Maintaining rhythm in your cash flow can be the defining factor between growth and stagnation. It’s why cash flow management is important. But how do you make strategic business decisions without a solid grasp of your accounts recievable forecast? Short answer: you can’t.
That’s why learning how to forecast accounts receivable is of the utmost importance. This guide will walk you through the process so you can gain unparalleled insights to prepare, strategize, and operate with a clarity that turns financial challenges into growth opportunities.
You’ll also discover an AR automation software that eliminates the need to stress about sending invoices or collecting payment ever again. You can reduce human resources, get paid faster, and enjoy peace of mind.
That being said, let’s start with the basics: what is an accounts receivable forecast?
An accounts receivable forecast is a projection that allows businesses to anticipate the cash they will receive from their customers within a specific period.
While it sounds straightforward, the mechanics and nuances behind it are more intricate. Here’s what a proper AR forecast consists of:
Invoices would always be paid promptly in an ideal world. Reality doesn’t quite match up though. Delays happen unpredictably.
This is why AR forecasting is an invaluable part of your financial management. It moves you from a state of reactively scrambling to one where you’re proactive in financial planning.
Accounts receivable directly impacts your cash flow. It represents money owed to you - money that you’ve earned but haven’t received.
An accurate forecast provides clarity on when that money might come in, allowing you to plan expenses, investments, or even potential savings more effectively.
In simpler terms, it helps ensure you don’t plan a feast during what could unexpectedly become a famine.
Cash flow problems are among the top reasons businesses face hardships or even closure. But, you can lower your odds of becoming a part of this statistic through AR forecasting. You gain a predictive insight into your cash inflow by forecasting your accounts receivable.
This allows you to foresee potential shortfalls and address them before they escalate into crises. It’s the financial equivalent of seeing storm clouds on the horizon and knowing to pack an umbrella.
An AR forecast is a powerful strategic tool that helps you time expansions, launches, or capital-intensive projects with greater confidence.
Moving your chess pieces in the game of business becomes less about guesswork and more about informed decision-making, giving your strategies a firmer footing. You gain peace of mind - and that alone is reason enough to learn how to forecast accounts receivable.
You’re essentially navigating the financial seas blindfolded without AR forecasting. Unexpected payment delays can lead to missed opportunities or, worse, the inability to cover operational costs.
This reactive approach can stifle growth, erode stakeholder trust, and even jeopardize business stability. That being said, let’s talk about forecasting accounts receivable to help you avoid all this and feel confident in the financial management of your company.
Forecasting accounts receivable starts with knowing how to calculate accounts receivable itself. Fortunately, we’ve put together a simple guide to help you do so if you don’t already know how.
But, let’s get into the nuances of forecasting accounts receivable below - starting with the key components of your AR forecast.
As we mentioned earlier your AR forecast will be built upon several different data points:
Forecasts can be as simple or as complex as your business demands. However, an accounts receivable forecast primarily uses the following equation:
Projected AR = (Historical AR x Seasonal Index) + Expected Changes
Here's a step-by-step breakdown of this equation:
That’s the basics of how to forecast accounts receivable - but let’s look at some of the intricate details you’ll need to consider to ensure an accurate AR forecast that helps you steer the ship in the right direction.
It’s essential to keep an eye on your past-due trends to avoid being blindsided. Are there clients consistently late with payments? Recognizing them can help in crafting specific strategies, like revising payment terms.
You should also stay abreast of seasonal fluctuations if you know that you see a dip in timely payments during a particular season. Knowing this lets you prepare in advance.
Aging reports break down outstanding invoice amounts by the duration they've been outstanding (0-30 days, 31-60 days, etc.).
At a glance, you get a feel of your outstanding receivables' health. It's a red flag if a large chunk is moving into the 60+ days bracket.
Different age brackets might require different strategies. Early-stage outstanding might just need a gentle reminder, while older ones might require more assertive follow-ups or even reconsideration of terms.
We’ll talk more later on about capturing these payments in a timely manner without the need for frustrating manual follow-ups - this is just one of the many ways InvoiceSherpa can enhance your cash flow management.
Accounts receivable doesn't operate in isolation. External economic factors can significantly influence payment behaviors. Economic downturns, industry-specific recessions, or even regional crises can delay payments. Regularly monitor industry news and adjust expectations accordingly.
Similarly, rising interest rates might tighten the spending behavior of clients. On the flip side, a surge in inflation can impact purchasing power, affecting your business cash flow indirectly.
Your forecast is a living entity. As more data becomes available, forecasts should evolve to reflect the current reality. Set aside time, whether monthly or quarterly, to review and adjust your forecast based on actual receivables data.
You should also seek feedback from other members of your organization if feasible/relevant - such as your sales or client-facing teams. This will help you understand potential challenges or changes in client behavior.
While the human touch is irreplaceable, leveraging technology can save time and enhance accuracy. Here are a few tools that may prove beneficial as you learn how to forecast accounts receivable:
There you have it - everything you need to know about forecasting accounts receivable to stay ahead of the curve and keep your business running smoothly.
Speaking of tools, though, we want to introduce you to a piece of software that will transform your AR and cash flow management processes for the better…
There’s no denying the role of accounts receivable and cash flow management in keeping your business afloat. But small and medium-sized businesses don’t have the resources to truly give this facet of their business the attention it deserves.
While accounts receivable outsourcing solves the problem, it’s typically too costly for businesses of this scale and makes it hard to keep your finger on the pulse of your financial standing. That’s why we encourage you to reap the accounts receivable automation benefits with InvoiceSherpa.
Our platform is designed with your business's needs at the forefront. From automating reminders for timely invoice payments to delivering insightful analytics for better decision-making, InvoiceSherpa is your AR command center.
Our user-friendly interface ensures a seamless experience, while top-tier security measures keep your financial data protected. You’ll not only save valuable time with InvoiceSherpa but you'll also witness improved cash flow, reduced errors, and happier customers.
It's more than just software - it's the partner every business needs for financial success. Upgrade your AR strategy with InvoiceSherpa today as we draw this conversation on forecasting accounts receivable to a close.
Mastering the art of accounts receivable forecasting is more than just a financial exercise. It's the bedrock of stable business operations and future growth.
You set your business on a path to financial clarity and resilience by effectively analyzing past trends, utilizing aging reports, and continuously updating with real-time data. And now that you know how to forecast accounts receivable, you hold the key to clarity for your company’s financial future.
And remember, while forecasting is invaluable, the tools you use can make all the difference. InvoiceSherpa stands ready to revolutionize your AR processes, optimizing cash flow and driving efficiency.
Discover the profound difference InvoiceSherpa can make in your business by starting your free trial today!
Posted on October 2, 2023
