The Build: "Are we on track?"

37
Mins

Overview

Beating the budget isn't the same as being on track. When net loss comes in at $45K against a planned $268K, the headline looks like a win — but if revenue is down 10% on budget and 24% year-over-year, and the "beat" is really just hiring you didn't do, the board is going to ask the one question a variance table can't answer on its own: are we actually on track, or not?

In this live 30-minute Build, you'll see how variance and common-size analysis separate timing issues from structural decline, how a narrative summary reframes the story before anyone reaches the tables, and how microforecasts, deals, hires and ramp assumptions turn next year's forecast into something grounded in reality rather than last year's budget.

This session is hands-on. Follow along in your own Fathom account, or just watch the report and forecast come together in real time. Your numbers, your screen, 30 minutes.

‍

In this webinar you'll learn

  • How to build a board report that separates timing issues from genuine structural decline
  • How to use variance and common-size analysis to pinpoint where a decline is really coming from
  • How to lead with a narrative summary instead of burying the board in tables
  • How to reforecast using microforecasts, deals, hires and ramp assumptions so next year's numbers reflect reality, not last year's budget
About your presenter
James Erving

James is Head of Customer Success (APAC). James is passionate about helping businesses thrive, and improving customer experience.

Quarterly Product Webinar - October 2026
Video
Quarterly Product Webinar - October 2026
Fathom ships fast, and there's a lot to catch up on. Join Luke, our Head of Product, for a session covering what's new, what's next, and what it means for how you work.
Ask an Expert: Live with Mike Michalowicz
Video
Ask an Expert: Live with Mike Michalowicz
Best-selling author Mike Michalowicz makes the case that the traditional accounting formula is quietly killing small business profitability — and introduces Profit First, the method that flips the equation on its head and puts cash in your pocket from day one.
The Build: "What does the next 12 months look like?"
Video
The Build: "What does the next 12 months look like?"
CFO Edition: Your board wants to know where the business is heading over the next 12 months. Build the three-scenario forecast and board-ready pack that answer their real question: are we going to be OK?

The Build: "Are we on track?"

37
Mins
Overview

Beating the budget isn't the same as being on track. When net loss comes in at $45K against a planned $268K, the headline looks like a win — but if revenue is down 10% on budget and 24% year-over-year, and the "beat" is really just hiring you didn't do, the board is going to ask the one question a variance table can't answer on its own: are we actually on track, or not?

In this live 30-minute Build, you'll see how variance and common-size analysis separate timing issues from structural decline, how a narrative summary reframes the story before anyone reaches the tables, and how microforecasts, deals, hires and ramp assumptions turn next year's forecast into something grounded in reality rather than last year's budget.

This session is hands-on. Follow along in your own Fathom account, or just watch the report and forecast come together in real time. Your numbers, your screen, 30 minutes.

‍

In this webinar you’ll learn
  • How to build a board report that separates timing issues from genuine structural decline
  • How to use variance and common-size analysis to pinpoint where a decline is really coming from
  • How to lead with a narrative summary instead of burying the board in tables
  • How to reforecast using microforecasts, deals, hires and ramp assumptions so next year's numbers reflect reality, not last year's budget
Get the webinar recording
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
About your presenter
James Erving

James is Head of Customer Success (APAC). James is passionate about helping businesses thrive, and improving customer experience.

Try Fathom today
Start your 14-day free trial. No credit card required.
Try for Free