Learning Outcomes
By the end of this article, you will be able to explain the finance function’s purpose in creating value, describe the main performance measurement methods used in business, and understand how variances are calculated and interpreted. You will also learn how performance reports support management control and recognise the importance of using accurate data in decision-making, as required for ACCA BT.
ACCA Business and Technology (BT) Syllabus
For ACCA Business and Technology (BT), you are required to understand how the finance function measures business performance and supports value creation. In particular, you should focus your revision on:
- The role of the finance function in value creation and performance reporting
- Key concepts in performance measurement: financial and non-financial indicators
- Calculating, analysing, and interpreting basic budgetary variances
- The significance of variance analysis for management control and corrective action
- The structure and use of performance reports for decision-making
Test Your Knowledge
Attempt these questions before reading this article. If you find some difficult or cannot remember the answers, remember to look more closely at that area during your revision.
- What is the chief objective of variance analysis within management accounting?
- Which TWO of the following are examples of non-financial performance indicators?
a) Customer complaints
b) Gross profit percentage
c) Employee turnover rate
d) Net profit margin - True or False? A favourable variance always means performance is better than planned.
- If actual costs are higher than budgeted costs, is the variance adverse or favourable? Explain briefly.
Introduction
Effective performance measurement is essential to ensure that a business achieves its objectives and creates value for owners and stakeholders. The finance function plays a key role by providing management with reliable information for assessing how well resources are used, identifying deviations from plan, and supporting data-driven decisions.
The measurement and analysis of performance involve both quantitative and qualitative indicators, regular reporting, and the use of management accounting techniques such as variance analysis. Variance analysis is a core tool used to compare actual outcomes to planned or budgeted figures, highlighting areas where corrective action may be needed.
Key Term: finance function
The department or set of responsibilities in a business concerned with obtaining and managing funds, controlling financial resources, preparing and analysing financial reports, and aiding value creation.
Measuring Performance and Value Creation
Value in business is primarily created when income exceeds costs, but effective management goes beyond basic profitability. The finance function supports value creation by:
- Preparing timely and accurate reports
- Measuring results against plans
- Identifying both strengths and weaknesses in the business
- Advising on corrective actions
Regular review ensures efficient use of company resources, alignment with strategic objectives, and supports continuous improvement.
Key Term: performance measurement
The process of quantifying the efficiency and effectiveness of actions by comparing actual outcomes to set targets or objectives.
Types of Performance Indicators
Performance can be measured using both financial and non-financial indicators. Both are essential for a complete view of organisational health.
- Financial indicators assess outcomes in monetary terms. Examples include sales revenue, gross profit margin, and return on investment.
- Non-financial indicators relate to aspects such as quality, customer satisfaction, production efficiency, and employee turnover.
A balanced approach ensures that the business is not only profitable but also sustainable and responsive to customer needs.
Worked Example 1.1
Scenario: A company wants to measure the effectiveness of its new staff training programme. What types of performance indicators could the finance function recommend?
Answer:
Financial indicators might include the reduction in overtime wage costs and lower waste costs. Non-financial indicators could include improved scores in customer satisfaction surveys and fewer production errors per unit.
Budgeting and Variance Analysis
Budgets are used to plan how resources will be allocated over a specific period. Comparing actual results to budgeted figures reveals variances—differences that signal where targets have or have not been met.
Key Term: variance
The difference between an actual result and the amount that was budgeted, expected, or planned, typically measured for costs or revenues.Key Term: variance analysis
The process of breaking down total variances into component parts, identifying causes, and evaluating their significance for management.
Types of Variances
- Favourable variance (F): When actual income is higher than budgeted, or actual cost is lower than budgeted.
- Adverse (or Unfavourable) variance (A): When actual income is lower than budgeted, or actual costs are higher than budgeted.
Worked Example 1.2
Scenario: A business budgets £10,000 for material costs for a month. The actual spend is £12,000. What is the variance and is it favourable or adverse?
Answer:
Variance = Actual cost – Budgeted cost = £12,000 – £10,000 = £2,000 adverse. This means the business spent £2,000 more than planned.
Interpreting Variances
Not all adverse variances indicate poor performance, nor do all favourable variances signal success. The finance function must investigate the causes, which may include:
- Changes in market conditions
- Inaccurate budgeting
- Operational inefficiencies
- Unexpected events (e.g., supply chain disruption)
Focusing only on financial measures may overlook important non-financial aspects, such as a reduction in product quality or falling customer satisfaction.
Worked Example 1.3
Scenario: Sales of a new product are £15,000 higher than budgeted. The finance team notices increased complaints and warranty returns.
Answer:
Although the variance for sales revenue is favourable, the deeper non-financial data (customer complaints) suggests quality or customer service issues. Management should investigate further before concluding performance has improved.
Revision Tip
When answering exam questions, always explain both the numerical outcome of a variance and what it means for the business—link variance analysis to business performance, not just the maths.
The Management Accounting Control Cycle
Variance analysis is central within the broader management control process. The typical steps are:
- Set targets (budgets and standards)
- Record actual results
- Calculate variances (actual vs budget)
- Analyse causes and identify responsibility
- Advise corrective action
- Monitor outcomes and revise plans
This feedback loop ensures the business remains on target and responsive to changing circumstances.
Key Term: performance report
A structured summary produced for management, comparing budgeted and actual performance, highlighting variances, and guiding decisions.
The Role of Performance Reporting
Performance reports are periodically produced by the finance function for managers and other decision makers. They help:
- Monitor progress towards goals
- Highlight issues needing attention
- Support accountability across departments
- Communicate performance information clearly and promptly
Effective reports summarise both financial and non-financial information and are tailored to the needs of users at each management level.
Worked Example 1.4
Scenario: The monthly sales performance report for the southern region shows sales 10% below budget. The variance analysis attributes 80% of the shortfall to a supply chain delay.
Answer:
The regional manager can use this information to focus on supply improvements, rather than changing the sales team or marketing spend.
Exam Warning
Do not assume that a favourable or adverse variance alone tells the full story. Always consider the context—the reason for variances may lie outside the control of the department being measured.
Summary
The finance function is responsible for designing and operating systems to measure performance and support value creation. Accurate variance analysis and regular performance reporting help managers control operations, achieve objectives, and take action when outcomes differ from plans. Both financial and non-financial indicators are needed for a fair assessment of results.
Key Point Checklist
This article has covered the following key knowledge points:
- The finance function's purpose in value creation and supporting business control
- The main types and uses of performance indicators, both financial and non-financial
- The meaning and interpretation of variances and variance analysis
- The difference between favourable and adverse variances, and why context matters
- The stages of the management control cycle and the importance of timely performance reports
- The need to link numerical results with business implications in all analysis
Key Terms and Concepts
- finance function
- performance measurement
- variance
- variance analysis
- performance report