MATTLY FINANCE / REPORTING & FINANCE SUPPORT
Reporting & finance support
Bring month-end results, budget comparisons and cash-flow information together in a practical working view.
WHEN IT HELPS
When the month needs context, not just a total.
- Month-end figures are available but movements need explanation.
- Actual results need to be compared with an authorised budget.
- Cash commitments, open items and reporting queries need to be considered together.
What the work covers
Select the tasks that address your priority. The engagement sets out which accounts, periods and outputs are included.
- Prepare or support management reporting from the agreed accounting records.
- Compare actual results with the budget or other agreed reference.
- Identify movements and raise questions that need operational context.
- Organise cash-flow information and outstanding items within the agreed reporting scope.
A reporting cycle with a clear starting point
Confirm the cut-off date and which accounts are included. Check that the available balances and schedules relate to the same period. Record unresolved items before preparing the comparisons, so a report does not hide gaps in the records.
Budget comparisons that explain the difference
Use the authorised budget as the reference. Show actual results, budget and the rand difference consistently. Where useful, add a percentage difference and explain the sign convention. A movement may relate to timing, a once-off expense, price or activity levels; the explanation needs supporting information.
Cash information for practical planning
Bring opening cash, expected receipts, payments and known commitments into a dated schedule. Identify assumptions and uncertain receipts separately. An expected customer payment remains an estimate until received; a profitable month can still put pressure on cash.
What you receive
- An agreed management-reporting pack or working schedule.
- Budget comparisons and notes on movements requiring attention.
- Cash-flow information, reporting queries and follow-up priorities where included.
Why it matters
Useful reporting links figures to questions and decisions. Its reliability depends on the underlying records, the reporting period and the assumptions used; cash-flow information is not a promise of future cash availability.
Confirm the output format and reporting cycle at the start.
What you provide
The exact checklist depends on your systems and the agreed work. It may include:
- Accounting balances and supporting schedules for the reporting period.
- The authorised budget or agreed comparison figures.
- Relevant information about expected receipts, payments and known commitments if cash-flow support is included.
Do not send these records through the public enquiry form. Agree a suitable sharing channel and authorised access first.
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLE / NOT A CLIENT CASE STUDY
What this looks like in practice
Actual expenditure differs from budget. A useful review checks the period, account classification and supporting records, then identifies whether the movement relates to timing, volume, price or another explanation that needs confirmation.
Revenue is only part of the picture.
Compare revenue with operating costs, then investigate what sits behind the movement.
March operating surplus: R33 000. R150 000 revenue less R117 000 operating costs. This simplified example excludes tax and other items.
View figures and calculation
| Month | Revenue | Operating costs | Operating surplus |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | R120 000 | R95 000 | R25 000 |
| February | R135 000 | R108 000 | R27 000 |
| March | R150 000 | R117 000 | R33 000 |
Profit and available cash are different.
Cash depends on when receipts arrive and payments leave—not just when income and costs are recorded.
January closes at R30 000. R40 000 opening cash + R120 000 receipts − R130 000 payments. These are example movements, not a forecast.
View figures and calculation
| Month | Opening cash | Receipts | Payments | Closing cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | R40 000 | R120 000 | R130 000 | R30 000 |
| February | R30 000 | R135 000 | R125 000 | R40 000 |
| March | R40 000 | R150 000 | R140 000 | R50 000 |
Responsibilities & scope
You provide complete records, respond to queries and approve business decisions. MATTLY works within the agreed scope, raises unresolved information and communicates the position reached.
Management reports support internal business decisions. They are not audited financial statements, an assurance opinion or investment advice. Forecasting, statutory financial statements and additional analysis are not automatically included. Availability, suitability and any separate professional support must be confirmed before work is agreed.
For fees, timing, changes and handover, see the working arrangements below.
Read the working arrangements ↗LET’S AGREE THE RIGHT SUPPORT
Start with what needs attention.
Tell Edward about your priority, the periods involved and your current records. Keep confidential documents out of the initial enquiry.