{"id":19405,"date":"2023-08-01T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-08-01T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/?p=19405"},"modified":"2025-01-07T10:55:22","modified_gmt":"2025-01-07T15:55:22","slug":"modernize-your-forecasting-saas-forecasting-for-cfos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/modernize-your-forecasting-saas-forecasting-for-cfos\/","title":{"rendered":"Modernize your forecasting: SaaS forecasting for CFOs"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--generic\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/category\/money-matters\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Money Matters<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tModernize your forecasting: SaaS forecasting for CFOs\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \">Published <time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2023-08-01T09:00:00-04:00\">August 1, 2023<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"Modernize your forecasting: SaaS forecasting for CFOs\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/modernize-your-forecasting-saas-forecasting-for-cfos\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/author\/david-appel\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/07\/David-Appel-headshot-2023-1.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"David headshot\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">David Appel<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SaaS revenue and sales forecasting is THE foundationally important activity for any recurring revenue organization. It enables you to know your likely financial outcomes in advance, which allows you to finetune your decision-making for maximum recurring revenue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This means SaaS forecasting\u2013and embracing modern techniques like automated sales forecasting\u2013is critical to your long-term profitability and pipeline optimization.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In this post, we&#8217;ll be discussing the next generation of SaaS forecasting. What tools, perspectives, and strategies form the basis of high-performance forecasts?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And what are the potential costs of settling for manual, outdated forecasting tools?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let&#8217;s begin by examining the differences between accounting, and financial planning and analysis (FP&amp;A). It&#8217;s a distinction that&#8217;s critical for forecasting purposes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-here-s-what-we-ll-cover\">Here&#8217;s what we&#8217;ll cover<\/h4>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-accounting-vs-fp-amp-a-a-comparative-template\" data-level=\"2\">Accounting vs. FP&amp;A (a comparative template)<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-how-does-saas-forecasting-fit-into-fp-amp-a\" data-level=\"3\">How does SaaS forecasting fit into FP&amp;A?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-saas-forecasting-the-fp-amp-a-lifecycle-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">SaaS forecasting: the FP&amp;A lifecycle&nbsp;<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-1-plan\" data-level=\"3\">1. Plan<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-2-analyze\" data-level=\"3\">2. Analyze<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-3-report\" data-level=\"3\">3. Report<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-4-forecast\" data-level=\"3\">4. Forecast<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-have-you-outgrown-excel-for-saas-forecasting\" data-level=\"2\">Have you outgrown Excel for SaaS forecasting?<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-having-a-single-point-of-failure-around-forecast-model-creation\" data-level=\"3\">Having a single point of failure around forecast model creation<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-getting-stuck-in-the-past-rather-than-proactively-planning-for-the-future\" data-level=\"3\">Getting stuck in the past rather than proactively planning for the future<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-losing-weeks-of-productivity-to-manual-data-management-nbsp\" data-level=\"3\">Losing weeks of productivity to manual data management&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-saas-forecasting-tips-for-the-modern-cfo\" data-level=\"2\">SaaS forecasting: tips for the modern CFO<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#h-embrace-financial-process-automation-and-ml-for-pipeline-forecasting\" data-level=\"3\">Embrace financial process automation and ML for pipeline forecasting<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-build-bridges-with-key-stakeholders\" data-level=\"3\">Build bridges with key stakeholders<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-focus-on-your-high-impact-areas-to-boost-mrr-and-arr\" data-level=\"3\">Focus on your high-impact areas to boost MRR and ARR<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-is-your-saas-forecasting-getting-the-results-you-need-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">Is your SaaS forecasting getting the results you need?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-accounting-vs-fp-amp-a-a-comparative-template\"><strong>Accounting vs. FP&amp;A (a comparative template)<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The finance department in a SaaS company is broken down into two broad categories of activities and objectives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first of these is accounting, which tends to be backward-looking. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The purpose of accounting is to accurately capture information about transactions and finances for later reference.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes this information is recorded to be consulted later, such as SaaS metrics or subscription revenue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In other instances, the data is kept in case of auditing, even if it won&#8217;t be consulted in any other instance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An example would be using automated software to track why a payment relationship changes with a customer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You might not personally need that information any time soon, but you&#8217;ll certainly need to prove that you have it when you&#8217;re undergoing a compliance audit.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other examples of accounting activities include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Carrying out accurate and comprehensive financial reporting.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/accounting-compliance-and-reporting-best-practices-for-saas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ensuring compliance<\/a> with ASC 606, IFRS 15, and all other applicable regulations. (Handling this manually can be very time-consuming.)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a52b97e790d5&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a52b97e790d5\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1435\" height=\"806\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/image-6.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-27320\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/image-6.png 1435w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/image-6-768x431.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/image-6-684x384.png 684w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1435px) 100vw, 1435px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Overseeing tax responsibilities, such as preparing detailed financial statements and taking care of any multi-entity accounting considerations your organization might have.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the other end is FP&amp;A\u2013and remember, it&#8217;s important to think of these as two sides of the same coin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accounting is about accurately recording the past, but FP&amp;A prioritizes future revenue, and SaaS forecasting plays a significant role in that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">FP&amp;A activities center on helping the organization gain market share, cut churn, or otherwise consolidate its position by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Running automated forecasts to formulate profitable business plans. This is also a great way to capitalize on seasonality or similar time-sensitive trends revealed by your sales data.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a52b97e79d7d&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a52b97e79d7d\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"683\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/image-7-1440x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-27321\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/image-7-1440x683.png 1440w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/image-7-768x364.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/image-7-1536x729.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/image-7.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Interfacing with other stakeholders and business leaders to provide metrics about their teams&#8217; performance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Taking charge of SaaS billing optimization by forecasting adoption rates and revenue results for pricing strategies.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Accounting lays the foundation for profitable FP&amp;A, which paves the way to long-term profitability and stellar sales performance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-how-does-saas-forecasting-fit-into-fp-amp-a\"><strong>How does SaaS forecasting fit into FP&amp;A?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SaaS forecasting represents one of the most critical activities of your finance department. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So it&#8217;s worthwhile to consider how it fits into the broader FP&amp;A picture.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Minimizing financial uncertainty from external factors is the primary goal of FP&amp;A. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To accomplish that, finance leaders run &#8220;if-then&#8221; forecasts about a wide range of scenarios and business components, such as:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Forecasting different billing scenarios:<\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/how-automation-accounting-can-streamline-saas-billing-processes\/\"><strong> <\/strong>Finetuning your billing strategy<\/a> is one of the most pivotal aspects of FP&amp;A. It&#8217;s also a great way to lower your churn rate. Automation makes it simpler to run detailed forecasts to find the best billing model and enhance risk management at your company.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Maximizing discount campaign results: <\/strong>SaaS companies sometimes run discount campaigns to encourage many people to sign up quickly and lower their short-term customer acquisition cost (CAC). Ensuring the most profitable results for your sales campaigns depends on forecasting beforehand.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Extrapolating on user trends: <\/strong>Trend extrapolation is one of the most valuable applications of SaaS forecasting. These days, SaaS CFOs are expected to be strategic contributors on the same level as other C-suites. Helping your company get a clearer picture of user sentiment and resulting trends accomplishes that in spades.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To better understand the forecasting function in a SaaS accounting department, we need to take a step back and look at the broader FP&amp;A lifecycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-saas-forecasting-the-fp-amp-a-lifecycle-nbsp\"><strong>SaaS forecasting: the FP&amp;A lifecycle&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even though SaaS forecasting is one of the most essential parts of FP&amp;A, it&#8217;s still just one part of the overall process. FP&amp;A comprises four steps: plan, analyze, report, and forecast.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Let&#8217;s review each one and see how it relates to SaaS forecasting.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-plan\"><strong>1. Plan<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first step is to make a plan. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This involves a range of financial activities: building forecast models, creating budgets, collecting user data, and defining KPIs all fall into this stage of the FP&amp;A lifecycle.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The planning stage is essential because it lays the foundation for effective SaaS forecasting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you want to forecast how your users will act under certain conditions in the future, you need access to past data as a starting point to create comparative scenarios. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The same goes for forecasting your annual recurring revenue or seeing how you&#8217;ll perform in the face of prevailing economic trends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-analyze\"><strong>2. Analyze<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The second stage of the FP&amp;A loop calls for analyzing the data you collected during the planning stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the context of budgeting, for example, this would entail comparing your projected budget to your actual expenditures.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is also the stage where you double-check or change your starting assumptions as needed, whether that&#8217;s adjusting budget inputs, altering KPI selection, or something else.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-report\"><strong>3. Report<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The reporting stage of the FP&amp;A lifecycle involves getting the right financial data to the right people in the most straightforward way possible. Role-based dashboards are a highly effective way of making that happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a52b97e7b559&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a52b97e7b559\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1435\" height=\"809\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/image-8.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-27322\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/image-8.png 1435w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/image-8-768x433.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1435px) 100vw, 1435px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SaaS CFOs use<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/why-data-visualization-is-important-for-financial-storytelling\/\"> financial storytelling techniques<\/a><strong> <\/strong>and automated accounting suites to improve their financial reporting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sometimes teams circle back to the reporting stage even after they&#8217;ve done their SaaS forecasting, to review and explain their forecasting results to the board.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-forecast\"><strong>4. Forecast<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fourth stage of the FP&amp;A lifecycle is forecasting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At this stage, SaaS CFOs and other finance leaders run detailed comparative analyses on different financial scenarios. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For instance, say your team recently created a report on how your new billing model is performing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The next step would be to test what your results would be in the future. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Given the data in your report, how will things look 3-6 months from now? Do changes need to be made? If you were to lower or raise your prices slightly, what impact would that have over the next quarter? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These are the types of questions that SaaS forecasting helps finance leaders answer confidently.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a52b97e7c3e5&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a52b97e7c3e5\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/image-9.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-27323\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/image-9.png 800w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/image-9-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/image-9-684x384.png 684w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-have-you-outgrown-excel-for-saas-forecasting\"><strong>Have you outgrown Excel for SaaS forecasting?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It&#8217;s more than worth your time to closely examine the tools you trust to help you run forecasts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leaving your company&#8217;s forecasting to manual spreadsheet-based approaches can have negative cash flow consequences, so it&#8217;s important to consider different methods.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since forecasting is so fundamental for SaaS companies, variance from human error can lead to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Unusable campaign projections or product rollout forecasts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other departments like sales and marketing operating on false information.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Budget shortfalls that impact corporate growth initiatives.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Relying on spreadsheets for your forecasting can quickly land you in a sticky situation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The automation process is more trustworthy. Let&#8217;s look at some other common problems with manual SaaS forecasting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-having-a-single-point-of-failure-around-forecast-model-creation\"><strong>Having a single point of failure around forecast model creation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When companies handle their forecasting manually, they tend to have one person in charge of creating forecast models. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is one of the key challenges in common across companies that handle their forecasting model creation manually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What happens if that person leaves the company? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if you can replace them relatively quickly, you&#8217;re still likely to see your forecasting slow down for a while.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-getting-stuck-in-the-past-rather-than-proactively-planning-for-the-future\"><strong>Getting stuck in the past rather than proactively planning for the future<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Done manually, SaaS forecasting involves a lot of backward glances before you can start looking forward. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You have to verify and review all the historical data involved in the process before you can use it for accurate financial forecasting.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This usually means spending too much time on the accounting side and not enough on forward-focused FP&amp;A.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-losing-weeks-of-productivity-to-manual-data-management-nbsp\"><strong>Losing weeks of productivity to manual data management&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Manual SaaS forecasting is a huge time sink. Between manually collecting, cleansing, and aggregating financial data, Excel-based forecasting is a non-starter.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With all this in mind, what can you do to optimize your SaaS forecasts for today&#8217;s competitive market?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-saas-forecasting-tips-for-the-modern-cfo\"><strong>SaaS forecasting: tips for the modern CFO<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most effective CFOs get extremely detailed with their forecasting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They consider everything from the forecasting process to how their forecasting efforts impact other departments.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here are a few quick tips on how to make the most of your forecasting.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-embrace-financial-process-automation-and-ml-for-pipeline-forecasting\"><strong>Embrace financial process automation and ML for pipeline forecasting<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Artificial intelligence and machine learning help teams do more work in the same period of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/how-to-increase-forecast-accuracy-with-automated-forecasting\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Automated forecasting<\/a> makes long-range, low-variance forecast creation as simple as plugging in your data and pressing a button.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a52b97e7db87&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a52b97e7db87\" class=\"wp-block-image size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"682\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/image-10-1440x682.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-27324\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/image-10-1440x682.png 1440w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/image-10-768x364.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/image-10-1536x728.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/image-10.png 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-build-bridges-with-key-stakeholders\"><strong>Build bridges with key stakeholders<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No CFO exists in a vacuum, and no accounting department does either. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Take the time to connect with other stakeholders and department leaders about forecasting. What business drivers do they want to see forecasts on? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How can you help their team meet its goals?&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-focus-on-your-high-impact-areas-to-boost-mrr-and-arr\"><strong>Focus on your high-impact areas to boost MRR and ARR<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most crucial parts of forecasting is isolating your core business drivers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What are the few vitally important aspects of your business that contribute to growth in an outsized way? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether it&#8217;s your product pricing, your ability to retain a particular user segment, or something else, you need to identify your &#8220;business levers.&#8221;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you don&#8217;t know which business levers will have the most positive impact, it&#8217;s hard to get granular about your SaaS revenue forecasting.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a52b97e7e866&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" data-wp-key=\"6a52b97e7e866\" class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on--pointerdown=\"actions.preloadImage\" data-wp-on--pointerenter=\"actions.preloadImageWithDelay\" data-wp-on--pointerleave=\"actions.cancelPreload\" data-wp-on-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/image-11.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-27325\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/image-11.png 800w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/image-11-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/08\/image-11-684x384.png 684w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.thisImage.triggerButtonAriaLabel\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.thisImage.buttonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.thisImage.buttonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-is-your-saas-forecasting-getting-the-results-you-need-nbsp\"><strong>Is your SaaS forecasting getting the results you need?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Forecasting can help your SaaS business thrive in any external market condition by allowing you to know your likely financial outcomes in advance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whether you&#8217;re planning a change in your pricing structure, forecasting user trends, analyzing upsell results, or something else, accurate forecasts make all the difference.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Modern SaaS Finance Academy offers CFOs of fast-growing SaaS companies the chance to get hands-on training with cutting-edge forecasting techniques. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The academy also offers a generous selection of digital courses on topics like sales pipeline optimization, honing your leadership skills, creating a usage-billing business, and much more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Patterned off the success of the Hubspot Academy, but built for SaaS CFOs, Controllers, FP&amp;A, RevOps, and CEOs, it is free and offers the option of CPE credits.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To join the academy and start improving your forecasts today,<a href=\"https:\/\/sageu.com\/modernsaasfinance\/?utm_source=organic&amp;utm_medium=sageu&amp;utm_campaign=organic\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> click here<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Modern SaaS Finance Academy<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><!-- wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n<p class=\"\">The Modern SaaS\u00a0 Finance\u00a0Academy is a free online training hub designed for CFOs, Controllers, FP&amp;A, Revenue managers, Revenue Operations, and other members of the finance community in fast growth SaaS companies.<\/p>\n<p><!-- \/wp:paragraph --><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/sageu.com\/modernsaasfinance\/?utm_source=organic&#038;utm_medium=sageu&#038;utm_campaign=organic\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tid=\"cta-id-18976\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata-button-location=\"cta_box\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Learn more<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1271694534-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Women discussing in office space\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1271694534-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"single-cta\">\n\t<div class=\"single-cta__positioner on-scroll-highlight__target\">\n\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__wrapper has-dark-background-color\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"single-cta__title h3\">Subscribe to our Sage Advice Newsletter<\/h2>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"single-cta__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Get our latest business advice delivered directly to your inbox.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\t\thref=\"#gate-ab515c6e-7e90-4c2f-a67e-113872516e8b\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"single-cta__button button button--primary\"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t>Subscribe<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1440\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg\" class=\"single-cta__image\" alt=\"Working from home with tea in hand\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-1073797282-1440x810.jpg 1440w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 33vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/hub\/accounting-101\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAccounting 101\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/hub\/cash-flow\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCash Flow\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/hub\/cfo\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCFO\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/hub\/cloud-financial-management\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCloud financial management\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/hub\/cloud-technology\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCloud Technology\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-0 post-30823 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accounting-101 tag-boss-your-business tag-business-intelligence tag-cash-flow tag-small-business tag-starting-a-business tag-staying-competitive business_type-small-business business_type-growing-business card-post--is-clickable\"\n>\n\t<div class=\"card-post__media-wrapper\">\n\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1215\" height=\"810\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1190223207-1215x810.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1190223207-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1190223207-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1190223207-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t<div class=\"card-post__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__label\">Recommended<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-24T09:08:55-04:00\">June 24, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">13 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h3\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__title-link\"\n\t\t\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/how-to-track-business-expenses\/\"\n\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\tHow to keep track of business expenses\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"card-post__description\">\n\t\t\t\tIf you&#8217;re responsible for managing business finances, keeping track of expenses affects how clearly you can see your cash flow and make informed decisions. Learn the key steps, best tools, and how to build a process that keeps your finances accurate and error free. \t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row related-posts__non-featured\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--more h4\">More on this Topic<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-1 post-29310 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-strategy-legal-operations category-technology-innovation tag-artificial-intelligence tag-automation tag-boss-your-business tag-cash-flow tag-cloud-financial-management tag-sage-accounting business_type-small-business business_type-growing-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/order-to-cash-process-otc-o2c\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1190223207-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1190223207-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1190223207-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1190223207-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-10T12:23:35-04:00\">June 10, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">12 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tWhat is the Order to Cash process?\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-2 post-28775 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-business-strategy tag-cash-flow tag-growing-a-business tag-small-business business_type-small-business business_type-growing-business industry-nonprofit\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/peer-to-peer-fundraising-best-practices\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1414263386-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1414263386-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1414263386-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1414263386-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-02T05:54:37-04:00\">June 2, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">15 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tPeer-to-peer fundraising guide: Best practices for success\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-29487 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters category-strategy-legal-operations tag-accounting-101 tag-boss-your-business tag-business-continuity tag-business-intelligence tag-cash-flow tag-sage-accounting tag-small-business tag-starting-a-business business_type-small-business business_type-growing-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/accounts-payable-vs-notes-payable\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0474-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0474-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0474-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2024\/10\/BrandShoot-LND_June2024_Financial-Services_0474-1214x810.jpg 1214w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-05-22T12:03:36-04:00\">May 22, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">8 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tNotes payable vs accounts payable: Differences and examples\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-29712 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-strategy-legal-operations category-trends-insights tag-accounting-101 tag-boss-your-business tag-business-intelligence tag-business-strategy tag-cash-flow tag-productivity tag-small-business tag-starting-a-business business_type-small-business business_type-growing-business\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/accounts-payable-outsourcing\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-549776535-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-549776535-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-549776535-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-549776535-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-05-22T10:58:35-04:00\">May 22, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">14 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tIs accounts payable outsourcing right for your business?\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Revolutionize your financial planning process with cutting-edge SaaS forecasting tools. Our guide explores the benefits of automated forecasting for CFOs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1433,"featured_media":9198,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sage_video":false,"post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"_pwl_sage_podcast_buzzsprout_src":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[43],"tags":[110,299,427,420,346],"business_type":[41],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[450],"persona":[],"imagine_tag":[461,233,471,501],"coauthors":[599],"class_list":["post-19405","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-money-matters","tag-accounting-101","tag-cash-flow","tag-cfo","tag-cloud-financial-management","tag-cloud-technology","business_type-growing-business","industry-software-saas"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-us","author_name":"David Appel","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2022\/04\/GettyImages-872019580.jpg","imagine_tags":{"461":"Cloud","233":"Medium Businesses","471":"SaaS","501":"Subscription Saas David Appel"}},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice US","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19405","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/1433"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19405"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19405\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/9198"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19405"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19405"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19405"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=19405"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=19405"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=19405"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=19405"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=19405"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=19405"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=19405"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}