Monthly CFO Memo Template

Purpose 2-3 sentences capturing the month's highlights

Example
Revenue for [MONTH] reached $[X]M, representing [X]% [growth/decline] month-over-month and [X]% [above/below] budget. Gross margin improved to [X]% driven by [key driver]. Operating expenses remained flat at $[X]K, resulting in EBITDA of $[X]M. Cash position stands at $[X]M with [X] days cash on hand.

Notes Lead with the headline numbers. This is the most-read section—make every word count. Include the key metrics, the direction of performance, and one sentence on outlook.

Target 50-75 words

Purpose Month-in-review with P&L summary and key financial statements

Example
| Metric | Actual | Budget | Variance | Prior Year | YoY Change |
|--------|--------|--------|----------|------------|------------|
| Revenue | $X.XM | $X.XM | +X% | $X.XM | +X% |
| COGS | $X.XM | $X.XM | +X% | $X.XM | +X% |
| Gross Profit | $X.XM | $X.XM | +X% | $X.XM | +X% |
| OpEx | $X.XM | $X.XM | +X% | $X.XM | +X% |
| EBITDA | $X.XM | $X.XM | +X% | $X.XM | +X% |

Balance Sheet Highlights:
- Cash: $[X]M ([X] days on hand)
- AR: $[X]M ([X] DSO)
- AP: $[X]M ([X] DPO)
- Debt: $[X]M ([X]x leverage)

Notes Present actuals versus budget and prior year. Include a simple P&L table and key balance sheet metrics. Focus on the three or four numbers that matter most to your business.

Target 100-150 words

Purpose 3-5 bullet points on what drove performance this month

Example
- Revenue performance [Describe the primary driver—new customer acquisition, existing customer growth, seasonal factors, etc. Be specific about what moved the numbers.]
- Margin trajectory [Explain any significant margin changes and the underlying cause—pricing, mix, cost inflation, efficiency initiatives.]
- Operating efficiency [Highlight any notable changes in operating expenses—planned investments, cost savings, one-time items.]
- Cash flow dynamics [Comment on the cash flow picture—was it a typical month, or did something unusual occur?]
- Strategic initiatives [Brief update on any major strategic items in flight—their status and any financial impact.]

Notes These are your observations as the CFO—what stands out? What should leadership be thinking about? Connect the dots between the numbers and what's happening in the business.

Target 150-200 words

Approve Q2 capital expenditure of $X for equipment upgrade to improve production capacity by X%.]
2.

Review pricing strategy for [product line] given margin pressure from supplier cost increases. Recommend X% increase effective [date].]
3.

Authorize hiring of additional sales representative to support expansion into [new market/territory].]

what action, who owns it, and when it needs to happen. These should flow naturally from your observations and risk assessment. Don't overload—prioritize the two or three most important decisions.

Target 100-150 words