Cost Code Verification-Budget vs. Actuals

Clint Stitser

Hello Everyone,

I build budgets in Smartsheets and then import actuals from our accounting department, provided on an excel sheet, which I then manually manipulate and upload to a different sheet in Smartsheets.

Then I have a few different ways that I run analysis between these two data sets in combined sheets.

I am finding challenges with cost code variation as our business grows because the accounting department provides actuals that has new codes, or on some months, income statements that exclude certain cost codes as they weren't used in that month.

I am seeking a best practice on the import process to identify new or missing cost codes so as to make for a less laborious import, AND for QC on future budgeting and cash flow projections.

For example, if we added a new expense in a department that shows up on the actuals, and wasn't previously budgeted in Smartsheet, I'd like a way to systematically ensure it is captured.

My apologies for the long post, and thanks for taking the time to read.

Andrée Starå

Hi Clint,

It sounds like a VLOOKUP or an INDEX/MATCH combination formula would work for most of what you need.

Can you describe your process in more detail and maybe share the sheet(s)/copies of the sheet(s) or some screenshots? (Delete/replace any confidential/sensitive information before sharing) That would make it easier to help. (share too, andree@getdone.se)

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå

Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

✅Did my post help or answer your question or solve your problem? Please help the Community by marking it as the accepted answer/helpful. It will make it easier for others to find a solution or help to answer!

Andrée Starå

Hi Clint,

It sounds like a VLOOKUP or an INDEX/MATCH combination formula would work for most of what you need.

Can you describe your process in more detail and maybe share the sheet(s)/copies of the sheet(s) or some screenshots? (Delete/replace any confidential/sensitive information before sharing) That would make it easier to help. (share too, andree@getdone.se)

I hope that helps!

Be safe and have a fantastic week!

Best,

Andrée Starå

Workflow Consultant / CEO @ WORK BOLD

✅Did my post help or answer your question or solve your problem? Please help the Community by marking it as the accepted answer/helpful. It will make it easier for others to find a solution or help to answer!

Clint Stitser

Thanks Andree!

I ended up doing a cell link from all 3 data sets into a consolidated sheet where I then ran a series of Countifs to identify where things are missing.

If I continue to struggle with this issue, I will reach back out.

Sincerely,

Clint

Andrée Starå

Excellent!

Happy to help!