Download J: Budget vs Actual Variance Report (.xlsx)
What it does
MTD and YTD budget vs actual by P&L line, with favourable/adverse labels, threshold flags, EBITDA and PBT subtotals, a full-year forecast and commentary. Uses no volatile formulas.
Who it is for
FP&A and management reporting teams.
How to use it
- Go to 'Settings'. Type the first month of your financial year, the month you are reporting, and your variance threshold (a % and a minimum rupee amount, for example 10% and ₹5 lakh).
- Go to 'Lines'. List your P&L lines and choose the section for each: Revenue, Operating cost or Below EBITDA. Sample lines suit a toll road company.
- Go to 'Budget' and type the approved monthly budget for each line (12 months). Lines are picked up from the 'Lines' tab automatically.
- Go to 'Actual' and type (or paste from your trial balance) the actual figures for each month as they close.
- Open 'Report'. Everything is calculated. Lines flagged 'Explain' are above your threshold; type the reason in the commentary column.
- Change the reporting month on 'Settings' to see any earlier month.
Tabs in the file
| Tab | What it holds |
|---|---|
| Settings | Financial year, reporting month and variance threshold. |
| Lines | Your P&L lines and their section. |
| Budget | Monthly budget per line. |
| Actual | Monthly actuals per line. |
| Report | MTD and YTD variance report with flags, subtotals, forecast and commentary. |
Learn the topic
For computation and reconciliation assistance only; not a substitute for formal statutory audit or legal tax advice. All sample data is illustrative and made up. Rates, limits and rules must be checked against current law and your own agreements before use. No tax saving, audit outcome or compliance result is promised.