Are you satisfied with how your company manages its financial resources? Sometimes, even those who are good with numbers, statistics, and projections feel that the process can be optimized to achieve better results.
The matrix budget is a methodology that contributes to greater financial control and more strategic use of the company's resources. Below, you will understand how this resource works and learn about its advantages. Follow along!
What is a matrix budget
The term “matrix” that defines this type of budgeting originates from the word matrix which, by definition, is a table that allows for the crossing of data arranged on two axes (row and column).
One of these axes—normally the line—presents the “packages” related to the expenditures for which the company’s budget is intended. For example: transportation, salaries, training, and travel.
On the other axis - in this case, the column - are the “entities” or departments of the company, such as the marketing department, sales department, and management.
Thus, the matrix budget directs this division of the company's resources based on the projection of expenses for each type of expenditure (such as salaries, travel, or training).
Instead of relying on the head of each department to manage the resources allocated to their team, matrix budgeting assumes that there will be a responsible person for each expense related to the company's activities, who is called a package manager.
The advantages of this feature for companies
The matrix budget allows each package manager to have a broader, more strategic view of how the company's money is used and, therefore, how each expense can be better managed to benefit the company's finances.
This prevents different sectors or departments from having widely varying expenses on similar activities, creating an imbalance. In other words, it reduces the chances of a manager inflating costs or taking other inappropriate measures to avoid future budget variations.
Resource management based on the matrix budget also helps to reduce costs, improve alignment between financial management and budget projection, and provide greater transparency to the company's finances.
All of this favors the performance of the controlling department, which will then have the conditions to develop its role in a more strategic way, becoming a more valuable piece for the decision-making process and for the success of the business.
How to use a matrix budget
To begin using this feature, the company needs to identify its packages, departments, and which employees will be responsible for managing financial resources.
This change should not negate the role of each department manager in the company in carrying out the spending projection. Their expertise remains important so that the package manager can base their decision on determining the portion of the budget to be allocated to a specific expense.
For the matrix budget to be well applied, package managers must have the autonomy to guide spending and make the necessary demands for the company to achieve its goals.
And for the success of this management, it's worth relying on specific technologies, such as Budget Matrix software. This way, the company is better able to manage and use its resources more intelligently and profitably.
Do you think the matrix budget is an interesting methodology for your company? Learn about Stratec software.
