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The value of cashflow forecasting
13 July 2022
So, now you’re tracking your cash flow and you know where your money is being earned and spent, the next step is cash flow forecasting. Cash flow forecasting is a projection of what your financial position is expected to look like in the next few months so you know when you need to take action to safeguard it. It also enables you to plan for different scenarios, identify areas where you could save costs, and create strategies to keep your cash flow where you want it to be.
Forecasting your future cash pipeline
Remaining in control of the cash coming into and going out of the business is the real focus, so you can accurately predict your financial position and can resolve any issues.
Key ways to get more from your forecasting
- Run regular forecasts – The financial landscape changes on a daily basis so a cash flow forecast is not a document that remains static. Variables and external drivers are literally changing each day, so it’s vital that you run frequent forecasts and react swiftly to any projected cash issues as they become apparent.
- Use the latest cash flow forecasting apps – there are various cash flow forecasting apps that integrate with online accounting systems. These give you a more detailed view of how your cash inflows and outflows will look over the coming months – information that will inform and justify the decisions you make.
- Explore the right revenue streams – most sectors will have seen sales affected due to staff being away sick and other pandemic related restrictions. Now’s the time to explore other revenue streams, such as selling online, and new opportunities for income. The idea is to find ways to increase the money that’s coming in the door and balance out your unavoidable expenses.
- Get proactive with cost-cutting – if you can reduce cash outflows to a minimum, that will have a real impact on the health of your future cash flow. Pare back your operations and aim to reduce things like unnecessary software subscriptions, or over-ordering of basic supplies. Negotiating cheaper rates with suppliers, if possible, will also help.
- Review your staffing needs – assess your staffing needs to minimise the costs of staffing and resourcing. Consider changing working hours for some staff, redeploying staff in different roles, and work-from-home/hybrid options.
- Run a variety of scenarios – changing the financial drivers in your forecast model allows you to scenario-plan different strategies and options. Scenario-planning lets you answer questions, and will give you some hard evidence on which to base your decision-making and strategic outlook over the coming months.
- Look at various ways to access funding – if forecasts show a cash flow issue coming up, we can assist your business to investigate how to minimise expenses and what funding opportunities are available.
Talk to us about setting up cash flow forecasting
Cash flow forecasting is an important step to give you the business intelligence to support your decision making, so get in touch with us if you’re unsure what your cash flow is.
The end of the financial year is fast approaching, so if you’re balance date/end of financial year is 31 March, there are a few things you need to do to help us prepare your financials. Take a stocktake If your business sells products or has stock, you’ll need to do a stocktake on 31 March. If you’re a business that sells products, then you need to take a stocktake of your physical inventory. If you’re a farmer, then you need to take a physical livestock tally. Send in your EOY papers Compile a folder (digital or hard copy) with a copy of the following documents: Bank statement that shows the balance on 31 March 2025 for all your bank accounts and loans. Insurance invoices. ACC invoices. Loan statements for the year (if applicable). Any new loans or refinancing documents. Invoices for assets purchased and sold. GST workings and reports. Submit the online questionnaire You’ll also need to fill out and submit the online questionnaire. You should receive an email from us in April/May, with a link to fill out and submit the questionnaire. If you haven’t received an email with the link by the end of May, let us know.
At Gunson McLean we are more than just a business offering financial expertise we also support our communities in Dargaville and Whangārei. By partnering with various local organisations, we help sustain and strengthen sports, recreation, and community initiatives in the region. Empowering Local Sports Clubs We understand the role sports play in bringing people together, promoting teamwork, and supporting youth development. We are proud to sponsor the Old Boys Marist Rugby & Sports Club, Hikurangi Rugby Football Club Inc, Maungakaramea Hockey Club, Maungakaramea Bowling Club, Mid Western Rugby Squash Club, Kamo Rugby & Squash Club, New Zealand Vikings Rugby Football Club Inc., and the Cobham Cricket Club. Promoting Outdoor Education We also believe that outdoor education is essential for youth development and are proud to work with the charitable trust, Pātaua Outdoor Education & Recreation Trust (POERT). We have been closely involved in the Trust’s activities for the past 8 years – handlings its financial matters – and Craig Gunson is the current Treasurer. Backing Community Halls & Facilities We’re proud to support the Whareora Hall Society and Whareora Cemetery Board as well as local cycling and motorcycling groups Marsden Wheelers Cycling Club Inc., and the Whangārei Motorcycle Club. We are passionate about the causes we support, and the opportunities and growth this enables in our Dargaville and Whangārei communities.
Most people agree that optimising your business is a good idea and spend hours looking at optimising the supply chain, storage, overheads etc. However, they forget that people are one of the most critical elements in your business. By providing a caring, supportive workplace for employees you also drive the success of your business. Studies show happy workers are productive workers and, as an employer, it’s a no-brainer to provide a workplace where employees feel valued, and where they can flourish. Here are five key ways to build employee relationships, nurture your team, and create a great workplace for your employees: 1. Invest in your employees This doesn’t mean ‘casual Friday’s’ or a pizza night once a month. This is about offering your employees access to training programmes, workshops, conferences, and mentorship programmes. It’s about the professional growth of your employee and how you can enhance their skills and make them feel truly valued as team members. 2. Create a positive work environment Creating a positive work environment is about cultivating a workplace culture that feels positive and supportive of your employees. Be open and transparent with your employees, listen to their feedback and have a strong focus on employee wellbeing. This could include offering flexible working arrangements, benefits such as health insurance, and other perks. 3. Recognise and reward your employees When an employee goes above and beyond, make sure your recognise and reward them. This could by through a performance bonus, employee-of-the-month programmes or even extra time off in lieu. Feeling valued comes partially from feeling rewarded and can be an amazing motivator. 4. Give employees autonomy One of the key ways employees feel trust, is by being given autonomy. Being trusted to come up with their own solutions, processes, and ideas is key to making people feel as if they ‘own’ their role. This helps employees feel fully involved and also brings new ideas, solutions, processes, and efficiencies to the table. 5. Put wellbeing at the heart of your culture Life is stressful. And work-life can be stressful. A well though out wellbeing programme can help your employees manage stress and, in turn, benefits your business. A wellbeing programme is different for each business but some ideas could be checking in with team members, creating a ‘ask for help’ culture, flexible working arrangements including work-from-home days, and offering mental health support. Making sure you’re a caring and supportive employer is vital to your business strategy. With a team who feel valued, nurtured, and encouraged, you’ll all be happier and more productive.
To discuss all your account matters please call us on 09 438 1001
