CASH FLOW FORECASTING AND MODELING – LEVEL 1
“Building Accurate, Dynamic Cash Flow Models to Improve Financial Decision-Making”
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Course Schedule
| Date | Venue | Fees (Face-to-Face) |
|---|---|---|
| 07 – 11 Apr 2025 | Dubai, UAE | USD 3495 per delegate |
Course Introduction
Cash flow is the lifeblood of every organization. Sound cash flow forecasting is essential for meeting short-term obligations, planning investment decisions, and ensuring financial sustainability. Yet, many finance teams still rely on basic or outdated forecasting approaches that lead to cash shortfalls or missed opportunities.
This Level 1 course provides participants with the foundations of cash flow forecasting and modeling, using structured methods and Excel-based tools to create forecasts, manage liquidity, and assess financial health. Through real-world examples and practical exercises, professionals will gain hands-on experience in building and interpreting dynamic cash flow models.
Course Objectives
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
• Understand the components and drivers of cash flow in business operations
• Build short- and medium-term cash flow forecasts using Excel
• Apply direct and indirect forecasting methods
• Identify cash flow risks and optimize working capital
• Interpret forecasts to support decision-making and financial strategy
Key Benefits of Attending
• Strengthen your understanding of corporate liquidity and financial planning
• Gain confidence in creating accurate and flexible cash flow models
• Reduce the risk of cash shortages, late payments, or funding gaps
• Improve communication between finance, treasury, and operations
• Lay the foundation for advanced modeling in investment and scenario planning
Intended Audience
This program is designed for:
• Finance professionals, accountants, and controllers
• Treasury and cash management staff
• Business analysts and FP&A teams
• Budgeting and forecasting officers
• Anyone involved in financial modeling, liquidity planning, or funding strategy
Individual Benefits
Key competencies that will be developed include:
• Fundamentals of cash flow analysis and forecasting
• Excel modeling skills for cash budgeting
• Application of direct and indirect forecasting approaches
• Working capital and liquidity assessment techniques
• Financial communication through visual dashboards and reports
Organization Benefits
Upon completing the training course, participants will demonstrate:
• Improved forecasting accuracy and financial planning capability
• Reduced risk of cash flow-related disruptions or surprises
• Enhanced collaboration between finance, operations, and treasury
• Increased confidence in making data-driven financial decisions
• More proactive management of receivables, payables, and liquidity buffers
Instructional Methdology
The course follows a blended learning approach combining theory with practice:
• Strategy Briefings – Forecasting principles, liquidity planning, and modeling frameworks
• Case Studies – Common challenges and cash flow failure analysis
• Workshops – Excel-based cash forecasting, sensitivity testing, and reconciliation
• Peer Exchange – Discussion of forecasting approaches across industries
• Tools – Cash flow model templates, variance trackers, and liquidity dashboards
Course Outline
Training Hours: 07:30 AM – 03:30 PM
Daily Format: 3–4 Learning Modules | Coffee Breaks: 09:30 & 11:15 | Lunch Break: 01:00 – 02:00
Day 1: Fundamentals of Cash Flow Forecasting
Module 1: Introduction to Cash Flow Forecasting (07:30 – 09:30)
• Role of forecasting in financial planning
• Forecast types: operational, strategic, and project-based
Module 2: Components and Sources of Cash Flows (09:45 – 11:15)
• Cash inflows, outflows, and non-cash adjustments
• Understanding the cash conversion cycle
Module 3: Workshop – Cash Flow Diagnostic (11:30 – 01:00)
• Analyze a business case for cash flow strengths and gaps
Day 2: Forecasting Techniques and Excel Modeling
Module 4: Direct vs. Indirect Forecasting Methods (07:30 – 09:30)
• Cash receipts/disbursements vs. income statement-based forecasts
• Choosing the right method for your business
Module 5: Building a Basic Forecast in Excel (09:45 – 11:15)
• Timeline setup, inputs, and outputs
• Forecasting receivables and payables
Module 6: Workshop – Building a 90-Day Forecast (11:30 – 01:00)
• Create and test a short-term cash flow model
Day 3: Working Capital and Risk Management
Module 7: Working Capital Optimization (07:30 – 09:30)
• Impact of inventory, credit terms, and collections
• KPI analysis (DSO, DPO, CCC)
Module 8: Identifying Cash Flow Risks (09:45 – 11:15)
• Forecast error, seasonality, and timing mismatches
• Contingency planning and buffers
Module 9: Workshop – Risk Assessment of Forecast (11:30 – 01:00)
• Analyze model risks and build risk mitigation options
Day 4: Interpretation, Communication, and Visualization
Module 10: Interpreting Forecast Results (07:30 – 09:30)
• Liquidity position, runway, and funding needs
• Reconciling forecasts with actuals
Module 11: Visualizing Cash Flow Data (09:45 – 11:15)
• Dashboards, charts, and scenario reports
• Communicating results to executives and stakeholders
Module 12: Workshop – Forecast Dashboard Creation (11:30 – 01:00)
• Design and present a forecast summary report
Day 5: Forecast Integration and Continuous Improvement
Module 13: Integrating Forecasts into Financial Strategy (07:30 – 09:30)
• Planning capital needs and investment timing
• Forecasting for growth and crisis scenarios
Module 14: Continuous Improvement in Forecasting (09:45 – 11:15)
• Feedback loops, automation, and forecast accuracy tracking
• Preparing for Level 2 and advanced modeling
Module 15: Final Workshop – Cash Flow Improvement Plan (11:30 – 01:00)
• Build a forecast and liquidity improvement roadmap for your organization
Certification
Participants will receive a Certificate of Completion in Cash Flow Forecasting and Modeling – Level 1, validating their ability to build and apply cash flow models that support financial stability, decision-making, and operational success.