Using the "Begin +/-" and "End +/-" Fields for Reporting Budget Periods

 

This method is used with the Budget Period (“BP”) Report Type Code to quickly get budget figures for past or future periods without having to enter the actual dates. This method also uses the report types discussed in Method 1 to define what types of figures should print and to set a reference point.

  1. First, fill in a reference date in the Current Period Begin and Current Period End fields. This gives the system a point of reference for all of the report type codes. (Remember that Current Period Begin is not used for balance sheets.)

  2. Use the Type field to choose a code for each column. This code can be used as a measuring point, but is also important for specifying whether you want actual figures or budget figures.

  3. Enter an increment into the Begin +/- field to measure before or after the Current Period Begin date. For example, use “+03” for three months after the begin date. Use “-03” for three months before the begin date.

  4. Enter an increment into the End +/- field to measure before or after the Current Period Begin date. For example, use “+03” for three months after the begin date. Use “-03” for three months before the begin date.

    • BE CAREFUL: Be sure to use leading zeros to specify months. An entry of “+3” is interpreted as 3 years.

  5. Use Enter to proceed to the next screen.

Sample

In the following example, the reference point is first quarter 2003. Column 1 will show budget figures for first quarter, column 2 will show budget figures for second quarter (3 months in the future), column 3 will show budget figures for third quarter (6 months in the future), and column 4 will show budget figures for fourth quarter (9 months in the future).

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