If you've ever been caught off guard by a tax bill, struggled to pay staff on time, or had to turn down an opportunity because the timing wasn't right you already understand the problem cashflow forecasting is designed to solve.
Cashflow forecasting is the process of predicting how much money will flow in and out of your business over a set period usually 12 months. It gives you a clear picture of your future cash position so you can plan ahead with confidence, rather than reacting to problems as they arrive.
For NZ small and medium businesses, cashflow is consistently one of the biggest pressure points. A forecast doesn't stop the tough moments from happening but it means you see them coming weeks or months in advance, giving you time to act.
These two terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean slightly different things — and understanding the difference helps you get more value from both.
Cashflow planning
Cashflow forecasting
Think of cashflow planning as drawing the map, and cashflow forecasting as tracking your position on it. At WE Accounting, our Budget Cashflow service covers both we work with you to set a realistic budget and build a 12-month forecast you can actually use and update yourself.
You'll be adept at comparing your budget with real-time figures and leveraging the budget manager tool in Xero. We'll ensure you can efficiently identify and address budget variances - enabling accurate forecasting and data-driven decision-making.
We keep it practical and jargon-free. Here’s what to expect when you work with us on your cashflow forecast.
We start with a no-obligation kōrero to understand your business, your goals, and where your biggest cashflow challenges are right now. No pressure, no jargon.
Before your main session, we send you a short set of pre-work questions. This helps the session run smoothly and means we spend your time on insights, not admin.
We review everything you send through and prepare a tailored approach for your business specifically.
This is where the real work happens. Together, we build your 12-month cashflow forecast projecting income and expenses month by month. We’ll also walk you through how to read and update it yourself, so you’re not dependent on us every time something changes.
Once your forecast is live, the next step is comparing it regularly against your real figures. We’ll show you how to spot variances early and understand what’s behind them.
If you’d like ongoing support, we offer periodic cashflow coaching sessions to review progress, update your forecast, and keep you accountable to your financial goals.
Every session is recorded so you can revisit it anytime. And if funding is a concern, ask us about options for some businesses, up to 100% of the course can be funded.
Cashflow forecasting isn’t just for businesses in trouble. It’s for any business that wants to grow with confidence. But there are a few signs that suggest you need one sooner rather than later:
If any of these sound familiar, a cashflow forecast is one of the most valuable things you can put in place right now.
Our cashflow planning service isn’t just about producing a spreadsheet it’s about building your capability to manage your finances yourself. By the end of your session, you’ll understand:
You’ll also receive a full recording of your session to revisit whenever you need a refresh.
A comprehensive 2-3 hour budget cashflow training session led by one of our experienced accounting advisors. During this personalized session, you will create a budget cashflow - project your 12 month forecast predicting your income and expenditure while building the capability to review and update your budget personally.
We will also provide a recording of the session for your future reference, allowing continued access to the lessons learned and insights shared.
The main session typically takes 2–3 hours. We’ll cover your 12-month forecast, walk through how to read and update it, and answer any questions you have. If you opt for ongoing cashflow coaching, those check-in sessions are shorter — usually around an hour.
Absolutely. Banks and lenders in New Zealand consistently ask for cashflow projections as part of any funding application. A well-prepared forecast shows lenders that you understand your numbers and have a plan which significantly strengthens your application. We can help you build a forecast specifically structured for this purpose.
Not at all. Some of our most engaged clients are growing fast and use their cashflow forecast to make confident decisions about when to hire, invest, or expand. A forecast is just as valuable for a thriving business as it is for one navigating a tough patch it’s about staying in control regardless of where you are.
We recommend updating your forecast at least once a month ideally when you reconcile your accounts. The goal is to keep comparing your forecast against your actuals, adjust your assumptions as new information comes in, and maintain a rolling 12-month outlook. If your business is going through a period of rapid change, more frequent updates make sense.
Xero is our preferred platform and we’ll use its built-in budget manager tool during your session — but if you’re not yet on Xero, we can still help. Part of our work is often supporting clients to move onto Xero so their cashflow forecast stays connected to their live financial data automatically.
A budget sets your targets — what you plan to earn and spend. A cashflow forecast predicts the actual timing of when money moves in and out of your bank account. Both are important, and our service builds them together so you get a complete financial picture.
Get in touch for a personalised quote pricing depends on the size and complexity of your business. We also encourage you to ask us about funding options: for eligible businesses, up to 100% of the cost can be funded through available business support programmes.