Budgeting and variance analysis with clear drivers
A budget is only useful when it’s explainable. We structure assumptions and variance review so teams can learn and adjust without rebuilding the spreadsheet.
Service overview
We help teams build driver-based budgets and a consistent plan-vs-actual review. The goal is a process that explains changes, highlights assumptions, and supports reforecasting.
Assumptions
Define inputs, owners, and ranges.
Structure
Standard categories and mapping to reporting.
Cadence
Repeatable monthly reforecast workflow.
Common problems solved
- Budgets are built once and ignored because they’re hard to update
- Variance reviews focus on blame instead of learning and adjusting
- Categories don’t map cleanly to the chart of accounts
- Assumptions aren’t documented, so changes are hard to explain
What implementation includes
Budget model
- Driver mapping (volume, pricing, headcount, spend timing)
- Category structure and mapping to reporting outputs
- Versioning and change tracking approach
Variance workflow
- Plan vs actual template and definitions
- Variance explanation framework (volume / rate / mix where applicable)
- Reforecast cadence and ownership guidance
Typical outcomes
Faster updates
A budget structure that’s easier to maintain.
Clearer variance
A consistent way to explain why results moved.
Better alignment
Categories and reporting line up across teams.
Decision-support and unlicensed services
This engagement focuses on budgeting structure, definitions, and variance explanation. We explain and model; we do not provide tax, legal, audit/assurance, or investment advice, and we do not recommend regulated actions.
Related services
Explore the other services in this group.