# Q4 Budget Analysis

**Owner**: Jordan  
**Due**: Friday (Board presentation)  
**Goal**: Present delta vs plan with mitigation options

## Tasks

- [x] Pull actuals from NetSuite through Sept 30
- [ ] Model marketing run-rate for new paid channels
- [ ] Reconcile headcount plan with updated hiring freeze
- [ ] Build slide on infrastructure spend + proposed savings
- [ ] Draft narrative for board deck (target: Wed EOD)

## Data Sources

- `Finance/Shared/Budget/2024_Q4_Model.xlsx`
- NetSuite Saved Search: `Q4 Operating Expenses`
- RevOps metrics dashboard (Metabase `revops-q4`)

## Key Questions

- How much buffer remains in the discretionary budget?
- Can we defer two contractor engagements without impacting roadmap?
- What is the payback period on proposed CDN upgrade?

## Risks & Mitigations

- **Marketing CAC volatility** (impact: Medium)  
  Mitigation: Sensitivity analysis with +/- 15% scenario.
- **Recruiting freeze prolongs vacancies** (impact: High)  
  Mitigation: Show revised productivity targets.
- **Cloud costs outpacing plan** (impact: High)  
  Mitigation: Highlight reserved instance purchase option.
