# Excel Variance Analyzer

> Analyze budget vs actual variances in Excel with drill-down and root cause analysis. Use when performing variance analysis or explaining budget differences. Trigger with phrases like 'excel variance', 'analyze budget variance', 'actual vs budget'.

- Skill: `tools-only/excel-variance-analyzer` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 3 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds add tools-only/excel-variance-analyzer`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/tools-only/excel-variance-analyzer/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Data & Analytics
- License: MIT
- Author: tools-only (https://skillmd.com/u/tools-only)
- Updated: 2026-09-08
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/tools-only/excel-variance-analyzer

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# Excel Variance Analyzer

## Overview

Performs comprehensive budget vs actual variance analysis with automated drill-down, root cause identification, and executive reporting.

## Prerequisites

- Excel or compatible spreadsheet software
- Budget data by period and category
- Actual results for comparison
- Cost center or department structure

## Instructions

1. Import budget and actual data into comparison template
2. Calculate absolute and percentage variances
3. Apply materiality thresholds for flagging
4. Create drill-down by category, period, or cost center
5. Generate variance waterfall chart for executive reporting

## Output

- Variance summary with favorable/unfavorable indicators
- Materiality-filtered exception report
- Waterfall chart showing budget-to-actual bridge
- Drill-down by category or cost center

## Error Handling

| Error | Cause | Solution |
|-------|-------|----------|
| Missing periods | Data gaps | Fill with zeros or interpolate |
| Percentage calc error | Zero budget | Use IF to handle div/0 |
| Misaligned categories | Changed chart of accounts | Create mapping table |

## Examples

**Example: Monthly P&L Variance**
Request: "Analyze why we missed budget by $500K this month"
Result: Variance waterfall showing revenue shortfall offset by OPEX savings

**Example: Department Budget Review**
Request: "Which departments are over budget YTD?"
Result: Ranked list by variance magnitude with drill-down to line items

## Resources

- [FP&A Best Practices](https://www.fpanda.org/)
- `{baseDir}/references/variance-formulas.md` for calculation templates