FP&A internships: explain a budget variance with a price-volume bridge

Start with the question the business needs answered

A budget is the plan you are comparing against; a forecast is an updated expectation. Label which one you are using and keep the periods consistent. Comparing one month's actual revenue with a quarterly budget does not produce a useful variance.

Original fictional example: the monthly budget assumes 10,000 units at $50, or $500,000 revenue. Actual sales are 9,000 units at $54, or $486,000. Revenue is $14,000 below budget even though the selling price is higher.

Reconcile the full $14,000 shortfall

Choose an order for the bridge. First change volume at the budget price. Then change price at actual volume. This particular ordering assigns the combined price-volume effect to the second step.

• Volume effect: (9,000 − 10,000) × $50 = −$50,000.
• Price effect: 9,000 × ($54 − $50) = +$36,000.
• Total: −$50,000 + $36,000 = −$14,000, matching actual revenue minus budget.

The bridge tells you where to investigate, not why it happened

You can now say that the price increase offset part, but not all, of the volume shortfall. You cannot yet say whether the lower volume reflects lost customers, supply constraints, a timing shift or a deliberate decision to stop low-margin sales. Those explanations require operating evidence.

This is a revenue bridge, not a profit bridge. Costs and product mix could change the profitability conclusion. In a multi-product model, define how you handle mix rather than applying a single average price and calling the result complete.

For a work sample, provide the small source table, this reconciliation and three questions for the business owner. For example: 'Which products lost volume?', 'Were sales delayed into the next month?' and 'Did contribution per unit improve?' Show assumptions in cells a reviewer can change, and include a check that the bridge equals the reported variance.

In an interview, explain one issue you found and how you checked it. In the role discussion, ask whether the intern prepares recurring reports, investigates their causes or helps update a forecast. Those tasks can sit on the same team but offer different amounts of analytical responsibility.

Before you apply

Eligibility

Read the actual finance internship's degree and experience criteria. Abbott's graduate development program and its student internships are separate routes.

Timing

Thermo Fisher's overview describes ten-week internships starting May 24 or June 14, 2027. Check which start applies to the finance position.

Location

Thermo Fisher's program requires on-site or in-office work and geographic flexibility. Confirm the assigned worksite before accepting.

Pay

Thermo Fisher's undergraduate overview lists $18.50–$28.75 per hour, depending on role and location. This is a program range, not a confirmed rate for every FP&A vacancy.

Sources: Thermo Fisher internships · Abbott student opportunities

Job titles to search

FP&A intern

Help explain results, update forecasts and support planning decisions.

Corporate finance intern

Check the assignment: it may involve planning, treasury, reporting or another finance function.

Commercial finance intern

Analyze products, customers, pricing or costs with an operating team.

Where to look

Search routes, not confirmed vacancies.

Compare the work and try an example

Use a role comparison or worked exercise to choose your preparation before tailoring an application.

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