P&L – Estimate with Act and Forecast

What is a Profit & Loss Report with Estimate versus Budget? Profit & Loss estimate reports are considered variance analysis reports and are often used by CFOs and Executives to compare the most likely annual results with the original plan. Key functionality in this type of report automatically calculates the year-end estimate based on actual figures year-to-date plus the forecast for the remainder of the year. For each new month for which the user runs the report, the current month's actual data will replace the forecast originally set for that month. The report also shows the original annual budget and the variance. You will find an example of this type of report below.

Purpose of Profit & Loss Estimate Reports Companies and organizations use Profit & Loss Estimate Reports to easily compare current likely (actual plus forecast) outcomes versus the original budget. When used as part of good business practices in a Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Department, a company can improve those business decisions that are tied to year-end results, as well as, reduce the chances that managers put too much weight on a budget that can no longer be comparable to actual results.

Who Uses This Type of Report? The typical users of this type of report are: CFOs and Executives. Other Reports Often Used in Conjunction with Profit & Loss Estimate Reports Progressive Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) Departments sometimes use several different Profit & Loss Estimate Reports, along with balance sheets, cash flow reports, dashboards and other management and control tools.

Where Does the Data for Analysis Originate From? The Actual (historical transactions) data typically comes from enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems like: Microsoft Dynamics 365 (D365) Finance, Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central (D365 BC), Microsoft Dynamics AX, Microsoft Dynamics NAV, Microsoft Dynamics GP, Microsoft Dynamics SL, Sage Intacct, Sage 100, Sage 300, Sage 500, Sage X3, SAP Business One, SAP ByDesign, Acumatica, Netsuite and others. In analyses where budgets or forecasts are used, the planning data most often originates from in-house Excel spreadsheet models or from professional xFP&A solutions.

This Solver planning template connects directly to your ERP data via the Solver Data Warehouse, enabling near real-time analysis with minimal setup. Designed for QuickStart deployment, it can be activated rapidly so your team can focus on analysis and decisions — not data preparation.

What is the P&L – Estimate with Act and Forecast in Solver? The P&L – Estimate with Act and Forecast is a pre-built xFP&A planning template in Solver that allows finance and business teams to submit planning data directly in Solver, with automatic roll-up to consolidated budget and forecast models.

Who uses this Solver planning template? Budget owners, department managers, and CFOs, FP&A managers, and budget owners use this planning template to enter and submit financial data directly in Solver. It is particularly valuable during annual budgeting and rolling forecast cycles.

Where does the data come from? Data is sourced automatically from your ERP system through the Solver Data Warehouse, which integrates with platforms such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central, Dynamics 365 Finance, Acumatica, Sage Intacct, and other leading ERP solutions. Once connected, the template updates in near real-time with no manual data entry required.

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