Module 3 of 12 · Async + Virtual · 1.5 hours

Project Finance 2

Module 3 resources. Start with the video, keep the quick reference open while you work.

Module 3 throughline — Revenue isn’t booked when the work is sold — it’s earned as backlog converts to cash, and the PM controls how fast that happens.
Async + Virtual1.5 hoursBacklog to Cash

What you’ll be able to do

  • Understand the relationships between backlog, WIP, revenue, and cash.
  • Identify key behaviors to expedite the conversion of backlog to cash.
  • Learn how to forecast revenue using Earned Value Concepts.

Tools & resources

Tools & resources you’ll use

  • Multiplier Mapped Rate Schedule
  • Budget Tools

Listed items are the governance and operational tools tied to this section. Items marked “Participant generated” are built during the work.

The Archetype Lens

Profit earned is not cash collected — and two archetypes let it sit.

From backlog to cash, the People Pleaser and the Competent Coordinator each leave money still.

At risk here

Competent Coordinator

Logs and documents instead of intervening — trusts the meeting cadence over the timely call.

Obsessed Designer

Optimizes for the design — treats budget, client ops, and team load as someone else’s problem.

At risk here

People Pleaser

Leads with relationship — says yes, softens bad news, absorbs cost to dodge the hard conversation.

Accountable Owner

Owns the intersections — reads signals early, stops work, presents options, protects the outcome.

The situation

A client invoice is 60 days unpaid.

✗ The People Pleaser move

Doesn't want to sour the relationship, so lets it ride.

✓ The Owner move

Makes the collections call as a normal part of advising — protecting firm cash is part of the service.

The situation

$48k of finished work sits unbilled.

✗ The Competent Coordinator move

It's logged to bill 'next cycle'; the cash stays still.

✓ The Owner move

Bills as work is earned and treats unbilled time as cash at risk, not a backlog task.


Meet the four archetypes in depth →