How do you present financial results to managers who do not have a finance background?

What the interviewer wants to hear

• Start with the key message and decision needed
• Use few numbers, rounded, with plain words
• Link numbers to things they control
• Use simple charts such as a bridge
• Invite questions and avoid jargon

Model answer

I start with the one message that matters, for example: we made 2 crore less profit than planned, mainly because of lower volumes in the Sharjah stores. Then I support it with a few rounded numbers instead of a dense table. I avoid jargon or explain it once, saying cash tied up in unpaid customer bills rather than receivables days. I link the numbers to things the manager controls, such as footfall, conversion, discounts or overtime, because that is how they run the business. A simple bridge chart from plan to actual is often clearer than any table. I keep the detail in an appendix for anyone who wants it. Finally I end with what it means for them and what action is needed, and leave time for questions, since good questions from operations often reveal the real cause behind the numbers.

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