Guidance on Utilising This Cash Forecast Calculator for SMEs

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Purpose:
Designed for Australian small and medium enterprises (SMEs), CFOs, bookkeepers, and business owners, this tool projects cash flow over a four-week period. It factors in weekly revenue, operating expenses, wages (fortnightly or monthly), superannuation, GST, PAYG withholding, and one-off expenses. Input figures in AUD to forecast your closing cash balance and identify potential shortfalls. Ideal for monthly cash management and scenario planning.
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Tips for Ongoing Use:
Bookmark this page (Ctrl+D or Cmd+D) for quick access during monthly planning cycles. Update figures weekly for rolling forecasts. Use conservative revenue estimates and include all known expenses for accuracy. Review your "Cash Threshold" to maintain healthy working capital.
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Understanding Cash Flow Forecasting Basics:
‍Cash flow forecasting predicts your business's cash position by tracking expected cash in (revenue, GST refunds, debtor collections) and cash out (expenses, wages, super, taxes). Unlike profit, cash flow shows actual money available. Australian businesses must plan for:
1. Weekly revenue and expenses: Regular operational cash movements
2. Wages: Fortnightly or monthly payroll runs
3. Superannuation: Quarterly payments (due 28 days after quarter-end)
4. GST: Monthly or quarterly BAS lodgements
5. PAYG withholding: Monthly remittance of employee tax
6. One-off expenses: Capital purchases, annual insurance, etc.‍

This tool assumes GST and PAYG payments occur in the selected week as estimates of prior-period obligations. Actual timing may vary based on your BAS cycle.

Key Components:
- Opening Cash Balance: Your bank balance at the start of the month
- Weekly Revenue (inc. GST): Expected income per week
- Weekly Operating Expenses (inc. GST): Recurring costs (rent, supplies, utilities)
- Wages Amount: Single payroll run amountPayroll Frequency: Fortnightly (2 payments) or Monthly (1 payment)
- Superannuation Due This Period: Quarterly super obligation if due
- Total Debtors: Outstanding invoices that may convert to cash
- Super Payment Week: When super will be paid (or "None" if not due)
- GST Payment Week: When BAS GST will be paid (or "None" if not due)
- PAYG Payment Week: When PAYG withholding will be paid (or "None" if not due)
- One-Off Expense Amount & Week: Any irregular expenses (equipment, insurance, etc.)

Estimated Tax Payments:The calculator automatically estimates:
- GST Payable: 10% of revenue minus 10% GST credits on expenses and wages. Negative amounts indicate a refund.
- PAYG Withholding: Approximately 20% of gross wages (actual rates vary by employee tax circumstances).

Results Display:
- Weekly cash in and cash out breakdown
- Running balance showing your position each week
- Closing balance after all movements
- Cash Threshold: Suggested buffer (approximately 1 month's wages + GST payable)
- Excess/(Shortage): Your closing balance vs. recommended threshold
- Potential Balance: Closing cash plus outstanding debtors

Benefits for SMEs:
This forecaster helps prevent cash flow surprises, supports short-term financial planning, identifies weeks where cash may be tight, and enables proactive decisions (delay expenses, chase debtors, arrange overdraft). Understanding your cash threshold helps maintain business continuity. Explore Scale Suite's finance services for ongoing cash management support.

Important Disclaimer:
This tool provides estimates only and is not financial advice. Do not rely solely on these calculations for business decisions. Tax calculations are approximations - GST and PAYG withholding rates may vary based on your specific circumstances. Actual cash flow will differ based on timing of receipts and payments. Please consult a qualified professional accountant, registered BAS agent, or financial advisor for accurate financial forecasting and tax advice specific to your business.