# Variance Analysis

> Compare actuals vs budget with narrative

- Skill: `majiayu000/variance-analysis` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add majiayu000/variance-analysis`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/majiayu000/variance-analysis/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Finance & Business
- Author: majiayu000 (https://skillmd.com/u/majiayu000)
- Updated: 2026-09-09
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/majiayu000/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

```markdown
# 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]
```