Rolling Forecast
Rolling forecast is a dynamic financial planning and analysis methodology where forecasts are continuously updated by adding a new period (e.g., month or quarter) as the current period ends, while dropping the oldest period, maintaining a constant forecast horizon. It enables organizations to adapt to changing business conditions by providing more frequent and relevant projections compared to static annual budgets. This approach integrates actual performance data with forward-looking assumptions to support agile decision-making and resource allocation.
Developers should learn rolling forecast when working in roles involving financial software, business intelligence tools, or data analytics platforms, as it helps in building systems that support real-time budget tracking, scenario planning, and performance management. It is particularly useful in fast-paced industries like tech, retail, or finance, where market conditions change rapidly and require adaptive forecasting to optimize operations and strategic investments.