CPA LogoCPA Exam Prep

Purpose of Variance Analysis

Why Organizations Analyze Variances

Organizations compare actual results with budgeted expectations to identify significant differences requiring management attention. Variance analysis helps determine whether performance differences resulted from operational efficiency, pricing, sales volume, or external economic factors.

Note
The goal of variance analysis is to improve future performance rather than assign blame.
Summary
Variance analysis helps organizations understand why results differ from expectations and how performance can improve.