Cost Center Analysis and Budget vs. Actual Comparison
Set up cost centers, allocate expenses to them, and run budget vs. actual variance reports.
[What is a cost center]
A management unit identifying where costs originate (department, project, location, etc.).
Used to understand which organizational unit is spending how much.
[Set up cost centers (admin)]
Admin Settings → Organization Settings → Add Cost Center
- Cost center code (e.g., CC-001)
- Name (e.g., Tokyo Sales)
- Parent cost center (supports hierarchy)
- Owner
[Allocate expenses]
Assign a cost center when registering expenses, payroll, and procurement costs.
For payroll: auto-allocated based on employee's assigned department.
[Budget vs. actual report]
Planning → Budget Management → Budget vs. Actual Report
Displayed:
- Budget amount
- Actual amount (aggregated confirmed costs)
- Variance (budget minus actual)
- Achievement rate
Drill down by cost center or expense category.
[Use variance analysis]
- Add explanatory comments to large variances (positive or negative)
- Feed variance analysis back into next budget planning cycle
⚠ Design cost center structure with your accounting system integration in mind.
Was this article helpful?