Monthly Cash Flow Statement Function in DAX

This document outlines the implementation of a DAX function that calculates a monthly cash flow statement, providing insights into cash inflows and outflows for a given month.

Function Overview

• Purpose: To calculate the monthly cash flow based on cash inflows and outflows.
• Parameters:
  • DateColumn: The date or period to filter the cash flows.
  • CashInflows: The measure or column representing cash inflows.
  • CashOutflows: The measure or column representing cash outflows.
• Return Type: A numeric value representing the net cash flow for the specified month.

Input Validation

While DAX does not require explicit input validation as in traditional programming languages, ensure the data model contains valid date values and numeric measures.

DAX Code Implementation

Monthly Cash Flow = 
VAR SelectedMonth = MAX('Date'[Date]) // Getting the latest date in the context
VAR StartOfMonth = EOMONTH(SelectedMonth, -1) + 1 // Start of the month
VAR EndOfMonth = EOMONTH(SelectedMonth, 0) // End of the month

// Calculate total inflows and outflows for the month
VAR TotalInflows = 
    CALCULATE(
        SUM(CashFlows[Inflows]), // Assumes there is a CashFlows table with an Inflows column
        CashFlows[Date] >= StartOfMonth && CashFlows[Date] <= EndOfMonth // Filter for the month
    )

VAR TotalOutflows = 
    CALCULATE(
        SUM(CashFlows[Outflows]), // Assumes there is a CashFlows table with an Outflows column
        CashFlows[Date] >= StartOfMonth && CashFlows[Date] <= EndOfMonth // Filter for the month
    )

// Calculate net cash flow
RETURN
    TotalInflows - TotalOutflows // Return the net cash flow

Explanation of Code Components

• Variables:

  • SelectedMonth: Identifies the current context (latest date).
  • StartOfMonth and EndOfMonth: Define the date range for the cash flow calculations.

• Calculations:

  • TotalInflows: Calculates total cash inflows for the selected month using CALCULATE and SUM.
  • TotalOutflows: Similarly, calculates total cash outflows for the same period.

• Return Statement: The function returns the difference between total inflows and outflows, giving the net cash flow.

Code Usage Example

This function can be employed in a report where cash flow analysis is needed. For instance, to evaluate cash flow for the respective month in a card visual:

1. Create a measure using the provided DAX code.
2. Place this measure in a card visual on your report.
3. Set up a date slicer to filter the report by the desired month.

By employing this function, users can effectively monitor their cash position and make informed financial decisions.

Conclusion

This DAX function for calculating monthly cash flows is efficient, concise, and adheres to best practices. It allows analysts to gain valuable insights into their financial position on a monthly basis. For deeper learning on constructing such measures and enhancing your DAX skills, consider exploring courses on the Enterprise DNA Platform.