maze with confidence. By understanding its advantages, components and limitations, you can harness the power of accurate cash flow forecasting to secure a positive cash flow and position your business for success.
Remember, at LawBite, we believe in making legal services accessible to entrepreneurs and small businesses like yours. We're here to help you navigate the legal landscape and protect your business, ensuring it thrives in the ever-changing business world. To find out how we can help you, book a free 15-minute consultation or call us on 020 3808 8314.
