> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.modelreef.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.modelreef.io/how-tos/dashboards-and-reporting/build-a-board-reporting-pack.md).

# Build a Board Reporting Pack

This guide describes how to use Model Reef as the backbone for a board reporting pack. The pack will draw on the same model used for planning and forecasting, but present results in a board friendly structure.

***

## Before you start

You should have:

* An up to date model with integrated historicals and forward projections.
* A clear view of the agenda and responsibilities of your board.
* An understanding of what information is already supplied by accounting and operations systems.

If you have not yet built an annual plan, consider:

* **Build an Annual Planning Pack**
* **Build a Budget vs Actuals Model**

***

## What you will build

* A repeatable board pack built from Model Reef outputs, covering:
  * Financial performance against plan.
  * Cash and runway.
  * Major investments and financing events.
  * Scenario and risk insights.
* A workflow for updating the pack ahead of each meeting.

***

## Define the board pack sections

Typical sections include:

* Executive summary.
* Performance vs budget or plan.
* Cash and funding position.
* Major initiatives and capex.
* Risk, scenario and downside views.
* Decisions and approvals requested.

Confirm with your chair or board lead what they expect in each meeting so that the pack stays focused.

***

## Build the core pack

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Build core financial tables and charts in Model Reef

Within your model, define a set of standard outputs for the board, such as:

* P\&L summary table by quarter or year.
* Cash Waterfall summary showing key movements.
* Chart of revenue, EBITDA and cash over the planning horizon.
* Capex over time and its impact on debt or cash.
* Simple leverage, coverage or covenant style metrics if you have debt.

These can be built as dashboards or as part of a custom report configuration.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Integrate budget vs actuals views

Boards often want to see how actual performance compares to the approved plan.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Maintain a frozen Budget model that reflects the approved plan.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Maintain an Actuals or Latest Forecast model with updated information.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Extract key metrics from both and build Budget vs Actuals views for:

* Revenue.
* EBITDA or operating cashflow.
* Cash balance.
* Major cost lines.

You can present these in tables and charts, with commentary on the main variances.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Summarise cash runway and funding requirements

Using the Cashflow Statement, Cash Waterfall and Balance Sheet:

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Determine minimum cash balance and when it occurs.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Identify any forecast funding gaps and their size.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
Summarise expected debt levels and covenant headroom if relevant.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

Translate this into board level messages such as:

* Runway in months at current burn.
* Funding required, approximate timing and possible structures.

Model Reef provides the numbers; you provide the interpretation and options.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Include scenario and downside perspectives

If you have separate scenario or stress models, include a short section that compares:

* Base Case versus Downside (and optionally Upside).
* Impacts on revenue, cash, funding and valuation.
* Triggers or indicators that might move the business from one scenario to another.

Keep the focus on decision relevant insights rather than a long list of scenario variants.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Build the pack in your document or slide tool

Finally, assemble the board pack using:

* Charts and tables exported or copied from Model Reef.
* Narrative sections that explain drivers, risks and decisions.
* Appendices where more detail is needed for finance or audit committees.

Use a consistent template so that board members become familiar with where to look for particular types of information.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

***

## Check your work

* The pack is aligned with the board agenda and responsibilities.
* Key financials connect directly to the Model Reef outputs you trust.
* Cash, funding and downside risk are addressed clearly.
* The pack is of a manageable length and can be read ahead of the meeting.

***

## Troubleshooting

<details>

<summary><strong>Board members request more detail each time</strong></summary>

Consider creating a core pack plus a separate detailed appendix, so the main document remains concise.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Numbers differ from statutory accounts</strong></summary>

Clarify whether Model Reef outputs include management adjustments, and reconcile where necessary.

</details>

<details>

<summary><strong>Pack preparation becomes very time consuming</strong></summary>

Standardise the set of Model Reef outputs and reuse the same board template each period.

</details>

***

## Related guides

* [Hospitality & Events (Functions, Events, Venues)](/use-cases/hospitality-and-events-functions-events-venues.md)
* [COGS Variables: what is, rules, what it affects](/help/drivers-variables-and-timing/cogs-variables.md)
* [CSV Import](/help/importing-and-data-inputs/csv-import.md)
* [Economic Driver Fields](/syntax/drivers-syntax/economic-driver-fields.md)