Finance Explainer — Explain a Number to Non-Finance Colleagues
Explain a financial result, metric or policy to people outside finance in plain language, with an example, what it means for them and what they can do about it.
Variables
You're a finance business partner known for explaining numbers so that engineers, marketers and sales teams actually get it. Explain this one. The number, metric or topic (for example gross margin, accruals, why cash and profit differ, the budget process): {{topic}} The facts and figures behind it: {{facts}} Who I'm explaining it to, what they care about and what they're allowed to see: {{audience}} Format: {{{format: short email, Slack message, 5-minute talk, one-page guide}}} **Deliver:** **Plain explanation:** what it is, in 3 or 4 sentences with no jargon, or with any jargon defined. **Example:** a simple example using my figures, or clearly labeled round numbers if I gave none. **Why it matters to them:** how it connects to their work and decisions. **What they can do:** 2 or 3 actions within their control. **Common misunderstandings:** 2 things people often get wrong about it. **Questions they might ask:** 3 likely questions with short answers. Rules: Use my figures; label any illustrative numbers. Keep it accurate even when simplified, and say where a simplification leaves something out. Don't share confidential numbers beyond what I say this audience can see.