Performance Leader offers two powerful ways to bring external data into the platform: financial tables and imported data attributes. Both methods allow you to attach data to individual users, display information in reviews, and manage updates at scale. However, they serve different purposes and are structured differently. This guide will help you understand when to use each option and how to make the most of both features.
What are financial tables?
Financial tables allow you to upload structured financial data against users and present it within reviews. The data appears in a table format using row and column headers that you configure in the system.
Key characteristics of financial tables
Table structure: Data is displayed in a grid format with customisable row and column headers
Fixed placement: The financial table appears in a dedicated section of the user's profile and can be referenced in reviews
User-specific visibility: Each user sees only their own financial data
Bulk upload: Financial data can be imported in bulk using Data Utilities
Template-based: Only rows and columns with uploaded data will display on a user's profile
Common use cases for financial tables
Displaying multiple related financial metrics (e.g., billable hours, fees billed, utilisation, recovery rates)
Tracking performance across different time periods (e.g., quarterly or annual data in separate columns)
Presenting comprehensive financial dashboards within performance reviews
Recording fee earner or partner financial performance metrics
What are imported data attributes?
Imported data attributes are custom data points that you can bulk-upload through the Utilities tool and then integrate flexibly into reviews or reports.
Key characteristics of imported data attributes
Flexible placement: Imported data can be placed anywhere within a review template
Single value per field: Each imported field represents a specific data point (rather than a table of multiple values)
User-specific visibility: Each user sees only their own data
Bulk upload: Data can be imported in bulk using the Utilities section
Custom configuration: You must create import fields before uploading data against them
Common use cases for imported data attributes
Embedding specific metrics within review questions or prompts
Displaying individual performance indicators alongside contextual information
Integrating non-financial data (e.g., training hours, client satisfaction scores, productivity metrics)
Similarities between the two methods
Both financial tables and imported data attributes share several important characteristics:
Individual attachment: Data is attached to specific users, so people only see what's relevant to them
Review visibility: Both types of data can be displayed within performance reviews
Bulk management: Both can be updated in bulk through Data Utilities
Individual editing: Both can be edited at a per-user level if needed
Data security: Both maintain user-specific visibility to protect confidential information
Key differences between the two methods
Feature | Financial Tables | Imported Data Attributes |
Display format | Table with rows and columns | Individual data fields |
Placement in reviews | Fixed location (financial data section) | Flexible placement anywhere in the review |
Best for | Multiple related metrics across time periods | Specific data points embedded in context |
Data structure | Grid of related values | Single values per field |
Configuration | Row and column headers in Financial (rows)/(columns) attributes | Import fields in the Import Field Group attributes |
When to use financial tables
Choose financial tables when you need to:
Present multiple related financial metrics together in a structured format
Display data across different time periods (e.g., comparing quarterly or annual performance)
Create a comprehensive financial dashboard for fee earners or partners
Show traditional accounting or practice management metrics (billable hours, utilisation, fees, etc.)
Provide a complete financial picture that users can reference throughout their review
When to use imported data attributes
Choose imported data attributes when you need to:
Embed specific data points within review questions or prompts for context
Place individual metrics in strategic locations throughout the review template
Import non-financial data (training hours, client feedback scores, project completion rates, etc.)
Maintain flexibility in how and where data appears in the review process
Can you use both methods together?
Absolutely. Many organisations use both financial tables and imported data attributes to create a comprehensive performance review experience. For example, you might use a financial table to display core financial metrics whilst using imported data attributes to embed specific KPIs within relevant review questions. Example scenario: A law firm might use financial tables to show partners' comprehensive financial performance (fees billed, hours worked, utilisation, recovery rates across quarters) whilst using imported data attributes to embed individual training hours or client satisfaction scores within specific review questions about professional development or client service. If you're unsure which method to use, consider these questions:
Do you need to display multiple related metrics together? → Use financial tables
Do you want to embed specific data points within review questions? → Use imported data attributes
Are you importing traditional financial metrics? → Use financial tables
Do you need maximum flexibility in placement? → Use imported data attributes
Would both approaches serve different purposes in your review? → Use both
For further guidance on setting up financial tables or imported data attributes, please contact your Customer Success Manager or the Performance Leader support team.
Setting up and managing each option
For financial tables
Configure row and column headers in Settings → Attributes → Financial (rows) and Financial (columns)
Use Data Utilities to bulk upload financial data via CSV
Users can view their financial data by clicking their avatar and selecting 'View financial info'
Administrators and line managers can view relevant financial data via Data Utilities → Financial data import → View existing data
For imported data attributes
Create import fields in Settings → Attributes → Import Field Group
Use the Utilities section to bulk-upload data for these fields
Configure review templates to reference these imported fields where needed
Data appears contextually within the review based on your template design