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Getting started with the cash flow forecast table

The cash flow forecast table is designed to provide businesses with an incredibly flexible environment to visualize their financial future. This tool allows you to take your raw accounting system data and tailor it into a structured, robust forecast that suits your specific business needs.

System availability

  • Xero organizations: The automated cash flow forecast table is currently available to all Xero users.

  • Other integrations: Automated endpoints for other accounting software are not yet active. While available upon special request, users on other platforms must use manual entries to build their forecast.

Understanding the forecast table layout

The table uses visual indicators to help you identify where your data is coming from. Look for the small "bookmarks" in the corner of the row headers:

  1. Customer payments: This section uses Chaser's Accounts receivable (AR) forecast to predict payment timing based on historical behavior.

  2. Accounting software lines (Blue triangle): Automated data pulled directly from your General Ledger (e.g., rent, utilities).

  3. Manual entry lines (Green triangle): Custom items you have added that exist outside your accounting system (e.g., director loans).

Setting up the bank balance

Your Cash position is the starting point for your entire forecast. It represents an "opening balance" at a specific point in time.

How to configure your starting balance

  1. Locate the settings: Hover your mouse over the Cash position row header.

  2. Open settings: Click the settings cog that appears.

  3. Select accounts: In the side drawer, check the boxes for the bank accounts you wish to include in your total balance.

  4. Enter manual balance: Use the Manual bank balance field at the top for funds like petty cash.

  5. Understand the cutoff: Note that you cannot add manual entries before this opening balance date. Anything added after this date will dynamically adjust your cash position.

Adding automated accounting lines

Chaser gives you full control over which ledgers appear in your forecast. We recommend selecting accounts that represent liquid cash (overheads, direct costs) rather than non-cash items (inventory, COGS).

How to add a ledger line

  1. Start the process: Click the blue plus (+) icon next to the Cash in or Cash out headers.

  2. Select entry type: Choose Select or search a ledger.

  3. Search and add: Scroll through your Chart of Accounts or search for a specific code (e.g., "Bank fees").

  4. Confirm: Click the ledger to immediately add it as a new row in your table.

How to remove a ledger line

  1. Hover over the row header of the ledger you wish to remove.

  2. Click the pencil icon (edit).

  3. Select "Delete category" to remove the line from your table.

Creating manual entries and categories

Manual entries are organized into Categories (the group) and Line items (the specific entry).

How to create a manual category

  1. Click the blue plus (+) icon next to Cash in or Cash out.

  2. Select "Manual entry" and type a name (e.g., "Equipment sales").

How to add a specific line item

  1. Hover over your new manual category row header.

  2. Click the plus (+) icon that appears on the header.

  3. Name the item: Enter the specific line name (e.g., "Forklift parts") and click add.

How to add transaction data

  1. Select a cell: Click on a cell in a future month for your manual line item.

  2. Add entry: In the side drawer, click the Add entry button.

  3. Input data: Enter the Amount, Date, Label, and Note.

  4. Save: Click save on the entry, then save the side drawer.

Using the prediction engine

The prediction engine automates future values based on logic you define for each row.

  1. Open settings: Hover over any row header and click the settings cog.

  2. Choose a method:

    • None: Leaves future months blank.

    • Historical average: Uses the last 3, 6, or 12 months of data to project an average.

    • Fixed amount: Sets a static recurring value (e.g., £950 for vehicle expenses).

  3. Save: The values will populate the Estimate and future columns.

Adding anomalies and overrides

If a specific month differs from your prediction (e.g., a quarterly payment), use anomalies or overrides.

Adding an anomaly (Additive)

Use this to add an extra amount on top of your prediction.

  1. Click the cell for the month you want to adjust.

  2. Select "Add anomaly" in the side drawer.

  3. Enter details: Add the extra amount (e.g., £600 for new tires). You can add multiple anomalies to one cell.

Adding an override (Replacement)

Use this to ignore the prediction and set a single total amount.

  1. In the same side drawer, locate the Override section.

  2. Enter the total: Type the exact amount you expect for that month.

The adjustment indicator

Any cell that has been manually adjusted with an anomaly or override will display a small black dot in the top-right corner.

Looking ahead

This v0 release is just the beginning. In upcoming updates, look forward to:

  • Bank balance variance tracking: Compare your live accounting balance against your forecast.

  • Prediction templates: Set complex recurring rules for quarterly or annual payments.