Budgets, forecasts & scenarios · Working
Management reserve
Also called: reserve
ELI5
Centrally controlled reserve held for unplanned work or risk, separate from project contingency in some systems.
Used in conversation
“The number is useful only if everyone calculates management reserve the same way.”
Pitch context
You will see “Management reserve” in financial models, budgets, board packs and investor materials when the discussion reaches budgets, forecasts & scenarios.
Why it matters: In budgets, forecasts & scenarios, different calculation boundaries, periods or accounting treatments can change the number and the decision.
Caution
Calculation, recognition and disclosure can vary by accounting framework, company policy and reporting context.
Sources & evidence · 5
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- U.S. Small Business Administration — Write your business planDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- IFRS Foundation — IFRS GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Financial Accounting Standards Board — FASB Accounting Standards CodificationSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Small Business Administration — Break-even pointSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — Non-GAAP Financial Measures — Compliance and Disclosure InterpretationsSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16