Financial Analysis Workflow
This skill provides a structured workflow for comprehensive financial analysis using the financial-analyst agent.
Workflow Overview
The financial analysis workflow follows 5 phases:
| Phase | Name | Description |
|---|
| 1 | Objective Definition | Clarify analysis scope and questions |
| 2 | Data Collection | Gather and verify source documents |
| 3 | Analysis Execution | Calculate ratios, identify trends |
| 4 | Interpretation | Draw conclusions, identify insights |
| 5 | Documentation | Prepare audit-ready deliverable |
Phase 1: Objective Definition
MANDATORY: Define analysis scope before proceeding
Questions to Answer
| Question | Purpose |
|---|
| What decision does this analysis support? | Ensures relevance |
| What time periods are being analyzed? | Sets scope |
| What comparisons are needed? | Determines benchmarks |
| Who is the audience? | Tailors presentation |
| What is the materiality threshold? | Focuses effort |
Blocker Check
If ANY of these are unclear, STOP and ask:
- Analysis objective
- Time period scope
- Comparison basis (peer, prior period, budget)
- Materiality threshold
Phase 2: Data Collection
MANDATORY: Verify all data sources before analysis
Data Requirements
| Analysis Type | Required Data |
|---|
| Trend Analysis | 3-5 periods of financial statements |
| Peer Comparison | Peer company financials (same period) |
| Variance Analysis | Budget/forecast and actual results |
| Credit Analysis | Balance sheet, cash flow, debt schedules |
Data Verification Checklist
| Check | Verification |
|---|
| Source documented | Each data point cites source |
| Period matched | All data from same period |
| Currency consistent | Single currency or conversion noted |
| Audit status | Audited vs unaudited noted |
Anti-Rationalization
| Rationalization | Why It's WRONG | Required Action |
|---|
| "Data looks right" | Looks right ≠ is right | VERIFY against source |
| "Same source as always" | Sources can change | CONFIRM source current |
| "Minor discrepancy" | All discrepancies matter | INVESTIGATE and document |
Phase 3: Analysis Execution
Dispatch to specialist with full context
Agent Dispatch
Task tool:
subagent_type: "financial-analyst"
model: "opus"
prompt: |
Perform financial analysis per these specifications:
**Objective**: [from Phase 1]
**Period**: [time periods]
**Comparison**: [benchmarks/peers]
**Materiality**: [threshold]
**Data Provided**:
[Attach verified data from Phase 2]
**Required Analysis**:
- [ ] Ratio analysis (liquidity, profitability, leverage, efficiency)
- [ ] Trend analysis (period over period)
- [ ] Benchmark comparison (if applicable)
- [ ] Variance analysis (if applicable)
**Output Requirements**:
- All calculations shown
- All sources cited
- All assumptions documented
Required Output Elements
| Element | Requirement |
|---|
| Executive Summary | Key findings in 3-5 bullets |
| Analysis Methodology | Methods used and why |
| Key Findings | With supporting calculations |
| Data Sources | Complete citation |
| Assumptions | All assumptions documented |
| Recommendations | Actionable next steps |
Phase 4: Interpretation
MANDATORY: Provide context for all findings
Interpretation Framework
| Finding Type | Required Context |
|---|
| Ratio result | Industry comparison, trend direction |
| Variance | Root cause, materiality assessment |
| Trend | Sustainability, drivers, implications |
| Anomaly | Investigation result, explanation |
Quality Checks
| Check | Validation |
|---|
| Findings supported | Each finding traces to data |
| Conclusions logical | Interpretation follows from facts |
| Recommendations actionable | Clear next steps provided |
| Limitations disclosed | Analysis boundaries stated |
Phase 5: Documentation
MANDATORY: Ensure audit-ready deliverable
Documentation Checklist
| Element | Status |
|---|
| All data sources cited | Required |
| All calculations shown | Required |
| All assumptions documented | Required |
| Methodology explained | Required |
| Limitations disclosed | Required |
| Version control | Required |
Output Format
See shared-patterns/execution-report.md for base metrics.
Analysis-Specific Metrics:
- ratios_calculated: N
- periods_analyzed: N
- benchmarks_compared: N
- variances_explained: N
- recommendations_made: N
Pressure Resistance
See shared-patterns/pressure-resistance.md for universal pressures.
Analysis-Specific Pressures
| Pressure Type | Request | Agent Response |
|---|
| "Just give me the conclusion" | "I'll provide conclusions with supporting analysis. Undocumented conclusions cannot be defended." | |
| "Skip the ratios we don't need" | "Comprehensive analysis requires complete ratio set. I'll calculate all standard ratios." | |
| "Use approximate numbers" | "Analysis requires precise figures. I'll use exact amounts from source documents." | |
Anti-Rationalization Table
See shared-patterns/anti-rationalization.md for universal anti-rationalizations.
Analysis-Specific Anti-Rationalizations
| Rationalization | Why It's WRONG | Required Action |
|---|
| "Standard analysis doesn't need documentation" | ALL analysis needs documentation | DOCUMENT methodology |
| "Ratios speak for themselves" | Ratios need interpretation | PROVIDE context |
| "Industry benchmark is well-known" | Benchmarks need citation | CITE source |
| "Similar to prior analysis" | Each analysis is independent | PERFORM fresh analysis |
Execution Report
Upon completion, report:
| Metric | Value |
|---|
| Duration | Xm Ys |
| Data Sources | N verified |
| Ratios Calculated | N |
| Trends Identified | N |
| Recommendations | N |
| Result | COMPLETE/PARTIAL |
Quality Indicators
| Indicator | Status |
|---|
| All sources verified | YES/NO |
| All calculations shown | YES/NO |
| All assumptions documented | YES/NO |
| Audit ready | YES/NO |
