What is cash flow forecasting software?
The best cash flow forecasting software for 2026 Cash flow forecasting software helps finance professionals project future cash inflows and outflows to anticipate liquidity gaps, plan funding, and make informed operational or investment decisions. In practice, these forecasting tools pull actuals from your accounting system, then generate rolling, three‑way forecasts (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow) and “what‑if” scenarios to test best/worst cases.
For accountants and CFOs, the value is immense and is a critical part of their financial planning and growth strategies. Read this article to evaluate and discover which platform can be the best cash flow forecasting software for your business.
Quick summary of financial forecasting software:
- Fathom: Combines robust three-way forecasting, scenario planning, and polished reporting in one platform.
- Spotlight Reporting: Strong for multi-entity consolidation and forecasting across complex groups.
- Syft Analytics: Offers customisable dashboards and visual reporting with forecasting capabilities.
- Futrli: Focused on short-term cash flow visibility and daily scenario modelling for SMEs.
- Reach Reporting: Primarily a reporting tool with limited forecasting, ideal for client presentations.
- Calxa: Handles complex organisational structures with multi-entity and divisional budgeting, plus consolidated reporting.
Why it matters: Cash flow forecasting for small businesses and advisors
- Maintains liquidity and stability: Small businesses often operate with limited cash reserves. Using cash flow forecasting tools helps predict inflows and outflows, ensuring there is enough liquidity to cover expenses, payroll, and unexpected costs.
- Improves financial planning and supports growth: Accurate financial forecasting software that helps better budgeting and resource allocation. With this financial projection software, businesses can model different scenarios and plan accordingly.
- Risk management: Forecasting tools for accountants highlights potential shortfalls before they occur, giving businesses time to secure financing or adjust spending.
- Builds credibility: Banks, investors, and partners often require financial projections. A solid forecast created with financial projection software demonstrates discipline and reliability, improving chances of securing loans or investment.
Key features in cash flow management to look out for:
- Three‑way (integrated) forecasting: Linking P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow, ideally with rolling updates.
- Scenario modelling (“what‑ifs”): Side‑by‑side comparisons to stress‑test assumptions.
- Multi‑entity consolidation: FX, eliminations, intercompany consolidations for group reporting.
- Native integrations: QuickBooks integrations, Xero integrations, MYOB, Sage, and spreadsheets.
- Driver‑based planning: Linking operational drivers (such as sales volume, pricing, or payroll changes) to financial outputs to model how business activity impacts cash flow.
- Direct method forecasting: Short-term, granular cash-flow forecasts (for example, daily or weekly views) that help monitor near-term liquidity and timing of cash movements.
- Clarity of data visuals: Presentation‑ready reports & dashboards (templates, commentary, visuals).
- Security and governance: Robust user permissions and audit trails.
The best cash flow forecasting tools for business planning
1. Fathom
Fathom is an all-in-one platform for management reporting, three-way forecasting, and multi-entity consolidation, trusted by over 99,000 businesses globally. It is designed for accountants, advisory firms, and other finance leaders who need powerful forecasting tools, scalable reporting, and actionable insights in a single intuitive interface.
Strength
- Built-in three-way forecasting: Create Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow forecasts with rolling updates and horizons up to 3–5 years.
- Scenario planning and micro-forecasts: Model specific events and unlimited scenarios for best/worst-case planning, all linked to the main forecast for easy updates.
- Multi-entity consolidation: Consolidate up to 300 entities with multi-currency support, eliminations, and custom charts of accounts.
- Advanced reporting and visuals: Build branded, presentation-ready reports with charts, commentary, and KPIs, plus benchmarking and portfolio tools for advisors.
Considerations:
- High-level cash flow approach: Fathom does not support daily or weekly direct cash flow forecasting; it focuses on monthly, quarterly, and annual planning.
- Pricing: Positioned as a mid-tier solution, as it is more affordable than premium tools, but higher than entry-level options.
Best suited to: Accounting firms and finance teams seeking a single platform for forecasting, reporting, and consolidation, with deep advisory features and scalable workflows for multi-entity groups.
2. Spotlight Reporting
Spotlight Reporting is a modular platform offering reporting, forecasting, and consolidation tools, widely used by accounting firms across NZ, AU, UK, ZA, and North America. It provides strong consolidated forecasting capabilities and ESG reporting option through Spotlight Sustain, but its interface and workflow may require time to navigate compared to integrated solutions.
Strengths:
- Consolidated forecasting: Allows consolidated multi-entity forecasts (P&L, Balance Sheet, Cashflow) with multi-currency support (up to 75 entities in Spotlight Forecasting and up to 500 in Spotlight Multi).
- Three-way forecasting and budgeting: Create integrated Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow forecasts for up to five years.
- Driver-based forecasting: Flexible driver inputs allow users to model different business scenarios and what-if outcomes.
- Cashflow visualisation tools: Built-in cashflow waterfalls and charts help visually interpret liquidity and forecast trends.
Considerations:
- Modular navigation: The product is modular with Forecasting and Reporting managed in separate sections/tabs, which may require additional steps when switching between modules.
- Limited scenario capacity: The number of forecast scenarios is limited compared to tools that offer unlimited variations, which may be a consideration for firms modelling multiple complex outcomes.
- Manual data sync: Data refresh is user-initiated from Xero/QBO rather than daily automated sync.
- Pricing model: Bulk plans only, rather than single-entity pricing for advisors.
Best suited to: Good for firms managing large groups that need consolidated forecasts and industry-specific templates, and don’t mind a modular interface.
3. Syft Analytics
Syft Analytics, acquired by Xero in 2024, offers financial analysis, forecasting, and AI-driven insights at competitive pricing. It is known for its visual dashboards, transaction-level reporting, and broad integrations.
Strengths:
- Forecasting features: Provides credit terms, events and P&L to Balance Sheet account connections, plus weekly forecasting.
- Consolidation: Handles unlimited entities with advanced options like eliminations by transaction, and automatic FX adjustments.
- Integrations: Connects with Xero, QuickBooks, Sage, and non-financial platforms like Shopify and Stripe.
Considerations:
- Forecasting scope: Scenarios do not dynamically link to baseline forecasts and credit terms are available on a monthly basis only.
- Performance at scale: When dealing with very large multi-entity consolidations or high-volume groups, it may impact loading times and workflows.
- Tiered features: Certain advanced capabilities, such as level of support, internal benchmarking and faster data refresh intervals, are included in higher-tier plans. Firms should review plan details to ensure they align with requirements.
Best suited to: Advisory teams seeking cost-effective forecasting and rich visual dashboards, especially for clients already using Xero. However, they need to be prepared for a steeper learning curve and less integrated workflow.
4. Futrli
Futrli, acquired by Sage in 2022, focuses on short-term cash flow forecasting and scenario planning for SMEs and accountants. It offers direct cash flow forecasting and weekly reporting, making it ideal for businesses seeking granular cash visibility.
Strengths:
- Three-way forecasting and budgeting: Supports integrated Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow forecasting, allowing advisors to model the financial impact of different scenarios. Provides daily and weekly cash-flow forecasts and flexible reporting with custom date ranges and period views.
- Scenario planning: Allows users to create and compare multiple forecast scenarios, supporting advisory conversations around best-case, worst-case, and base-case outcomes.
- Consolidation: It can consolidate forecasts from underlying entities’ budgets and scenarios.
- Transaction-level insights: Provides invoice and bill analysis, payment trends, and expected dates for outstanding items.
Considerations:
- Performance on large data sets: Futrli performs well for most use cases, though some user may encounter slower response times when working with very large or highly complex datasets.
- Manual refresh for consolidations: Consolidated forecasts are not live, and updates require manual intervention.
- User interface: The report editor is functional and reliable, though some users prefer a more modern or intuitive experience.
Best suited to: SMEs and advisory firms prioritising short-term cash flow visibility and scenario modelling, particularly in industries with weekly reporting needs.
5. Reach Reporting
Reach Reporting specialises in customisable, polished reports and client engagement tools. It includes a forecasting module, though its functionality is closer to a spreadsheet than a dedicated FP&A platform.
Strengths:
- Three-way budgeting and forecasting: Integrated forecasting that connects Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow for comprehensive planning.
- Historical trend analysis: Built-in forecasting modules that leverage historical data for projections.
- Scenario planning support: Users can set financial goals, create budgets and project outcomes based on connected financials.
- Automation and dynamic data updates: Forecasts and dashboards auto-update as new accounting data flows in.
Considerations:
- Forecasting interface: The forecasting module uses a spreadsheet-style interface. Updates are manual and may feel like a traditional spreadsheet setup.
- Consolidation compatibility: Works best when entities share a consistent chart of accounts (e.g., same structure in QuickBooks or other systems). Setting up different platforms together may require careful mapping of account names and numbers.
- High price point: At around $149 per company per month, Reach Reporting is positioned as a premium solution, but may be priced higher than some alternatives.
- User interface: The report editor offers customisation, but some users may face a learning curve compared to more streamlined interfaces.
Best suited to: Advisory firms and finance teams prioritising presentation-ready reports, with less emphasis on deep forecasting capabilities.
6. Calxa
Calxa is a budgeting, forecasting, and reporting tool designed for accountants and finance teams managing multiple entities or business divisions. Its strengths lie in multi-entity consolidation, structured budgeting, and cash-flow planning, making it ideal for organisations that need detailed oversight across departments or subsidiaries.
Strengths:
- Long-term forecasting: Provides up to 10-year cash flow forecasts, including timing profiles based on debtor/creditor days.
- Divisional-level reporting: Ideal for organisations with complex structures and supports unlimited tracking categories.
- Entity and group consolidation: Allows filtering financial statements by entities and splitting consolidated data by divisions.
- Integration with major platforms: Connects with Xero, QuickBooks, MYOB, NetSuite, Acumatica, and Microsoft Business Central.
Considerations:
- Limited predictive forecasting: Does not include advanced AI-driven or formula-based drivers for forecasts.
- Basic visual reporting: Output looks like spreadsheets and is more functional, which may not be suited for firms that are looking for more visual, client-ready presentations.
- Higher pricing tier: Starts at AUD $220 per company, making it more expensive than some competitors.
Best suited to: Companies that need to manage budgeting and reporting across departments, divisions, and multiple entities, with the ability to handle thousands of tracking categories for granular insights.
Comparison table: Forecasting software side‑by‑side
Strong (3-way, microforecasts, rolling)
Full (multi-entity, FX, eliminations)
Strong (linked scenarios, driver-based)
Strong (intuitive, advisor-friendly)
Strong (3-way, consolidated)
Full (up to 75 entities, FX)
Good (modular, templates)
Strong (4-way, weekly/monthly)
Full (unlimited entities)
Good (standalone scenarios, driver-based)
Good (some learning curve)
Good (3-way, daily cash, weekly reporting)
Strong (scenario modelling for SMEs)
Good (spreadsheet-style 3-way)
Strong (presentation-first, client portal)
Strong (10-year forecast)
Partial (entity and division splits only)
Limited (basic assumption tweaks)
Good (functional interface)
How to choose the right cash flow forecasting tool (Checklist)
Selecting the right cash flow forecasting software depends on your client mix, reporting needs, and advisory goals. Use this checklist to guide your decision in delivering better insights for your customers:
For advisory teams
- Depth of forecasting: If your advisory services include strategic planning and scenario modelling, prioritise tools with strong three-way forecasting and linked scenarios.
- Reporting quality: For client-facing deliverables, look for platforms that provide customisable, presentation-ready reports with branded templates and clear visualisations.
- Workflow efficiency: Ensure the tool integrates seamlessly with your accounting systems and supports spreadsheet imports to minimise manual work.
For multi-entity clients
- Consolidation capability: If you manage groups or franchises, confirm the software supports multi-entity consolidation, including foreign currency handling and inter-company eliminations.
- Performance at scale: Verify that the platform can handle large datasets and multiple entities without compromising speed or accuracy.
For SME businesses
- Short-term cash visibility: If daily or weekly cash flow insights are critical, choose a solution that provides direct cash flow forecasting and granular reporting.
- Budget constraints: For businesses with limited budgets, consider tools that deliver essential consolidation and reporting features at a lower cost.
For firms scaling advisory services
- Training and enablement: Select vendors that offer structured onboarding, certifications, and advisor resources to support your team’s growth.
- Feature flexibility: Review pricing tiers to ensure essential features are included without heavy restrictions or gating.
Looking to the future: Which financial forecasting software should you choose?
Each platform brings something valuable to the table. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and your choice should reflect your firm’s priorities, client needs, and budget. The best financial forecasting software for your firm depends on your unique needs.
Testing the tools in real-world workflows will help you determine which solution aligns best with your advisory goals, client expectations, and growth strategy.
Try Fathom's financial reporting today
Start with a 14-day trial or contact us if you need further help and our dedicated team can help you make an informed decision.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- Which forecasting tool is the most accurate?
Accuracy depends on the forecasting method and time horizon. Tools like Futrli are more precise for short-term cash flow because they use direct daily and weekly data, while Fathom, Spotlight, and Syft deliver reliable long-term projections through three-way forecasting when assumptions are well managed.
- What’s the best forecasting software for accountants?
Fathom is widely considered a leading choice for accountants, offering integrated three-way forecasting, scenario planning, multi-entity consolidation, and polished reporting in one platform.
- What tool integrates best with accounting software like Xero and QuickBooks?
Fathom, Spotlight, and Syft have the most robust integrations with Xero and QuickBooks. This includes daily syncs and deep data mapping.
- Which tool is best for multi-entity forecasting?
Spotlight leads for large-scale consolidation with up to 75 entities (and 500 in Spotlight Multi), Fathom supports up to 300 entities with live consolidated forecasting, and Syft offers unlimited entities and FX handling. These make them the top choices for multi-entity needs
