Financial data tables let you upload metrics against each user — fees, hours, realisation, targets — and present them as a clear table inside a review. Each person sees only their own figures. By the end of this guide you will know what a financial table is, when to choose it over the other input types, how to set it up, and what your people will see in their review.
What a financial data table is and when to use it
A financial data table is a structured grid of metrics you upload against individual users and display in a review. You define the rows and columns — for example rows for fee or hour categories and columns for periods — then upload the values in bulk. Each person sees only their own data.
Reach for a financial table when you need to show several related numbers together in a consistent, comparable layout. If you only need a single value placed flexibly within a question, imported data is the simpler choice.
Example use cases
Show a partner's fees, hours and realisation across the current and prior year side by side.
Present budget-versus-actual figures ahead of a remuneration conversation.
Display utilisation or work-in-progress metrics for reflection in a self-review.
Give fee earners a consistent financial summary while non-fee-earners see none.
Choosing between a financial data table and other input types
Reviews support several specialised input types. A financial data table is the right choice when several related metrics need to be shown together.
Input type | Best for | How it appears |
Imported data | Single, user-specific values placed flexibly | A standard field anywhere in the form |
Financial data table | Several related metrics shown together | A fixed table in the financial section |
Pie chart (time allocation) | Splitting total hours across activity categories | An interactive chart the user completes |
Competency rating grid | Rating capabilities from a role's framework | A grid of competencies scored against a scale |
Configuring a financial data table
Setup runs in three stages. Each links to a detailed step-by-step guide.
1. Set up your rows and columns
Financial headers are configured under Settings → Attributes, in Financial (rows) and Financial (columns). Rename, reorder, add or remove items so the table reflects the metrics that matter to your firm. Configure your headers before uploading any data.
Full steps: Create or update the financial table and Set and update all system attributes (department, role, custom, tags, financial headings)
2. Upload the data against users
Use the bulk importer under Utilities → Data Utilities → Financial data import: download the sample template (built from your current rows and columns), populate it (keyed by Employee ID), then work through Upload → Map → Edit & Validate → Import.
Full steps: Bulk import financial data
3. Show the table in your review
Add the financial section to your review in the builder. Each user sees only the rows and columns that hold data for them. You can review, correct or clear values at any time.
Full steps: View, update or clear financial data
Settings reference
Setting | What it does | How to use it |
Financial (rows) | Defines the row labels of the table | Add one per metric (e.g. 'Fees', 'Chargeable hours') |
Financial (columns) | Defines the column labels of the table | Add one per period or view (e.g. 'This year', 'Last year') |
Sample template | A spreadsheet built from your rows and columns, keyed by Employee ID | Download it in the importer, populate, then upload |
Financial section | Shows the table within the review | Add it in the review builder; restrict to fee earners if needed |
What the reviewee sees
Financial data appears as a table in the financial section of the review. Only rows and columns that hold data for that person are shown — if nothing is uploaded against them, the table does not appear at all. People can also view their figures by selecting their avatar and choosing View financial info. The data is read-only for reviewees; corrections are made by an admin.
Prerequisites and common pitfalls
Configure headers first: uploaded values need matching rows and columns to land in.
Empty tables are hidden: users with no data simply will not see the table.
Role restriction: the financial section is usually restricted to fee earners via role profile.
File format: save the import file as CSV and match users by Employee ID.
Shared headers: changing a row or column label affects every user's table.
Tips and testing
Download the sample template to get the exact structure before populating.
Use Show only errors in the validate step to fix flagged rows quickly.
After importing, open View existing data to confirm the upload.
Proxy in as a fee earner to check the table displays correctly.
Check the review report and PDF as well as the on-screen form.
Where to next
Create or update the financial table
Bulk import financial data
View, update or clear financial data
Set and update all system attributes (department, role, custom, tags, financial headings)
Financial tables vs imported data to show external data
Questions, or want this reviewed against our guide standard? Contact the CX team.