While it's not debatable that variance analysis is an important FP&A tool, companies differ in how they apply it.
As tempting as it can be to blame uncontrollable factors for variances to plan, effective leaders instead prepare for mitigating the impact.
Operating margins for U.S. companies with subsidiaries in Europe or Japan are getting whacked by foreign exchange this year.
It's when operating returns don't exceed estimated your estimated cost of capital, rounded up to the next whole number.
The ability to meet budget commitments hangs in the balance.
Cutting-edge financial-performance analysis demands that the analytical process be forward looking.