Businesses setting targets
Companies that want a number the team can be held to and can influence.
Business Advisory & Finance
Budgeting & Forecasting
Budgets, financial forecasts, scenario modelling and budget-versus-actual analysis.
Overview
How we help with Budgeting & Forecasting
A budget is a set of decisions written down in advance. Done properly it tells you what you expect, what you will do if it does not happen, and how quickly you will know.
We build your annual budget from revenue drivers rather than last year plus a percentage — volumes, prices, conversion, headcount, capacity. That makes it possible to see which assumption broke when the actuals differ, instead of just noting that they did.
Each month we report budget against actual with variance analysis, and reforecast the remainder of the year so the target you are working to is still the one you believe.
What's included
Everything covered in this service
Scope is agreed in writing before we start, and the fee is fixed against it. If something falls outside, we tell you what it costs before doing it.
- Annual budget built from revenue and cost drivers
- Departmental or cost-centre budgets where relevant
- Rolling reforecast as the year progresses
- Budget versus actual reporting with variance analysis
- Best, base and downside scenario modelling
- Headcount and capacity planning
Who it's for
Built around how you actually operate
Owner-managers planning growth
Where hiring and investment decisions need a frame to sit in.
Businesses answering to a board
Companies reporting performance against plan to investors or lenders.
FAQs
Budgeting & Forecasting — common questions
When should we start next year's budget?
Two to three months before your year end. That leaves time to test assumptions and agree it before the year it applies to has already started.
What is the difference between a budget and a forecast?
A budget is the plan you set at the start and hold steady to measure against. A forecast is your current best estimate of where the year will actually land, updated as things change.
How is your fee worked out?
Fixed fee, agreed before we start. Pricing depends on the size and complexity of your business, so get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote.
Can you help if we're switching from another accountant?
Yes. We handle professional clearance with your previous accountant and update the agent authorisations with HMRC and Companies House, so you don't have to manage the handover.
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Let's talk about Budgeting & Forecasting
Tell us where you are now and what you need. We'll come back with a fixed fee and a clear scope — no obligation.
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