Tired of Inaccurate Forecasts or Generic Forecast Models?
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Learn my step-by-step process to build a repeatable and accurate SaaS P&L Forecast!
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This course includes my latest and greatest SaaS forecast model that I have improved over the last 15 years!
If you’re a SaaS founder, CFO, analyst or consultant looking to create accurate & believable forecasts with a forecast model used in 100's if not 1,000's of SaaS companies ! Then you are in the right place!
There are a TON of forecast models floating around the Internet. Some are too basic; some are too complicated; and some are not built for the SaaS business model.Â
I rose through the ranks of FP&A and completed over 1,000+ forecasts. Yes, hard to believe. I've improved my model over the years and have used this template as an in-house CFO and now as a fractional SaaS CFO.
By the end of this forecast training,
you will know…
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How to seed the model with "actuals"
This includes financial data, bookings data, HRIS data, and customer/revenue data. -
How to build your revenue forecast
The model accommodates pure subscription, variable, services, and coming soon (hardware). -
How to forecast headcount
The biggest investment in SaaS? People! Load the model with your headcount roster. Don't forget any contractors! -
How to forecast non-wage expenses
It's so important to forecast expenses by department. The model includes department by department sections for your expense build. -
How to use the pre-built SaaS metrics tabs
I built tabs to calculate your major SaaS metrics. Think CAC, CAC Payback, Cost of ARR, etc. This course does not go in-depth on the what/why/how of metrics. Check out my SaaS Metrics Foundation course.
Enroll in SaaS Forecast Model Training Today!
Be Sure to Check My Bundle Offer Below Before You Checkout!
What’s Inside the Course!Â
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Module 1
Load Historical Data
Accurate SaaS forecasts rely on the 4 key finance data sources. These include bookings data, HRIS data, financial data, and customer/revenue data.
Module Highlights:
I guide you step-by-step through the historical data load process.
- Load P&L data and key financial stats
- Load FTE history and your current headcount roster
- Â Load bookings data; new, expansion, and contraction
- Load MRR and customer waterfalls
Module 2
Learn How to Accurately Forecast Revenue
Accurate revenue forecasts require detailed historical data so that we have data-driven forecast assumptions. My forecasts subscription, variable, professional services, hardware, and other revenue.
Module Highlights:
I guide you step-by-step through each revenue forecast tab.
- Logic built to forecast SMB, mid-market, and enterprise subscriptions
- Revenue tab for your variable revenue (usage, processing, etc.) build
- Detailed logic to forecast professional services revenue with backlog and utilization assumptions
- Two revenue tabs include the ability to incorporate historical MRR waterfalls
Module 3
Learn How to Forecast People Expenses
What's the largest expense on a SaaS P&L? Staff and contractors! Forecast headcount by employee with assumptions for full-time/part-time, benefits, taxes, raises, department, and start/end dates.
Module Highlights:
I guide you through the headcount roster controls for an accurate wage forecast.
- Forecast employee-related expenses
- Forecast contractors on the headcount roster or department expense tab
Module 4
Learn How to Forecast Department Expenses
With the People forecast done, we can focus on non-wage department expenses. Accurate forecasts require department-level assumptions.
Module Highlights:
I guide you through the department forecast tab. Pre-built formulas help you put expenses in the right forecast months.
- Forecast expenses for Tech Support, Customer Success, Professional Services, Hardware, Dev Ops, R&D, Sales, Marketing, G&A, and non-op.
Module 5 (Coming Soon!)
How to Easily Create a 3-5 Year Forecast
I built the Scale Ops tab to solve my own pain. The painful process of creating long-term forecasts.Â
Module Highlights:
The model includes the Scale Ops tab, but I have not recorded the lesson yet. Coming soon!
- Use drivers and existing headcount to scale headcount by department with an automate formulaic approach. No more entering head by head to create long-term forecasts!
Community & Support
Post Questions in the Course
Post your questions and comments in the course. Plus access the Financial Forecasting community just for this course.
Highlights:
Network with like-minded SaaS finance professionals on best practices in SaaS forecasting.
- All enrollees will receive access to my SaaS community and the Financial Forecasting channel.
Is Your Input Data Not in the Best Shape?
You need good data formats for your financial, bookings, headcount, and revenue data. These are your forecast inputs!Â
I created a short training course on how to prep your input data so that you can make forecast model updates easy and repeatable.
- How to create the SaaS P&L format
- How to prep your bookings data
- How to prep your revenue data
- How to prep your FTE and wage reports
The data prep ensures that you can easily update the model.
Get the Forecast Training & Data Prep Bundle!
Frequently Asked Questions
Please read!
Will I receive future updates to the forecast model?
How do you handle commission forecasting?
Do you incorporate any lead or pipeline data?
Is your SaaS forecast model in Excel or Google Sheets?
Is this a single statement model or 3-statement model?
How do you forecast cash?
Does Ben have forecasting experience?
Do you offer refunds?
More questions? Contact me via Drift!
I can’t wait for you to join my SaaS forecast course!
Take advantage of my years in FP&A, forecasting, and as a CFO to accelerate your forecasting process, accuracy, and maturity. I've spent COUNTLESS hours on this model. Don't start from scratch.
Ben Murray, The SaaS CFO
