Last updated on May 24, 2024
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- Budget Process
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Know your cash inflows and outflows
2
Use a cash flow template or software
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3
Adjust for seasonality and uncertainty
4
Compare and reconcile your forecasts with your actuals
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5
Update and communicate your forecasts frequently
6
Here’s what else to consider
Cash flow forecasts are essential tools for managing your budget and ensuring your business has enough liquidity to cover its expenses and obligations. However, preparing and updating them can be challenging, especially in uncertain and volatile market conditions. In this article, we will share some best practices for creating and maintaining accurate and realistic cash flow forecasts that can help you optimize your budget process and avoid cash flow problems.
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- Trina N. Nonprofits | Creating Solutions to Help Mission-Driven Organizations Improve Their Operational Efficiency
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1 Know your cash inflows and outflows
The first step to preparing a cash flow forecast is to identify and categorize your sources and uses of cash. Cash inflows are the money that comes into your business from sales, receivables, investments, loans, or other income streams. Cash outflows are the money that goes out of your business for expenses, payables, taxes, debt repayments, or other obligations. You should track and record both your actual and projected cash inflows and outflows on a regular basis, such as weekly, monthly, or quarterly, depending on your business cycle and needs.
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1- Timeframe: Choose appropriate forecasting periods (weekly, monthly, quarterly).2- Historical Data: Use past cash flow patterns as a baseline.3- Accounts Receivable/Payable: Monitor expected inflows and outflows, considering payment terms.4- Expense Planning: Include fixed and variable costs with realistic timelines.5- Contingency Buffers: Reserve funds for unforeseen expenses.6- Regular Updates: Adjust forecasts as new financial information becomes available.7- Stress Testing: Apply different scenarios to assess potential impacts on cash flow.8- Cross-Departmental Communication: Involve all departments for comprehensive input.
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See AlsoCash Flow Projection — The Complete Guide (Template + Examples)📈 How to start with cash flow planning | CAFLOUCash Flow Management Software - QuickbooksHow to create a cash flow forecast in 4 stepsInsightful
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Entradas e saídas recorrentes precisam estar mapeadas e com acompanhamento constante.O Contas a receber é baseado no prazo de recebimento negociado com cliente - se monitora, e qualquer variação se alinha com o cliente as oscilações.Contas a pagar: toda nota fiscal deve ser registrada no sistema (e aqui sim é muito pratico ter um ERP) que registre a nota, classifique por conta contábil e já vá montando alguns dos demonstrativos financeiros. Se o fornecedor é recorrente, acompanhar até desembolso. Se é algo pontual, acompanhar o registro (melhor combinação contábil) até o pagamento.Ter um modelo de fluxo de caixa, que compare realizado x projetado - e a coluna das observações, facilita corrigir possíveis desvios.Como vocês utilizam?
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2 Use a cash flow template or software
The next step to preparing a cash flow forecast is to use a template or software that can help you organize and calculate your cash flow data. A cash flow template is a spreadsheet that has predefined formulas and categories for your cash inflows and outflows. You can find many free or paid templates online or create your own based on your business model and preferences. A cash flow software is a tool that can automate and integrate your cash flow forecasting with your accounting, invoicing, banking, or other systems. You can find many options for cloud-based or desktop-based cash flow software that can offer various features and functionalities.
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3 Adjust for seasonality and uncertainty
The third step to preparing a cash flow forecast is to adjust for the factors that can affect your cash flow variability and accuracy. One of these factors is seasonality, which refers to the fluctuations in your cash flow due to seasonal changes in demand, supply, or costs. For example, if your business is more active during certain months or holidays, you should account for the higher or lower cash inflows and outflows during those periods. Another factor is uncertainty, which refers to the risks or opportunities that can arise from unexpected events or changes in the market, such as pandemics, natural disasters, competitors, regulations, or customer behavior. You should include some contingency or buffer in your cash flow forecast to prepare for the possible scenarios and outcomes.
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- Paulo Viana Mentor Especialista em formação de Controllers | Te mostro como estabelecer controles e ter resultados esperados em seu negócio com implantação da Controladoria
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Preparar e atualizar previsões de fluxo de caixa envolve ajustar para sazonalidade e incerteza. Primeiro levo em consideração as flutuações sazonais, contabilizando períodos de alta e baixa demanda para ajustar as entradas e saídas de caixa de acordo. Por exemplo, se a empresa tem maior atividade em certos meses ou feriados, isso deve ser refletido na previsão. Depois incluo contingências para incertezas, como mudanças inesperadas no mercado, pandemias ou novos concorrentes. Crio buffers no fluxo de caixa para me preparar para esses cenários e garantir que a empresa possa enfrentar eventos imprevistos sem comprometer sua saúde financeira. Ao ajustar para sazonalidade e incerteza, consigo manter as previsões de fluxo na maioria dos casos
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4 Compare and reconcile your forecasts with your actuals
The fourth step to preparing a cash flow forecast is to compare and reconcile your forecasts with your actuals on a regular basis. This means that you should review and analyze the differences between your projected and realized cash inflows and outflows and identify the reasons and implications behind them. This can help you evaluate the accuracy and validity of your assumptions and methods and make adjustments or corrections as needed. It can also help you identify and address any cash flow gaps or surpluses and take appropriate actions to improve your cash flow management.
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5 Update and communicate your forecasts frequently
The final step to preparing a cash flow forecast is to update and communicate your forecasts frequently and consistently. Updating your forecasts means that you should revise and refine your cash flow projections based on the latest information and data available and reflect any changes or developments in your business environment or strategy. Communicating your forecasts means that you should share and discuss your cash flow forecasts with your stakeholders, such as your managers, employees, investors, lenders, suppliers, or customers. This can help you align your expectations and goals and ensure transparency and accountability.
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- Trina N. Nonprofits | Creating Solutions to Help Mission-Driven Organizations Improve Their Operational Efficiency
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Managing cash flow forecasts is similar to tending a garden. Just as a gardener regularly checks soil and weather conditions to adapt their care, so must a business continually update its forecasts with the latest data. This process is vital for financial health. And just as a gardener proudly shares the garden's progress, keeping stakeholders informed about these updates cultivates a transparent and collaborative financial environment. Together, this ensures the business, like a well-tended garden, thrives.
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Tenho como oficial compartilhar a projeção do fluxo de caixa de maneira semanal com a alta gestão (real x projeção) e suas analises.Mas a equipe acompanha diariamente saldos, pagamentos de emergências (os porques do prazo em cima da hora, etc).Todas essas ações, facilitam que se tenha um refinamento na projeção do proximo mês, identifique desvios (sobra/necessidade de caixa) e estude os porquês de ter gerado esse cenário.E você, como faz?
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- Paulo Viana Mentor Especialista em formação de Controllers | Te mostro como estabelecer controles e ter resultados esperados em seu negócio com implantação da Controladoria
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Atualizar as previsões envolve revisar e refinar regularmente as projeções com base nas informações e dados mais recentes, refletindo quaisquer mudanças no ambiente da empresa ou na estratégia. Por isso comunicar as previsões é igualmente crucial. Compartilho e discuto as previsões de fluxo de caixa com todas as áreas, incluindo gerentes, credores, fornecedores e clientes. Essa comunicação frequente ajuda a alinhar expectativas e metas, e garante transparência e prestação de contas.
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6 Here’s what else to consider
This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?
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Ter muito em conta débitos automáticos programados, parcelamentos de impostos, etc.Em alguns casos, deixamos como essa opção de pagamento para facilitiar o dia a dia, mas sempre tem-se que considerar todos os débitos previstos para projetar saldo final/saldo inicial de caixa.
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