ANZ Business Cash Flow Forecast Template

Cash Flow Forecast Template

This cash flow forecast template is designed to help you track your business's incoming and outgoing cash over a specific period. By monitoring these figures, you can anticipate potential shortfalls and ensure you maintain sufficient liquidity to meet your operational obligations.

Cash Flow Forecast

Company Name: [Your Company Name]
Reporting Period: [Start Date] to [End Date]

1. Opening Balance

• Opening Bank Balance: [Amount]

2. Cash Inflows (Receipts)

• Cash Sales: [Amount]
• Accounts Receivable (Customer Payments): [Amount]
• Asset Sales: [Amount]
• Loans/Injects: [Amount]
• Other Income: [Amount]
• Total Cash Inflows: [Sum of above]

3. Cash Outflows (Payments)

• Payroll/Wages: [Amount]
• Rent/Lease Payments: [Amount]
• Utilities: [Amount]
• Inventory/Supplies: [Amount]
• Marketing/Advertising: [Amount]
• Insurance: [Amount]
• Loan Repayments: [Amount]
• Tax/GST Payments: [Amount]
• Other Expenses: [Amount]
• Total Cash Outflows: [Sum of above]

4. Net Cash Position

• Net Cash Flow (Inflows minus Outflows): [Amount]
• Closing Balance (Opening Balance + Net Cash Flow): [Amount]

Pro Tips

• Be Conservative: Always overestimate your expenses and underestimate your incoming revenue to provide a safety buffer.
• Update Regularly: Review and update your forecast weekly or monthly to reflect actual bank transactions rather than projections.
• Account for Seasonality: If your business has peak and off-peak periods, adjust your projections to reflect these fluctuations in demand.
• Track Variances: Compare your projected figures against actual results to identify where your estimates were off and improve future accuracy.

FAQ

How often should I update my cash flow forecast?

It is recommended to update your forecast at least once a month, though weekly updates are preferable for businesses with high transaction volumes or tight margins.

What is the difference between profit and cash flow?

Profit is your revenue minus expenses on an accrual basis, whereas cash flow tracks the actual movement of money in and out of your bank account. You can be profitable on paper but still run out of cash if payments are delayed.

Why is my closing balance different from my bank statement?

This often happens due to timing differences, such as pending transactions, uncleared checks, or automated payments that have been scheduled but not yet debited.

Should I include GST in my cash flow forecast?

Yes, you should include the full amount of cash received (including GST) and the full amount paid (including GST), as this reflects the actual cash moving in and out of your account.