The Monthly Financial Review Template by Ascendance is designed to help businesses assess their financial performance regularly. It provides a comprehensive view of the company’s financial health, allowing stakeholders to make informed decisions. In this article, we will walk you through the different sections of the template and explain how to use it effectively.
1. Mission, Vision, and Core Values
Begin by reviewing the company’s mission, vision, and core values to remind everyone of the purpose and principles guiding the business. This section sets the tone for the rest of the review and ensures that all participants are aligned with the company’s goals.
2. Annual Top-Level Goals
Next, present the key annual goals identified during the goal-setting process. These goals should be listed in the cascading goals document. Include any relevant graphs or charts to show progress towards these objectives.
3. Quarterly Top-Level Goals
After discussing annual goals, move on to the quarterly goals. Provide the same level of detail as with the annual goals, including any visual aids to illustrate progress.
4. Financial Summary
The financial summary section is divided into several subsections:
a. P&L Results: Compare actual performance against the budget for the current month. Include any relevant notes to explain significant variances.
b. Cash Flow Results: Review the company’s cash flow and bank balance, highlighting any potential issues or areas of concern.
c. Last Month’s Income Statement: Examine the income statement from the previous month, comparing it to the budget and discussing any significant variances.
d. Last Month’s Revenue: Break down revenue by different categories to provide a comprehensive view of the company’s earnings.
5. Sales and Marketing Summary
This section focuses on the company’s growth and sales performance. Review the sales pipeline, bookings, and the number of products or services sold. For SaaS businesses, consider including annual recurring revenue (ARR) growth by month as a key metric. Also, analyze website traffic, social media engagement, and other growth indicators.
6. Lead Generation
Include lead generation graphs to visualize the effectiveness of marketing efforts in driving new business.
7. Operations Summary
In this section, discuss the company’s wins, losses, challenges, and plans for the upcoming month or period.
8. Board Calendar
Include a calendar of upcoming board meetings and financial calls to ensure all stakeholders are informed and prepared.
9. Additional Information
If necessary, include any additional information, such as month-to-date financials, year-to-date financials, organizational charts, or important links.
Conclusion
The Monthly Financial Review Template by Ascendance is a valuable tool for businesses to assess their financial performance and make informed decisions. By regularly reviewing and discussing key financial metrics, stakeholders can gain a clear understanding of the company’s financial health and take necessary actions to ensure continued growth and success.