Why Preparing Three-Way Forecasts is So Vital

business forcast
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

By Tony Monisse

Learn why it is important to forecast the profit & loss, cashflow and balance sheet.

As I see it, a budget is merely a forecast prepared at a point in time.  This point in time is usually tied to the end of the financial year and the business’ planning cycle.

In contrast, a forecast is frequently updated based on the changes in the operating environment e.g. winning a new contract, losing a key customer or a change in the staffing situation.

The goal for any business should be to make the budgeting process the same as the forecasting process, so that minimum resources are committed to an outcome that can quickly become out of date.

In the current economic environment and with the uncertainty around the impact of COVID-19, it is important for the business to prepare regular forecasts.

The forecasting process should be owned by the key stakeholders, not just the finance team.  For example, the sales forecast should be prepared and owned by the sales team and the production team should determine the production levels and the operating margins.

The forecasting process should always be tied to a time period necessary to make decisions.  In my experience, businesses should prepare two types of forecasts:

  • 13 week rolling forecast, which is used to manage short term cashflow, which is especially important in the current environment;
  • Rolling four-quarterly forecasts, which are used to measure performance against targets, including the budget and to take corrective action.

It is important to prepare three-way forecasts.  Early in my career, I learnt to never look at a profit and cashflow forecast without a balance sheet forecast.  The balance sheet forecast is proof that the cashflow forecast makes sense.

The key steps to preparing a three-way forecast are described below.

 

PROFIT AND LOSS

  1. Forecast sales based on past KPI activity or a projected sales pipeline. I often hear businesses say they cannot forecast because their revenue is too unpredictable.  In these cases, I think a better outcome is to forecast sales required to achieve an acceptable profit level.
  2. Review the cost assumptions, including breaking down costs between variable costs (which are tied to the sales forecasts) and fixed costs (or overheads) that do not change.
  3. Review if fixed costs will need to change based on changes in capacity required to deliver on the sales forecast e.g., new premises or additional head office staff.
  4. Forecast available government subsidies

 

CASHFLOW

  1. Review the assumptions for working capital. In particular, in what period will trade debts be collected? (will this be affected by the current environment?), how much inventory will you need to hold and when will you pay your trade creditors?
  2. Determine distributions to owners, including wages, drawings and dividends.
  3. Review the timing of tax payments.
  4. Allow for the purchase and divestment of plant and equipment required to achieve the sales forecasts.
  5. Review the finance requirements for new plant and equipment as well as existing finance commitments.

 

BALANCE SHEET

  1. Review if the forecast balance sheet makes sense, including whether the working capital looks right, whether the amount of debt relative to the business assets is reasonable and whether the shareholder loan accounts look correct.

I have found if a business uses the above process to update its forecast periodically, it is better able to anticipate changes in the operating environment, make better decisions and take action to protect its cashflow and achieve its targets.

If you would like to discuss this process further, please do not hesitate to contact me or our office on (08) 6212 7200.

  • Get in touch

OUR DIRECTORS

Chris Mandzufas

Chris Mandzufas

Chris has a diverse range of skills and experience as a result of providing accounting, taxation, advisory board and management consulting services to owners and directors of fast growing businesses.

Chris Smith

Chris Smith

Chris Smith has been a member of the Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand since 2006, a member of the Tax Institute of Australia since 2013, and a registered Tax Agent since 2018.

Tony Monisse

Tony Monisse

Tony’s key focus is the integration of strategy and financial management. To this end he has developed tools and process that facilitate this integration, including business modelling, target setting and rolling cash flow forecasts.

Maximise your Business Potential

Whether it’s business growth, improved profitability and cashflow or streamlining operations to improve work/life balance, we can help you achieve your business goals. Gain clarity on which strategies will accelerate the success of your business

Our Impact

icon

INCREASE IN PROFIT AND CASHFLOW

Icon

IMPROVED ALIGNMENT AMONG LEADERSHIP

icon

IMPROVED CLARITY IN FINANCIALS AND FINANCIAL WELL BEING

Icon

IMPROVED STRATEGIC FOCUS

Icon

GREATER ACCOUNTABILITY AMONG LEADERSHIP

icon

IMPROVED MULTIPLE FOR BUSINESS VALUATION

Download the Info Pack