Cash flow forecasting is critical for Australian businesses managing growth, navigating seasonal variations, or planning major investments. Accurate cash flow forecasts prevent overdraft usage, support lending applications, enable strategic decision-making, and provide early warning of potential cash shortfalls requiring corrective action.
Cash flow forecasting service costs in Australia range from $2,000 to $5,000 for one-off 12-month forecasts, $500 to $1,500 per month for ongoing forecast maintenance and updates, or $200 to $800 monthly when included in comprehensive bookkeeping or CFO packages. The cost depends on forecast complexity, update frequency, and the level of analysis and scenario planning required.
This guide breaks down cash flow forecasting costs, what is included at each price point, and alternatives including DIY forecasting tools and integrated finance service packages.
Different forecast types serve distinct business needs, with corresponding cost and deliverable variations.
13-week rolling forecasts track expected cash position weekly over the next 3 months, providing detailed visibility into near-term cash needs. These forecasts update weekly, rolling forward to maintain 13-week forward visibility. They include weekly opening cash balance, detailed accounts receivable collections based on invoice aging, accounts payable payments based on due dates and payment terms, payroll and superannuation obligations, tax payments including PAYG withholding and GST, other operating expenses like rent and utilities, capital expenditure if planned, and resulting weekly closing cash position.
One-off 13-week forecast creation costs $1,500 to $3,000 including initial setup, historical analysis, and documentation. Ongoing weekly updates cost $300 to $800 monthly or $15 to $50 per update depending on business complexity and whether updates are template-driven or require detailed analysis.
Melbourne Retail Store experiencing seasonal cash fluctuations engages a bookkeeper to create a 13-week forecast at $2,200 covering setup and first 4 weekly updates. Ongoing weekly updates cost $420 monthly, providing visibility into Christmas trading cash needs and preventing overdraft surprises during slower January to February periods.
12-month forecasts provide monthly cash position projections over the coming year, supporting annual planning, lending applications, and strategic decisions. These forecasts include monthly revenue and collection assumptions, monthly expense payments including fixed and variable costs, capital expenditure plans, financing activities including loan drawdowns or repayments, tax obligations including quarterly PAYG installments and annual tax payments, and resulting monthly cash balances.
One-off 12-month forecast creation costs $2,500 to $5,000 depending on complexity, number of scenarios, and supporting analysis depth. Forecasts for lending applications requiring detailed assumptions documentation and scenario analysis sit at the higher end. Basic planning forecasts for internal use sit at the lower end.
Quarterly updates to 12-month forecasts cost $800 to $2,000 per update, re-forecasting remaining months based on actual performance and updated assumptions. Monthly updates cost $500 to $1,200 monthly for businesses requiring regular forecast refresh.
Sydney Technology Startup preparing Series A fundraising engages a fractional CFO to create a 12-month cash flow forecast at $4,500 including revenue growth scenarios, hiring plan impacts, and working capital assumptions. The detailed forecast supports investor conversations and internal planning, justifying the investment through improved capital allocation decisions.
Multi-year projections extend 2 to 5 years forward, supporting major strategic initiatives like acquisitions, significant capital investments, or long-term financing arrangements. These projections include annual revenue and growth assumptions, annual operating expense projections, capital expenditure plans spanning multiple years, financing assumptions including debt repayment schedules, working capital requirement changes as business scales, and resulting annual cash positions.
Multi-year projections cost $5,000 to $15,000 depending on complexity, scenarios, and integration with broader financial models. Projections for major transactions like acquisitions or IPO preparation sit at the higher end. Annual reviews and updates cost $2,000 to $6,000 per year.
Perth Mining Services planning $8 million equipment acquisition over 3 years engages a CFO consultant to create a 5-year cash flow projection at $9,500. The projection models equipment purchase timing, debt repayment schedules, revenue growth from expanded capacity, and resulting cash positions, enabling informed decisions on financing structure and purchase timing.
Businesses choose between one-off forecasts for specific needs or ongoing forecast maintenance providing continuous visibility.
One-off forecasts suit businesses facing specific events requiring cash flow visibility without ongoing need. Common scenarios include loan applications requiring bank-ready cash flow projections at $2,500 to $4,500, major purchase decisions like equipment acquisitions requiring impact analysis at $1,800 to $3,500, business sale or acquisition due diligence at $3,000 to $8,000, annual planning and budgeting exercises at $2,000 to $5,000, and crisis management during cash flow problems requiring immediate visibility at $2,500 to $6,000.
Brisbane Manufacturing Company seeking $500,000 equipment loan commissions a 12-month cash flow forecast at $3,200 demonstrating loan serviceability. The forecast supports successful loan approval, justifying the cost through secured financing at favorable rates.
Ongoing forecasting provides continuous cash flow visibility through regular updates. Monthly update services cost $500 to $1,500 monthly depending on complexity, updating forecasts based on actual results and revised assumptions. Bi-weekly updates cost $800 to $2,000 monthly for businesses requiring frequent forecast refresh. Weekly updates cost $1,200 to $3,000 monthly, typically only for businesses in high-growth or crisis situations demanding constant visibility.
Ongoing services often include variance analysis comparing actual to forecast, trend identification highlighting improving or deteriorating cash positions, scenario updates refreshing assumptions based on business changes, and strategic commentary explaining forecast changes and implications.
Adelaide Property Developer uses ongoing monthly cash flow forecasting at $1,100 monthly tracking cash across multiple development projects. Monthly updates enable proactive decisions on project timing, construction draw scheduling, and working capital requirements, preventing costly delays or emergency financing.
Several business characteristics drive forecasting complexity and corresponding costs.
Larger businesses with more revenue streams, customers, and suppliers require more detailed forecasting. Businesses under $3 million revenue with simple operations pay $1,500 to $3,000 for one-off forecasts or $400 to $800 monthly for ongoing updates. Businesses $3 million to $10 million revenue pay $2,500 to $4,500 for one-off forecasts or $600 to $1,200 monthly ongoing. Businesses above $10 million revenue pay $4,000 to $8,000 for one-off forecasts or $1,000 to $2,500 monthly ongoing.
Businesses with stable recurring revenue like subscription models or long-term contracts forecast more easily, reducing costs by 20 to 30 percent compared to businesses with volatile project-based or seasonal revenue requiring more scenario analysis and regular revision.
Sydney SaaS Company with 85 percent recurring subscription revenue pays $2,800 for a 12-month forecast compared to $4,200 for an equivalent-sized consulting firm with project-based revenue requiring detailed pipeline analysis and probability-weighted scenarios.
Businesses with standard payment terms like 30-day accounts receivable and payable forecast more simply. Complex terms including progress billing, retention accounting, international currency payments, or installment arrangements increase forecasting effort by 30 to 50 percent, adding $800 to $2,000 to one-off forecast costs or $200 to $500 monthly to ongoing services.
Highly seasonal businesses like retail or tourism require more sophisticated forecasts incorporating historical patterns, seasonal working capital swings, and peak-period cash needs. Seasonal complexity adds 20 to 40 percent to forecasting costs, or $500 to $1,500 for one-off forecasts.
Melbourne Gift Retailer with 60 percent of annual revenue from October to December pays $3,600 for a 12-month forecast incorporating seasonal inventory build, peak-period staffing costs, and post-Christmas collection lag, compared to $2,400 for a non-seasonal business of equivalent size.
Businesses planning significant capital expenditure require detailed capex timing and financing integration into forecasts. Complex capex plans add $500 to $1,500 to forecast costs through additional scenario modeling and sensitivity analysis.
Understanding standard inclusions versus additional services prevents unexpected costs.
Typical cash flow forecasting services include forecast model creation in Excel or Google Sheets with formulas and links to actual data, historical analysis of past cash flow patterns informing future assumptions, assumption documentation explaining revenue, expense, and timing inputs, scenario base case reflecting most likely outcomes, variance reporting comparing actual to forecast if ongoing service, and one revision round incorporating feedback on initial forecast.
Services typically charged additionally include multiple scenarios like best-case, worst-case, or specific strategy options at $500 to $1,500 per additional scenario, sensitivity analysis testing impacts of assumption changes at $400 to $1,200, integration with accounting systems for automated actual data feeds at $800 to $2,500 setup, executive presentations explaining forecasts to boards or lenders at $600 to $1,800, and unlimited revisions beyond initial feedback round at $200 to $500 per revision.
Perth Services Business requests 3 scenarios for their 12-month forecast including base case, accelerated growth requiring additional working capital, and constrained growth within current cash resources. The additional 2 scenarios cost $1,100 beyond the base $3,400 forecast, totaling $4,500 for comprehensive scenario planning.
Businesses can reduce costs using self-service forecasting tools, trading professional expertise for lower cost.
Free Excel or Google Sheets templates provide basic forecasting structure at no cost beyond time investment. Templates lack customization to specific business models, require financial literacy to input assumptions correctly, and provide no expert guidance on assumption reasonableness. Suitable for very small businesses with simple cash flows willing to invest 5 to 10 hours learning and maintaining forecasts.
Xero Cash Flow Forecaster and similar built-in tools provide automated forecasting based on historical data and current invoices. These tools are included in standard Xero subscriptions at no additional cost, update automatically as new transactions are recorded, and require minimal setup effort. However, they use simplified algorithms, lack scenario planning capabilities, and provide limited customization for business-specific factors.
Brisbane Café uses Xero's built-in forecasting for rough 30-day cash visibility at no additional cost beyond their $60 monthly Xero subscription, supplemented by professional quarterly forecasts at $900 per quarter for more detailed 3-month projections during seasonal peaks.
Dedicated tools like Float, Futrli, or Fluidly provide advanced forecasting capabilities for $30 to $150 monthly subscriptions. These tools integrate with Xero or MYOB, offer multiple scenarios, and include variance tracking and alerting. They require learning to use effectively, demand quality input data from accounting systems, and still need financial judgment to set reasonable assumptions. Suitable for businesses comfortable with finance seeking more capability than built-in tools without full professional service costs.
Adelaide Wholesaler uses Float at $89 monthly providing automated 12-month forecasts, weekly updates, and scenario comparison. Combined with quarterly professional forecast reviews at $750 per quarter, total cost is $1,068 plus $3,000 annually or $4,068 per year, significantly less than monthly professional forecast services at $12,000 annually while maintaining good visibility.
Professional forecasting services justify their cost in specific circumstances.
Engage professional forecasters when seeking external financing requiring bank-ready forecasts with credible assumptions and professional presentation, facing cash flow challenges demanding expert analysis identifying problems and recommending solutions, planning major strategic initiatives like acquisitions, significant capex, or expansion requiring sophisticated scenario analysis, operating highly seasonal or variable businesses where expert judgment improves assumption accuracy, or lacking internal capability or time to maintain accurate forecasts.
Avoid professional services for very small businesses under $1 million revenue with simple cash flows where free tools are sufficient, businesses with highly predictable subscription-based models where automated tools perform well, or when cash reserves are substantial relative to monthly variability, reducing forecast criticality.
Sydney Hospitality Group with 4 venues and seasonal revenue engages professional monthly forecasting at $1,350 monthly, providing visibility across venues, seasonal cash needs for stock build, and working capital optimization. The service prevents $15,000 annual overdraft interest through better cash positioning, delivering clear ROI beyond the $16,200 annual service cost.
Some businesses obtain forecasting as part of broader finance services while others engage specialized forecasters.
Specialized cash flow forecasting consultants provide deep expertise in forecasting methodologies, sophisticated scenario planning, and objective analysis unconnected to other services. They typically charge $180 to $320 per hour for advisory work or fixed fees for defined forecasts. Standalone specialists suit businesses with strong internal finance teams requiring expert forecasting support without comprehensive outsourced finance services.
Bookkeeping and CFO service providers often include forecasting in comprehensive packages. Scale Suite and similar embedded finance teams include cash flow forecasting in monthly packages covering bookkeeping, compliance, reporting, and strategic advisory. This integrated approach costs less than combined standalone services, leverages existing transaction processing and financial data knowledge, and aligns forecasting with broader financial management.
Melbourne Manufacturing Company previously paid bookkeeper $1,100 monthly plus standalone forecasting consultant $1,200 monthly, totaling $2,300 monthly for fragmented services. They switch to embedded finance service at $3,400 monthly including bookkeeping, forecasting, management reporting, and CFO advisory, adding $1,100 monthly cost but gaining integrated team and broader scope.
Cash flow forecasting costs $2,000 to $5,000 for one-off 12-month forecasts, $1,500 to $3,000 for 13-week forecasts, or $500 to $1,500 monthly for ongoing forecast updates. Costs vary by business size, revenue predictability, and complexity. DIY tools like Xero built-in forecasting are free, while dedicated software costs $30 to $150 monthly.
Professional forecasting includes forecast model creation, historical cash flow analysis, assumption documentation, base case scenario, and one revision round. Additional services charged separately include multiple scenarios at $500 to $1,500 each, sensitivity analysis at $400 to $1,200, system integration at $800 to $2,500, and executive presentations at $600 to $1,800.
Use DIY tools like Xero forecasting or Float software for simple businesses under $3 million revenue with predictable cash flows and internal financial capability, costing $0 to $150 monthly. Hire professionals when seeking financing, facing cash challenges, planning major initiatives, operating seasonal businesses, or lacking internal expertise. Professional services cost $2,000 to $5,000 one-off or $500 to $1,500 monthly ongoing.
A 13-week forecast tracks expected weekly cash position over the next 3 months, including opening balance, receivable collections, payable payments, payroll, taxes, and closing balance. It updates weekly, rolling forward to maintain 13-week visibility. Used for short-term cash management, preventing overdrafts, and managing seasonal fluctuations. Costs $1,500 to $3,000 to create plus $300 to $800 monthly for weekly updates.
Update frequency depends on business volatility and cash constraints. Stable businesses update monthly or quarterly at $500 to $1,500 per update. Seasonal or growing businesses update bi-weekly or monthly at $800 to $2,000 monthly. Businesses facing cash challenges or rapid growth update weekly at $1,200 to $3,000 monthly. Less frequent updates reduce costs but risk missing cash problems until too late.
Experienced bookkeepers can create basic forecasts for simple businesses at lower cost than specialist consultants, typically $400 to $1,200 for one-off forecasts or $200 to $600 monthly for updates. Complex forecasts requiring scenario planning, sophisticated assumptions, or strategic analysis require accountant or CFO-level expertise at $2,000 to $5,000 one-off or $800 to $1,500 monthly ongoing.
Complexity drivers include multiple revenue streams with different payment terms, project-based revenue requiring pipeline probability weighting, seasonal variations requiring historical pattern analysis, foreign currency transactions requiring FX rate assumptions, capital expenditure requiring detailed timing and financing integration, and multi-entity operations requiring consolidation. Each factor increases costs by 20 to 50 percent.
Most Australian banks require 12-month cash flow forecasts for business loans showing loan serviceability and adequate cash reserves. Bank-ready forecasts require professional preparation with documented assumptions and conservative scenarios, typically costing $2,500 to $4,500. Forecasts demonstrating clear serviceability improve approval chances and potentially secure better interest rates, offsetting service costs.
Professional forecasts for stable businesses typically achieve 85 to 95 percent accuracy for near-term months, declining to 70 to 85 percent accuracy 9 to 12 months forward. Seasonal or volatile businesses achieve 75 to 90 percent near-term accuracy. Accuracy improves through regular updates incorporating actual results and revised assumptions. DIY forecasts often achieve only 60 to 75 percent accuracy without expert assumption-setting.
Many bookkeeping and CFO services include cash flow forecasting in monthly packages. Comprehensive finance packages at $2,500 to $6,000 monthly typically include monthly forecast updates, quarterly detailed refresh, and scenario planning as needed, integrated with bookkeeping and financial reporting. This bundled approach costs less than standalone forecasting services while ensuring forecast alignment with actual financial data.
Scale Suite includes cash flow forecasting in our embedded finance packages for Australian businesses. Our monthly forecast services integrate with bookkeeping and financial reporting, providing seamless cash visibility without additional standalone service costs.
Our forecasting services include monthly 12-month cash flow forecast updates incorporating actual results and revised assumptions, quarterly 13-week detailed forecasts during seasonal peaks or strategic initiatives, variance analysis comparing actual to forecast with explanation of differences, scenario planning for major decisions or growth initiatives, and integration with Xero data eliminating manual data transfer.
We deliver forecasting as part of comprehensive finance packages starting at $2,000 monthly, combining transaction processing, compliance, management reporting, and strategic CFO advisory. This integrated approach provides better cash visibility than standalone forecasting services by leveraging our continuous engagement with your financial operations and deep knowledge of your business model.
Businesses choose Scale Suite forecasting when requiring ongoing cash visibility without standalone service fees, seeking integrated forecasting aligned with actual financial data, valuing monthly updates maintaining forecast currency, or needing scenario planning supporting strategic decisions without additional project charges.
For businesses comparing cash flow forecasting costs, Scale Suite typically includes equivalent forecasting capability at no additional cost above our standard finance package fees, delivering better value than standalone forecasting services at $6,000 to $18,000 annually.
Visit www.scalesuite.com.au/services/finance to explore whether integrated finance services including cash flow forecasting suit your requirements.
Scale Suite delivers embedded finance and human resource services for ambitious Australian businesses. Our Sydney-based team integrates with your daily operations through a shared platform, working like part of your internal staff but with senior-level expertise. From complete bookkeeping to strategic CFO insights, we deliver better outcomes than a single hire without the recruitment risk, training time, or full-time salary commitment.
Scale Suite delivers embedded finance and human resource services for ambitious Australian businesses.Our Sydney-based team integrates with your daily operations through a shared platform, working like part of your internal staff but with senior-level expertise. From complete bookkeeping to strategic CFO insights, we deliver better outcomes than a single hire - without the recruitment risk, training time, or full-time salary commitment.
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