variance-analysis

Purpose

Document budget variances with clear explanations and supporting context for leadership review.

Usage

• /variance-analysis [period] - Document variances for specific period

Steps

1. Prompt for variance data:

   • Budget category
   • Budgeted amount
   • Actual amount
   • Variance ($and %)

2. For each material variance, ask:

   • What caused this variance?
   • Is it timing or permanent?
   • What corrective actions if needed?
   • Supporting context

3. Search for supporting context:

   • Meeting notes mentioning the category
   • Project files
   • Relevant decisions made

4. Create variance analysis document with:

   • Executive summary
   • Variance details by category
   • Explanations with context
   • Outlook for rest of period

Output Format

# Variance Analysis: [Period]

## Executive Summary
- Total variance: $[X] ([X]%)
- Key drivers: [Top 2-3 factors]

## Material Variances

### [Category] - $[Variance]
- **Budget:** $[Amount]
- **Actual:** $[Amount]
- **Variance:** $[Amount] ([X]%)
- **Explanation:** [Reason]
- **Type:** Timing / Permanent
- **Outlook:** [Impact on rest of year]