Cash flow management Payday Super

Cash flow management Payday Super 2026: 13-week forecast template

The Problem: Cash Flow Timing Changes

From 1 July 2026, superannuation payment timing changes completely.

Current system (quarterly):

You collect super over 3 months
You pay it once (28 Oct, 28 Jan, 28 Apr, 28 Jul)
Large lump-sum outflow, predictable

Payday Super system (weekly/fortnightly):

You pay super with every paycheck
52 small payments instead of 4 large ones
Timing is tighter (7-day deadline)

The total cost is the same. But the TIMING changes. And cash flow becomes critical.

The Cash Flow Risk

Example: 5 employees, $80,000/year salary each

Current (quarterly):

Pay super: 28 Oct, 28 Jan, 28 Apr, 28 Jul
Know the exact date 3 months in advance
Can plan around it

Under Payday Super (weekly):

Pay super: Every Friday (52 times/year)
Must have funds available within 7 days of payday
If invoices are late, you’re in trouble

The risk:

Delayed customer invoices → cash doesn’t arrive
Payday comes → super must be paid anyway
No buffer = liquidity crisis

How to Build a 13-Week Cash Flow Forecast

This is the core tool for Payday Super success.

Step 1: Gather data

Last 3 months of bank statements
Last 3 months of invoices (sent and received)
Payroll dates (weekly or fortnightly)
Supplier payment terms
Customer payment terms (average days to pay)

Step 2: Create the forecast structure

Columns: Week 1, Week 2, Week 3… Week 13

Rows:

Opening balance (from actual bank account)
Customer invoices due (expected cash in)
Payroll payments (wages + super)
Supplier payments (invoices due)
Other expenses (rent, utilities, insurance)
Closing balance

Step 3: Fill in known dates

Payday (every week or fortnight) = super payment due 7 days later
Supplier invoices (payment terms: 30 days? 60 days?)
Seasonal income spikes (if any)
Large expenses (insurance, tax)

Step 4: Estimate uncertain items

Customer invoices: Use average collection period
- “Customers pay in 30 days on average” → forecast accordingly
Variable expenses: Use historical average

Step 5: Identify shortfalls

Look for weeks where closing balance goes negative.

Week 7: -$4,000 (shortfall)
Week 11: -$2,500 (shortfall)
Week 14: +$8,000 (recovery)

Strategies to Avoid Shortfalls

Strategy 1: Build a cash reserve

Before 1 July 2026, save 2–4 weeks of payroll + super.

5 employees, $25,000 biweekly payroll
Plus $5,000 biweekly super
Reserve needed: $120,000–$240,000

Strategy 2: Negotiate customer payment terms

Instead of 30-day terms, negotiate 14-day payment
Or ask for deposits upfront
Reduces the gap between invoice and cash receipt

Strategy 3: Use a line of credit

Arrange a business line of credit with your bank
Only use it if cash flow dips
Pay it back when customer invoices arrive
Cost: Interest on borrowed amount (~5–7%/year)

Strategy 4: Stagger payroll

Split payroll into two groups (if possible)
Half of staff paid Friday, half Monday
Reduces spike in super payments
Check award/agreement first (not always allowed)

Strategy 5: Use invoice financing

Factor your invoices (sell them to a financer at discount)
Get cash immediately instead of waiting 30 days
Cost: 2–4% of invoice value
Expensive but prevents crisis

Red Flags to Watch

Warning signs of cash flow trouble:

Forecast shows negative balance more than 1 week/month
No buffer for unexpected expenses
Relying on ONE large customer (if they delay, crisis)
Invoices taking longer than 30 days to pay
No line of credit arranged

If you see these, act NOW (before July 2026).

Monthly Monitoring (Payday Super Ready)

Once Payday Super starts, do this monthly:

Month 1–3:

Weekly: Check actual balance vs forecast
Adjust forecast if reality differs
Identify pattern changes

Ongoing:

Update forecast weekly
Always maintain 13-week view
Alert bank if shortfall expected
Communicate early with customers if cash is tight

Tools You Can Use

Spreadsheet (free):

Create in Excel/Google Sheets
Template: [Your bank may provide one]

Accounting software (built-in):

Xero has cash flow forecast feature
Myob, QuickBooks have similar tools

Specialist software:

Float, Pulse, Fluidly (cash flow specific)
Cost: $30–$100/month

Get Help Planning

Cash flow forecasting takes time. One mistake = liquidity crisis.

In Campbelltown and Greater Sydney, we build 13-week forecasts for Payday Super.

📞 Call: 04 044 71 816

We’ll analyze your cash flow, build a forecast, and identify risks before July 2026.