How to forecast working capital items ?

Hi everyone ! I'm wondering how can I forecast working capital and more specifically " current asset or current liabilities". I first took the opening and the closing balance previous year and I calculated the variation. But, I would like to find a better methods. If you can suggest me some articles, website I would be glad.

6 Comments
 

Given that I have never forecasted it, I would opt for one of the following methods, ordered form the one I would use to the last chance:

  • Ratio relative to the payroll/wages expenses (if the income st. explicits it, but pay attention because if the general expenses (SGA) include wages of managers, sellers etc. you can't use it)
  • Ratio relative to the number of employees (if you know the number)
  • Ratio relative to the revenue

Each one using the same formulas used in the DPO,DSO and DIO but substituting the denominator with the measure I suggested in the bulllet points.

 
Most Helpful

You need to look at pay period timing if you're trying to get a very accurate accrued payroll balance.

If you're just looking for trends then Ajeje's methods are fine, but if you need a specific 12/31 balance (and it's material) you need to look at pay periods. If employees are paid every 2 weeks then timing could make a big difference in the accrual

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