What do you all include in your executive summaries? I'm working on standardizing our format and want to make sure I'm hitting the key points clients expect to see upfront. Currently doing total savings, payback period, and top 3 findings but wondering if I'm missing anything critical.
Executive Summary Best Practices?
Gary, I always lead with the dollar impact - total overcharges found, annual savings potential, and cumulative savings over the audit period. Then a brief methodology statement so they understand our process was thorough.
Don't forget to include the utility names and account numbers right in the summary. Had a client with multiple properties get confused about which locations had issues. Also percentage of total bills audited helps establish credibility.
I structure mine as: 1) Audit scope and period, 2) Total financial impact, 3) Category breakdown (billing errors vs rate optimization vs demand management), 4) Implementation timeline for recommendations. Keeps it logical.
Kim that's a great structure. I'd add that showing ROI is crucial - many clients want to see payback in months not just dollar savings. Also highlight any urgent issues that need immediate attention vs longer-term opportunities.
One thing I learned the hard way - include confidence levels for your findings. Not every overcharge is 100% certain to be recoverable. Clients appreciate the honesty and it prevents unrealistic expectations.
Beverly makes a good point. I use High/Medium/Low confidence ratings. Also worth mentioning if you found any compliance issues or safety concerns - those often get executive attention even if the dollar impact is smaller.
Thanks everyone, this is really helpful. I'm going to revise our template to include confidence levels and ROI calculations. Mike, great point about safety issues - we found some CT ratio problems at a manufacturing client that were creating potential hazards beyond just billing errors.