Why stick to a static budget when you could proactively predict your financial future with rolling projections? Continuously updating financial projections allows businesses to reflect actual performance and adjust to changing conditions.

In this episode of The Agency Blueprint, I’m joined by Dan DeGolier to discuss valuable insights on financial forecasting, budgeting, and cash flow management for small and medium-sized businesses. Dan is the founder of Ascent CFO Solutions, has extensive experience as a CPA, and is now a fractional CFO. He is passionate about helping entrepreneurs understand their finances and cash flows so they can obtain the capital needed for growth.

Don’t miss this episode to learn the importance of focusing not just on profitability but also on the timing of cash inflows and outflows.

Key Questions:

[01:03] What is the defining difference between a budget and a rolling forecast?
[03:38] In what ways could frequent updates to your financial projections benefit your business’s decision-making process?
[07:40] How can a business owner leverage rolling forecasts and projections to make more informed decisions during periods of rapid growth?
[13:42] What are the common mistakes that CEOs and CFOs run into while they’re leveraging available financial information?

What You’ll Discover:

[01:16] The difference between a budget and a rolling forecast and the importance of a rolling forecast for early-stage companies.
[02:55] The connection between projections, cash flow, and the risk of running into financial issues even when a business is profitable.
[03:50] How frequent updates to financial forecasts can help adjust for unexpected costs, like hiring, and avoid cash flow issues.
[04:54] Key questions agency owners should ask when reviewing their financial forecast.
[05:46] Why Excel is still a preferred tool for financial projections for smaller businesses.
[07:54] The challenge of managing cash flow and profitability during rapid business growth periods, and how projections help make strategic decisions.
[09:22] The importance of managing cash flow separate from profitability, and how rolling forecasts provide a clearer picture of both.
[11:35] Cash basis vs. accrual accounting, and why accrual-based financial statements offer a more accurate view of a business’s financial performance.
[13:54] The importance of having a backup plan to ensure financial stability during unexpected challenges.
[17:14] The importance of financial management and forecasting as core foundational elements of business success.

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