For any business — large or small — cash flow is the lifeblood that keeps everything moving. Even a profitable company can run into serious trouble if cash stops flowing smoothly.
Yet many business owners, and even some finance teams, only review cash flow once a month or once a quarter. That delay can lead to unnecessary stress and missed opportunities.
At London Accountants, we encourage our clients to take a more proactive approach. A weekly cash flow check is one of the simplest and most effective habits you can build to keep your business stable, confident, and ready for growth.
Why Weekly Cash Flow Checks Matter
Running a quick weekly review of your inflows and outflows helps you stay one step ahead of challenges — and take advantage of opportunities as they arise. Here’s how this simple routine helps:
- Avoid nasty surprises – By reviewing cash movements weekly, you’ll spot late payments, timing gaps, or unexpected costs before they become serious problems.
- Plan with confidence – Understanding what’s coming in and going out helps you decide whether to push collections, delay non-essential spending, or invest in growth.
- Spot growth opportunities early – Regular reviews often reveal trends — such as excess cash or cost-saving potential — that can be used to strengthen your business.
How to Run a Weekly Cash Flow Check in Five Simple Steps
Building this habit doesn’t require expensive software or an accounting degree — just consistency and a clear process.
Step 1: Update Your Cash Position
Start by checking your current bank balances and reconciling them with outstanding invoices and bills.
Accurate, up-to-date data is essential — it tells you exactly how much cash you have available today.
Step 2: Forecast the Next 2–4 Weeks
List all expected receipts and payments for the next few weeks.
This short-term projection shows where cash shortfalls or surpluses might appear.
Step 3: Compare Forecasts to Actuals
Review last week’s forecast and compare it to what really happened.
Identify the differences — were payments delayed, did sales underperform, or did new costs appear unexpectedly?
Over time, this helps you become much better at predicting future cash flow.
Step 4: Identify Key Actions
Use your findings to set clear priorities for the coming week.
That might mean chasing overdue invoices, negotiating supplier terms, or adjusting spending plans.
Focus on the actions that will have the biggest short-term impact.
Step 5: Record and Track Trends
Keep a simple weekly log — even a spreadsheet will do — recording inflows, outflows, and observations.
As weeks pass, you’ll start to see patterns that will make your budgeting, forecasting and financial decision-making far stronger.
Practical Tips for Success
- Use a spreadsheet template or cloud accounting software to keep things simple and consistent.
- Set up bank alerts to notify you when balances drop below a chosen threshold.
- Choose a fixed day and time each week for your review — make it part of your regular business routine.
The Bottom Line
Carrying out a weekly cash flow check turns financial management from reactive to proactive. You’ll feel more confident, make better-informed decisions, and avoid cash flow crises before they happen.
At London Accountants, we help London-based businesses improve their cash flow visibility, plan ahead, and make strategic financial decisions with confidence.
If you’d like to set up a simple, effective cash flow system — or need tailored cash flow forecasting and business advisory support — get in touch with our team today.
We’ll help you gain control of your cash, strengthen your business, and stay one step ahead of financial surprises.
e: office@londonaccountants.co t: 0203 137 9791
Kind Regards,
The Team at London Accountants
