For many small and medium-sized businesses, cashflow is one of the most critical elements of day-to-day operations.
At Turas Accountants in Telford, we help clients move from reactive bookkeeping to proactive financial planning. One of the tools we recommend to support this shift is Syft – a powerful financial reporting and forecasting platform designed to make forecasting easier, faster and more reliable.
Why cashflow forecasting matters
Cashflow forecasting isn’t just for big corporates. Accurate, timely forecasts allow you to:
- Spot shortfalls before they cause major problems
- Plan investments and manage seasonal peaks
- Communicate confidently with lenders or investors
The right software removes the need for tedious manual work, allowing you to focus on decision-making rather than spreadsheets. Syft’s Cash Manager and forecasting tools are designed specifically to streamline these tasks.
Syft and Xero: What’s changed recently?
Earlier this year, Xero acquired Syft, and as a result, Syft is now included with many of Xero’s larger subscription packages at no additional cost. This is excellent news for businesses already using Xero as you now have access to sophisticated forecasting and reporting tools without extra licensing fees.
What Syft can do for your business
Syft connects to your accounting system and pulls live data into clear dashboards and reports. It supports integrated forecasting across profit and loss, balance sheet and cash flow.
Key features include:
- Automatic connection to popular accounting packages (including Xero and, historically, QuickBooks) so your numbers stay current.
- Cash Manager for short-term daily and weekly forecasts, plus a calendar view of expected inflows and outflows.
- AI-backed invoice and bill payment prediction to improve forecast accuracy without manual input.
- Scenario planning to test decisions like hiring, capital investment or price changes and see the cash impact instantly.
- Shareable dashboards and exportable reports to make conversations with your accountant, team or bank straightforward.
The benefits of Syft for business owners
When clients ask us about Syft, we focus on business outcomes rather than software features. Here are some of the benefits our clients in Telford see most often:
Save time on routine forecasting
Syft automates data pulls and applies consistent rules, reducing human error and freeing up time for strategic thinking.
Make better decisions with clear visuals
Dashboards make trends and risks obvious at a glance, enabling faster, more confident decision-making.
Test scenarios with confidence
Want to know what happens if you increase marketing spend or invest in new equipment? Scenario planning lets you model the cash and profitability impact before committing.
Collaborate more effectively
Shared reports mean your accountants can see the same data you do, leading to more productive conversations and targeted advice.
Maintain short-term accuracy
For businesses managing payroll, stock or irregular receivables, Syft’s short-term forecasting and calendar view help you stay on top of daily cash movements.
Why work with accountants who use Syft?
Choosing accountants who understand modern forecasting tools matters. At Turas Accountants, we combine local, personal service with technical expertise. We help clients:
- Set up Syft correctly
- Tailor forecasts to their business model
- Translate outputs into actionable financial plans
Our approach is practical. We begin with clean accounts, build a realistic baseline forecast, and create scenarios that reflect your business risks. Once the model is live, we review and update it regularly to keep your forecasts accurate and relevant.
Frequently asked questions
Is Syft better than spreadsheets?
Spreadsheets are flexible, but manual. Syft automates data, provides version control and includes built-in scenario logic, all of which reduce errors and save time.
How long does setup take?
Most small businesses can connect and produce basic reports within days. We handle the heavy lifting, avoiding common configuration pitfalls.
Can I still export to Excel?
Yes. Syft allows exports, but the real value lies in reducing dependency on spreadsheets for routine reporting.
Ready to make forecasting a competitive advantage?
If you are ready to explore the benefits of Syft for your business, Turas Accountants in Telford can help with a practical, no-nonsense plan:
- Review your current bookkeeping and reporting.
- Connect your accounting software to Syft and build a baseline forecast.
- Syft integrates with popular packages such as Xero.
- Create scenario models tailored to your business.
- Train your team to read the dashboards and run monthly reviews.
We pride ourselves on translating forecasts into actions. Whether you want a simple cash runway or a full integrated set of forecasts, we will create a solution that fits your size and sector.
Contact us today and let us show you how forecasting can become a competitive advantage.