Most finance teams rely on the same forecasting method every cycle — take last year's numbers, add a percentage, and call it a plan. The result? Forecasts that defend the past instead of shaping the future.
Building Better Forecasts is Abacum's latest guide, written by Christian Wattig, one of the most recognized voices in FP&A, for finance teams ready to move beyond incremental budgeting and earn real trust across the business.
This guide breaks down seven forecasting techniques, when each one works, where each one breaks, and how to pick the right approach for the job.
What you'll learn
Why percentage-based forecasting quietly bakes in one-offs and creates the wrong incentives
How driver-based forecasting connects your plan to the levers that actually move the business
When expert judgment adds value — and how to manage the bias that comes with it
How zero-based budgeting can surface hidden savings without killing long-term investment
Where time-series analysis and statistical methods fit — and where they fall apart
How machine learning can automate baseline projections at scale, and what guardrails you need
Who this guide is for
FP&A leaders looking to upgrade their forecasting toolkit beyond incremental approaches
CFOs and finance teams building credibility with cross-functional partners through better forecasts
Operators navigating fast-changing environments who need scenario planning that actually works
This is not a theoretical overview. It's a practical breakdown of seven methods with clear guidance on when to use each one — so your forecasts drive decisions, not just fill spreadsheets.
Download the guide to stop guessing which method to use and start forecasting with purpose.
