Produce a structured budget variance analysis from actual vs budget figures. Use when asked to analyse budget variances, explain underspend or overspend, write a variance commentary, or investigate why actuals differ from plan. Produces a categorised variance table with root cause analysis and management commentary.
Produces a complete variance analysis from numbers through to root cause explanation and management commentary.
| Line Item | Budget | Actual | Variance £ | Variance % | F/A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue |
| Cost of Sales |
| Gross Profit |
| Opex |
| EBITDA |
F = Favourable | A = Adverse
For each variance above threshold:
[Line item] — £[amount] F/A ([%])
Ranked by materiality and strategic significance.
Does the full-year forecast need updating? State revised expectation and key assumptions.
3-4 sentences of management commentary suitable for a board pack.