What is the purpose of variance reports?

Variance reports serve the critical function of comparing actual performance to budgeted amounts. This process helps organizations identify discrepancies between what was planned and what has actually occurred, allowing for a thorough analysis of financial performance. By examining these variances, management can pinpoint areas where the company may be over or under budget, understand the reasons behind these variances, and make informed decisions to address any financial issues.

For example, if a company planned to spend $100,000 on production costs but actually spent $120,000, the variance report will highlight this $20,000 difference. This information is invaluable for managers as it enables them to evaluate operational efficiency, control costs, and reassess future budgets based on actual performance.

Other options, while relevant in different contexts, do not align with the specific purpose of variance reports. Analyzing employee performance relates more to performance reviews or appraisal systems, detailing market position involves market analysis rather than internal financial discrepancies, and projecting future trends is associated with forecasting rather than the retrospective analysis provided by variance reports.