Instructor
Justin Muscolino
Budgeting and forecasting are at the heart of sound financial management. But while many organizations still rely on static annual budgets, these tools often fall short in fast-changing environments. A rolling 12-month model offers a dynamic alternative, providing continuous visibility into financial performance and keeping leadership aligned with evolving business conditions.
This session begins by exploring the limitations of traditional budgeting and the benefits of adopting a rolling forecast. Participants will see how a 12-month model creates a perpetual planning cycle, where each new month replaces the old, ensuring the forecast always projects a full year ahead. This method allows for better resource planning, improved cash flow management, and more informed decision-making.
We’ll walk step-by-step through the process of building a rolling 12-month model. This includes identifying key revenue and expense drivers, setting up assumptions, and structuring the model for ongoing updates. Participants will learn how to start with a baseline budget and then transition into a rolling forecast that incorporates actual performance data.
The session also covers how to use the model to analyze variances between actuals and forecasts. By identifying the reasons behind differences, businesses can take corrective action quickly. For example, a variance analysis might reveal that rising costs are eroding margins, or that revenue growth is outpacing expectations-both of which require timely responses.
We’ll explore best practices for keeping the model simple, flexible, and aligned with strategic goals. Participants will also gain insights into how rolling forecasts improve communication across departments, as they provide a shared, updated view of financial expectations.
Finally, we’ll connect the model to decision-making. A rolling 12-month forecast is not just a spreadsheet exercise-it’s a tool for guiding strategy. From adjusting hiring plans to timing capital expenditures, the model helps leadership weigh trade-offs and move forward with confidence.
By the end of this session, participants will understand not only how to build and maintain a rolling 12-month model but also how to use it as a cornerstone of agile financial management.
In today’s fast-moving environment, static annual budgets are no longer enough. Markets shift, customer demands evolve, and unexpected events can upend financial assumptions overnight. Relying on a rigid annual plan puts organizations at risk of overspending, underfunding, or simply being caught off guard.
A rolling 12-month model changes the game. It keeps your organization one step ahead by providing a living, breathing financial plan that evolves with the business. Rather than waiting until year-end to update assumptions, you extend your forecast every month-giving leadership a clear view of both short-term needs and long-term goals.
This session is designed to make rolling forecasts approachable and practical. You’ll learn how to structure the model, connect it to key drivers of your business, and update it effectively. We’ll also address how to use the model in real-world decision-making: identifying when to pull back on spending, spotting growth opportunities, and communicating performance clearly to stakeholders.
By attending, you’ll gain a skillset that goes beyond budgeting-it’s about building a financial system that adapts. Whether you’re a finance professional, a business owner, or part of a management team, this training will help you move from reactive planning to proactive forecasting. In a world where uncertainty is the only constant, a rolling 12-month model ensures you always have a forward-looking financial roadmap.
