How to use this function

Compare actual results with budget using Vera

Learn which data to provide, how to start the comparison and how to read a report showing the size and location of differences from budget.

The explanation and a short practice take about 5–8 minutes. Processing and your questions can extend the session.

Start this course

Codex

Open Codex on your computer with Vera installed and select @Vera in a chat.
Copy the request below, paste it into the chat and send it.
Turn on Codex voice in this chat. The assistant will guide you to open the second working chat in another window: listen and ask questions here, and watch the work and results there.

Request to send to Vera

Vera, start the prepared lesson “Compare actual results with budget using Vera” in English. Teach me to use this function with the included fictional files. Use this chat to explain the steps and answer my questions. Create or resume a second working chat to run the current workflow, and guide me to open it in another window. Help me turn on voice. Show me the actual results, then let me try the practice exercise.

The fictional lesson files are already included in the plugin. You can also take the lesson in writing. This button copies the request; the lesson starts when you send it in Codex.

Start in Claude Cowork

Open Cowork with Vera installed and a connected folder for the lesson. Copy and send this request: the lesson takes place in writing in one conversation.

Request to send to Vera

Vera, start the prepared lesson “Compare actual results with budget using Vera” in English, in writing in this single Cowork conversation. Use the included fictional files. Explain each step, run the current function and show me the actual results. Pause for my questions and guide me through the practice exercise. Do not use voice or a second chat.

When to use it

Officina Arco wants to compare January and February operating profit with budget. It has monthly revenue and cost data and a note explaining the figures.

First use of variance analysis: one company, two months, EUR. We compare amounts; the file contains no quantities or evidence of commercial causes.

Files and request

Open january-february.csv and context-en.md. Find Scenario (PL budget, AC actual), Month, Category and Amount. The note explains signs and control totals. Vera stages a copy in the teaching case.

Vera, compare Officina Arco’s actual operating profit for January and February 2026 with budget, in euros. Show me the report and explain which categories contribute to the difference.

Run the workflow

In the working chat, Vera reads the file and proposes the comparison. The voice chat helps you check months, starting budget, actual results, currency and negative cost signs before calculation.
The current workflow calculates variances and creates tables, charts and a report draft. While it runs, the voice explains the process and answers questions without anticipating results that have not been produced.
Open the actual report and main chart. Start with the overall result, then read revenue and cost contributions and one monthly detail. Vera connects each comment to calculated data and saves actual review decisions.

Use the result

Word report draft and charts showing the movement from budget to actual.
Variance tables and reconciliation controls for tracing amounts to their sources.

Check scope and months, starting and ending totals, change in EUR and percentage where meaningful. Read the meaning of negative cost signs. Calculation identifies contributions but does not itself prove commercial causes. The report remains a draft until normal professional review.

Pause and check

Before calculation, identify the values being compared.
In the result, find one contributing category and its supporting figure.

These pauses help you learn how to use the function. They are not a technical detail quiz.

Try it yourself

Use january-march.csv to repeat the comparison for January through March. Request a new result while keeping the two-month version. Identify the change in the total and one category; ask for help only where needed.

You can choose the file and comparison, find the report, read a variance and repeat the analysis when another month arrives.

With your own file, state company, period, budget or other comparison basis and currency. Vera clarifies ambiguous columns, produces the results and guides your review.