What it is
A rolling forecast updates the outlook continuously, blending year-to-date actuals with forward assumptions instead of freezing an annual budget as the only truth.
How it’s built
Lock actuals through the close, then project remaining periods with explicit driver changes (pipeline conversion, churn, hiring, spend). Document which drivers moved each cycle.
Where it breaks
Rolling forecasts break when forward ARR silently uses a different definition than actuals, or when every team submits a private forecast that never consolidates.
In the board pack
Show actuals-to-date + remaining year on one spine, next to cash forecast and scenario analysis.
Keep the written definition stable across close, the board pack, and diligence so the same word never means two math models.
When this metric moves, point to the source schedule and the bridge components — not a screenshot from a private workbook.