🧾 IT Budgeting Readiness Checklist

Use this checklist to assess whether your organisation is ready to prepare a strategic IT budget in 2021 and beyond.

📌 Budget Fundamentals

• We have an up-to-date inventory of all IT assets and subscriptions
• We distinguish between CapEx and OpEx in our accounting practices
• We set aside 10–15% contingency in our IT budget
• We use a rolling forecast rather than static annual budgets

📌 Strategic Alignment

• Our IT spend is mapped to business goals and KPIs
• We involve finance and department heads in budgeting conversations
• We prioritize projects based on ROI and strategic value

📌 Cost Optimisation

• We regularly audit and eliminate unused licenses and apps
• We negotiate with vendors and consolidate where possible
• We assess open-source or lower-cost alternatives

📌 Security & Compliance

• Our IT budget includes investments in backup, MFA, antivirus, and awareness training
• We have reviewed requirements from cyber insurance providers
• We include funding for compliance-related audits and tools

📌 Cloud and Hybrid Work Readiness

• We assess cloud costs and plan for SaaS/PaaS growth
• We budget for remote/hybrid work support infrastructure
• We have a DR/BC strategy and understand cost implications