Retail business leaders often wrestle with liquidity issues stemming from challenges at the local, regional, national and global levels. Recent stumbling blocks have included supply chain shortages, the strained labor market, inflationary pressures, public health concerns, natural disasters, geopolitical tensions and more.
Each of these issues can affect cash flow and potentially lead to a sudden shortfall in cash, which puts pressure on operational decisions like inventory management, invoice processing timelines and the timing of recurring sales or promotions. As macroeconomic conditions and consumer behaviors shift, a properly prepared 13- week cash flow forecast can help retailers adjust accordingly, to meet revenue targets and other key business objectives amid market headwinds.
Our guide will walk you through best practices for preparing a 13-week cash flow forecast and how it can improve your situation. Some of the benefits of a 13-week cash flow forecast include:
- The most granular view into the timing of money moving in and out of a business
- A cash-only basis, so no accrual accounting is needed
- Liquidity constraints and funding availability, as well as surpluses available for investment or distribution
- The ability to identify problems with current operations or business plans while allowing time for planning and decision-making
