In the fast-changing world of finance, coordinating growth initiatives and financial stability often comes down to precise cash flow forecasting. The global cash flow forecasting software market is projected to reach $726 million in 2025 and maintain a compound annual growth rate of 7.4% through 2033. The very survival of a business can depend on its ability to accurately forecast its future cash flow and prepare for the various financial scenarios that the future requires.
Cash flow forecasting software allows businesses to project future cash inflows and outflows, helping them better manage their cash flow and financial resources. It uses real-time data and sophisticated financial modeling to provide both accurate and reliable forecasts. A 15% improvement in forecast accuracy can deliver a 3% or higher pre-tax improvement in business performance.
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What is a Cash Flow Forecasting Software?
Cash flow forecasting software is a tool that allows businesses to project future cash inflows and outflows, helping them manage their cash flow and financial resources more effectively. This software leverages real-time data and advanced financial modeling to deliver accurate and reliable forecasts.
Unlike traditional Excel spreadsheets, cash flow forecasting software provides the power, flexibility, automation, and precision that even the most sophisticated spreadsheets cannot match. It has become an essential tool for businesses seeking a competitive edge in today’s fast-paced market.
When evaluating the best cash flow forecasting software, it is important to consider features such as real-time data integration, scenario planning, and user-friendly reporting interfaces.
Why is a cash flow forecast important?
A cash flow forecast acts as a roadmap, guiding businesses toward their financial objectives. It is a critical component of cash flow management best practices and enables Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) teams to provide valuable insights into a business’s financial health. This helps identify potential issues before they escalate into serious problems.
With a cash flow forecast, businesses can:
Plan ahead: By predicting future cash inflows and outflows, businesses can prepare for upcoming expenses, avoid potential cash shortfalls, and capitalize on financial opportunities.
Make informed decisions: A well-prepared cash flow forecast provides the information needed to make informed decisions about investments, expenses, and other financial or operational matters.
Increase confidence: For CFOs, VPs of Finance, and FP&A managers, a reliable cash flow forecast instills confidence in financial decision-making and enhances the ability to guide the business toward its goals.
In today’s rapidly changing business environment, cash flow software equips small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with the tools needed to navigate financial challenges and seize new opportunities. It is not just about surviving—it is about thriving.
Cash Flow Forecasting with Spreadsheets vs. Software
Many finance teams begin their cash flow forecasting journey with spreadsheets due to their familiarity and flexibility. However, as businesses grow, spreadsheets often become inefficient and introduce risk. Dedicated software provides a more robust and scalable solution.
The limitations of traditional spreadsheets
While spreadsheets are accessible, they present significant challenges for accurate forecasting. These limitations can lead to poor financial decisions and increased risk.
Manual data entry: Relying on manual processes increases the risk of human error, which can compromise the accuracy of financial projections.
Lack of real-time data: Spreadsheets are disconnected from live financial systems, meaning forecasts are often based on outdated information.
Difficult collaboration: Sharing files leads to version control issues, making it hard to identify the single source of truth.
Limited scenario planning: Building and comparing what-if scenarios is complex and manual, limiting the ability to plan for uncertainty.
The advantages of a modern forecasting software
Cash flow forecasting software is designed to overcome the drawbacks of spreadsheets and empower finance teams to become strategic business partners.
Automation: Software automates data collection and consolidation, saving time and eliminating errors from manual entry.
Real-time integration: Direct connections to ERP and accounting systems provide live data, ensuring forecasts are always current.
Enhanced collaboration: A centralized platform offers a single source of truth, allowing teams to work together seamlessly with clear audit trails.
Powerful scenario modeling: Easily create and compare multiple scenarios to understand the potential impact of decisions and prepare for different outcomes.
What are the Advantages of Using a Software for Forecasting Cash Flow?
Compared to traditional spreadsheets, cash flow projection solutions offer several advantages that can transform financial planning and analysis.
Real-time forecasting: The software provides real-time updates of financial data, ensuring businesses have the most accurate information available.
Improved accuracy: Sophisticated formulas used by cash flow forecasting software greatly reduce the risk of human error, delivering both accurate and reliable forecasts for FP&A teams.
Efficiency: By automating the cash flow forecasting process, the software saves time and resources, allowing FP&A teams to focus on strategic decision-making.
Risk management: The software enables businesses to create multiple cash flow scenarios and assess the potential impact of various financial decisions, helping them manage financial risks more effectively.
Leveraging a robust cash flow forecasting software can significantly improve how quickly finance teams identify and address cash shortages or surpluses, making it a key factor in fostering sustainable growth.
Key Features to Look for in a Cash Flow Forecasting Software
When evaluating different tools, focus on the features that will drive the most value for your finance team. The right software should not only improve accuracy but also enhance strategic decision-making across the business.
Real-time data integration and automation
Top-tier cash flow forecasting tools offer seamless, real-time data integration with core financial systems, including ERP, accounting software, and banking platforms. Automation of data consolidation eliminates manual work and ensures forecasts are based on the most current information available.
Scenario modeling and predictive analytics
The ability to model different business scenarios is crucial for strategic planning. Look for software that supports driver-based modeling and what-if analysis. AI-powered predictive analytics can provide deeper insights and improve forecast accuracy by identifying trends that might otherwise be missed.
Collaboration and reporting capabilities
Effective cash flow management involves multiple stakeholders. The software should facilitate collaboration with features like role-based access and shared dashboards. Customizable, board-ready reports are essential for communicating financial health and insights to leadership and investors.
Types of Cash Flow Forecasting
Direct Forecasting | Indirect Forecasting | |
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Time Horizon | Short-term | Long-term |
Data Source | Real-time data from accounting systems | Historical financial statements and aggregated assumptions |
Use Case | Day-to-day cash management | Strategic financial planning |
Advantages | Immediate visibility into current cash position | High-level planning insights and long-term projections |
Best For | Operational cash tracking and immediate decisions | Budgeting, forecasting financial health, investment planning |
Relevance for SMBs | Helps avoid short-term surprises, ensures liquidity | Supports growth planning and long-term stability |
For companies aiming to maintain a stable financial position, the best cash flow forecasting software and a proactive approach to budgeting are essential for achieving predictable and consistent results. Adopting a well-structured cash flow forecast software provides real-time insight into incoming and outgoing funds.
Incorporating advanced cash flow forecasting software into regular financial planning processes helps SMBs avoid surprises and capitalize on growth opportunities.
Challenges in cash flow forecasting
Even the best forecasting models face challenges that can impact accuracy and reliability. Common issues include:
Data inaccuracies: Incomplete or incorrect data can skew forecasts and lead to poor decisions.
Seasonality shifts: Fluctuations in business cycles can make it difficult to predict cash flow accurately.
Shifting market conditions: Economic changes and unexpected events can disrupt even the most robust forecasts.
By using software that offers real-time data integration and scenario analysis, businesses can mitigate these hurdles and keep their cash flow projections on track.
Best Cash Flow Forecasting Tools in the Market
The following softwares offer varying degrees of complexity, integrations, scalability, and pricing options, allowing businesses to choose the one that best fits their business goals and budget. Implementing the right cash flow forecasting solution can greatly enhance the ability SMB businesses have to effectively manage their finances, make informed decisions, and achieve their growth objectives.
In our breakdown of the best cash flow forecasting software, we include a summary, differentiation features, and our expert opinion on each, making it easy for every FP&A team to make the best buying decision for their business.
Selecting the best cash flow forecasting software is vital to predict future liquidity and maintain financial stability. Many organizations turn to a reliable cash flow forecast software to reduce the chances of errors in spreadsheets and to streamline the data collection process.
1. Abacum
Product Overview: Abacum is a cash flow forecasting software that serves as an essential multiplier for CFOs, VPs of Finance, and FP&A managers in making data-driven decisions.
Core Features: Abacum’s strength lies in its ability to provide real-time cash flow metrics, its powerful data and reporting automation features, and more importantly its intuitive dashboarding options.
Suitable for: With its advanced yet intuitive features, Abacum is well-suited for small and medium-sized businesses and Financial Planning & Analysis teams that value accuracy, efficiency, and working with the leading cash flow forecasting software in the market.
Accounting Integrations: Abacum provides seamless and self-serve integrations to NetSuite, Sage, QuickBooks, Xero, and several other leading accounting providers.
Pros: Abacum is praised for its functionality, allowing for accurate cash forecasting and automation. It supports robust business decisions with real-time data and scenario analysis features help teams understand the impact of any possible decision. This cloud-based solution also facilitates efficient cash position tracking, important for stakeholder communications, and leverages AI to automatically consolidate and allocate banking transactions in your cash flow forecast.
Cons: While Abacum offers many benefits, it might not be suited for small-sized businesses with limited business cash flow.
2. Futrli by Sage
Product Overview: Futrli offers a business planning and cash flow prediction platform tailored for small businesses and finance advisors.
Core Features: Futrli excels in cash flow forecasting and business planning.
Suitable for: The platform is ideal for small businesses and financial advisors who require a solution that supports both planning and forecasting.
Accounting Integrations: Futrli supports integrations with popular accounting platforms such as Xero and QuickBooks but does not support integrations to other ERPs such as NetSuite or Microsoft Dynamics.
Pros: Futrli provides functionality that supports small business owners in planning and forecasting.
Cons: Although Futrli has robust features, it may have limitations in terms of treasury management and the ability to drill down to certain KPIs. Furthermore, the transition from spreadsheets to a cloud-based solution can be time-consuming for some users.
Learn more: Your 8 step guide to an ERP implementation
3. Agicap
Product Overview: Agicap is a robust cash flow management solution designed for small and medium-sized businesses.
Core Features: Key features of Agicap include cash flow monitoring, scenario planning, and automated cash flow calculations.
Suitable for: Agicap is best suited for SMBs and FP&A teams that need to manage cash flow effectively and plan for various financial scenarios.
Accounting Integrations: Agicap integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks, Xero, and Sage and other leading accounting solutions.
Pros: Agicap offers automated cash flow calculations and scenario planning, which are beneficial in managing the cash position. It also supports integrations with popular accounting software, enabling efficient consolidation of financial data.
Cons: There might be a lack of detailed KPIs tracking, and some users might find the initial setup to be somewhat complex and time-consuming. Agicap is only limited to treasury management so users require additional software for their planning and budgeting requirements.
Learn more: Cash management best practices: Set up your business for success in 2023
4. Brixx
Product Overview: Brixx is a comprehensive solution providing financial forecasting, reporting, and budgeting for startups and small businesses.
Core Features: Brixx is particularly strong in cash flow forecasting, budgeting, financial reporting, and scenario planning.
Suitable for: Ideal for startups and small businesses, Brixx offers a user-friendly platform for financial planning and management.
Accounting Integrations: Brixx supports integrations with QuickBooks and Xero.
Pros: Brixx stands out with its user-friendly platform for non finance experienced users, offering forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting features. This helps business owners have a real-time understanding of their financial situation without becoming financial experts.
Cons: Some users may find limitations in its ERP integration capabilities and its ability to cater to more complex treasury management needs.
5. Float
Product Overview: Float offers an effective cash flow forecasting solution for businesses and advisors that operates as an add-on to several accounting solutions.
Core Features: Float helps small business owners create cash flow forecasts that are more accurate, always up to date and take a fraction of the time to prepare when compared to spreadsheets.
Suitable for: Float serves businesses of all sizes, as well as financial advisors who need a reliable forecasting solution that easily serves as an add-on to an accounting solution.
Accounting Integrations: Float integrates with Xero, QuickBooks Online, and FreeAgent.
Pros: Float offers excellent cash flow forecasting, budgeting, and reporting, which can lead to more accurate business decisions. It also supports integration with popular cloud-based accounting platforms.
Cons: The software may be less suitable for businesses requiring advanced treasury management features, or support for mid-market ERP integrations. In addition, there may be limitations in functionality and the level of detail in drill-down analysis or user permissions. Users have also mentioned that most of the features that Float provides come standard with every accounting software so oftentimes there is no need to implement Float in the first place.
6. Fathom by The Access Group
Product Overview: Fathom transforms accounting data into accounting insights, offering businesses the tools they need for efficient cash flow analysis.
Core Features: Fathom excels in cash flow forecasting supporting three-way cash flow analysis.
Suitable for: With its wide range of features, Fathom is ideal for small businesses that are using entry-level accounting solutions and require more detailed analysis.
Accounting Integrations: Fathom supports integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and MYOB. They do not provide any integrations to mid-market ERPs such as NetSuite, Sage, or Microsoft Dynamics.
Pros: Fathom transforms raw accounting data into accounting intelligence, providing deep financial analysis capabilities. It supports integration with popular accounting systems, allowing for a more consolidated view of financial data.
Cons: While offering a wide range of features, Fathom may not be as user-friendly for less tech-savvy business owners, the migration process can be time-consuming, and it comes with limited visualization capabilities required for cash flow reporting.
7. Jirav
Product Overview: Jirav provides a cash flow forecasting solution for small and medium businesses that helps them migrate from spreadsheets to a cloud-based solution.
Core Features: Jirav’s features encompass cash flow forecasting, budgeting, reporting, and analytics.
Suitable for: SMBs and FP&A teams will find Jirav useful due to its comprehensive financial planning tools that can streamline their budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes.
Accounting Integrations: Jirav offers integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and NetSuite.
Pros: Jirav offers comprehensive features that enable businesses to monitor their KPIs effectively. The cloud-based solution facilitates access to real-time data, supporting the formulation of accurate cash forecasts.
Cons: Some users might find Jirav’s extensive features overwhelming initially, there could be limitations in its ability to perform detailed drill-down analysis, and dashboards are missing reporting.
8. Mosaic
Product Overview: Mosaic is a strategic finance platform that has been built for SaaS businesses.
Core Features: Mosaic is able to provide cash flow forecasting, scenario planning, and comprehensive financial insights.
Suitable for: Mosaic presents a platform that supports strategic financial planning and management for SaaS businesses.
Accounting Integrations: Mosaic offers integrations to Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, and NetSuite.
Pros: Mosaic provides robust cash flow forecasting and scenario planning features. It supports strategic financial planning and management, facilitating business owners in making informed decisions.
Cons: The software may lack more advanced functionality and may not provide extensive capabilities for tracking KPIs or managing treasury operations. Mosaic is furthermore only suitable for SaaS business models, limiting its use for other mid-market businesses.
9. Cash Flow Frog
Product Overview: Cash Flow Frog provides a simple and intuitive cash flow forecasting and management solution designed specifically for small businesses.
Core Features: The platform excels in cash flow forecasting, offering alerts and reminders to keep businesses on track.
Suitable for: Given its simplicity and intuitive interface, Cash Flow Frog is particularly suited for small businesses that require a straightforward cash flow management solution without a background in accounting or finance.
Accounting Integrations: Cash Flow Frog supports integration with QuickBooks and Xero.
Pros: Cash Flow Frog provides an intuitive interface, making it an accessible tool for small business owners. It offers simple cash flow forecasting and management solutions that allow users to keep track of their cash position effectively.
Cons: The software may lack more advanced functionality and may not provide extensive capabilities for tracking KPIs or managing treasury operations.
10. Excel / Google Spreadsheets
Product Overview: Excel and Google Spreadsheets provide versatile platforms for manual cash flow forecasting and analysis, offering a high degree of customization.
Core Features: The key features of these platforms are they offer a high degree of flexibility, allowing users to create customized cash flow models.
Suitable for: While these tools can be used by businesses of all sizes, they are particularly useful for startups and small businesses that require a high degree of customization in their cash flow forecasting and are not ready to implement a dedicated cash flow forecasting solution.
Accounting Integrations: These platforms do not have direct integrations with accounting software, requiring manual data entry or the use of additional tools to import financial data.
Pros: Excel and Google Spreadsheets offer a high degree of customization that can cater to specific business needs.
Cons: While they are powerful tools, they do not support direct integration with accounting or ERP software, which can lead to time-consuming manual data entry. Also, they do not provide real-time updates, making it difficult to maintain an accurate cash position.
How to Choose the Right Cash Flow Forecast Software
Selecting your perfect solution depends on factors like integration capabilities, real-time data updates, ease of use, and cost. Evaluate your company's size, complexity, and growth objectives to pick a tool that meets your forecasting needs and supports strategic decision-making. It's also important to consider how the software aligns with your team's workflow and whether it offers robust reporting features to inform stakeholders.
So take the time to consider these factors and choose a cash flow forecasting software that best supports your business’s financial planning and cash flow management needs. Whether you’re a business owner or an FP&A professional, investing in the right software can be a game-changer in driving your company’s financial performance and success.
Why Abacum stands out
Abacum has been designed with the specific needs of small to medium-sized businesses and financial planning and analysis teams in mind. In the current marketplace where a range of options exists, it’s essential to choose a cash flow forecasting software that not only offers robust functionality but also meets your unique business requirements.
Abacum shines brightly in this regard. It provides real-time updates, a feature that Excel or Google Spreadsheets lack, thereby ensuring your cash position is always automatically up-to-date. Real-time data access is crucial in today’s fast-paced business environment, and it’s an area where based on user reviews some other cash flow software, such as Brixx and Cash Flow Frog, can fall short.
Moreover, Abacum takes into consideration the limitations of treasury management often seen in tools like Futrli and Float and has designed a software solution that supports accurate cash forecasting and risk management with Artificial Intelligence, aiding in strategic business decisions and financial innovation.
Abacum’s solution is comprehensive and streamlined. It caters to the essential needs of SMBs for their cash flow management while ensuring ease of use, a crucial factor that can sometimes be overwhelming in software like Jirav.
In essence, Abacum has successfully taken the challenges and limitations presented by other software on the market and created a solution that truly addresses the needs of businesses and FP&A teams. The functionality of Abacum, its capability to offer real-time data, seamless integrations, and user-friendly interface all contribute to its status as the best cash flow forecasting software in 2025.
Whether you’re a small startup or an established enterprise, investing in a robust cash flow forecast software is a strategic move that can deliver tangible benefits for long-term financial management.
