Actuals

In business and finance, actuals are the recorded financial results that have occurred over a specific period. These historical figures represent what actually happened—the real revenue, expenses, and cash flows—as opposed to what was planned or forecasted. They are the foundation of financial reporting and performance measurement, serving as a verifiable record of past performance.

Actuals are derived from a company's general ledger after the completion of the month-end close process. Their primary use is in performance evaluation, most notably through variance analysis, which compares actual results to a budget or forecast. This comparison helps leaders understand business drivers, assess the accuracy of their plans, and make informed adjustments for future planning cycles.

The integrity and timeliness of actuals are crucial for effective FP&A. They provide the baseline for creating new budgets, rolling forecasts, and strategic plans, ensuring that all forward-looking activities are grounded in an accurate understanding of historical performance. Maintaining a single source of truth for actuals is a cornerstone of modern business planning.