Write down the decisions behind the percentage
An operational commission decisions worksheet covering basis, period dates, categories, refunds and rounding, with a blank CSV and fictional completed example.
Two people can use the same percentage and still calculate different totals. They may have used different dates, tax bases, categories or refund assumptions. This worksheet captures those decisions before a period is closed, with one question per row and a place to record the evidence that resolves it.
The useful part
A calculation decision is ready only when its scope, evidence and reviewer are clear. An unanswered question stays open.
Your working files
Download blank templateCSV · Column headings only. Add your own records to a copy.Download fictional exampleCSV · Completed sample records in AUD. Use for practice, not a live close.Use it to prepare a calculation
This is an operational worksheet, not an employment contract or legal agreement template. It records settings supplied to a reconciliation process. It does not establish whether a particular pay arrangement, deduction or tax treatment is appropriate. Use the questions to expose assumptions and obtain the relevant instruction through your existing approval process.
Keep each decision traceable
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Decision ID | Unique local reference for this question. |
| Topic | Basis, period, categories, refund handling or rounding. |
| Question | One specific uncertainty that needs an answer. |
| Recorded decision | Exact operational instruction; leave blank while unresolved. |
| Applies from | Date the instruction begins to apply. |
| Period start / Period end | Inclusive dates of the close being prepared. |
| Evidence reference | Location of the supplied instruction or supporting record. |
| Reviewer | Person who checked the answer. |
| Status | Open, confirmed or superseded. |
Five decisions in the fictional file
The example records an exclusive-of-supplied-tax basis, a 21–27 September period, separate service and retail categories, line-level rounding and a specific refund review. The refund row points to evidence for one transaction; it does not claim that all future refunds receive the same treatment. That distinction keeps a single exception from silently becoming a general rule.
| Assumption | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Include supplied tax | 220.00 × 40% | 88.00 |
| Exclude supplied tax of 20.00 | 200.00 × 40% | 80.00 |
| Difference requiring explanation | 88.00 − 80.00 | 8.00 |
Turn a vague answer into a usable one
Do not paste private conversations into a widely shared worksheet. A controlled evidence reference is often enough; keep the underlying material where authorised reviewers can access it.
- Replace “usual commission” with the rate, category and basis being used.
- Replace “this week” with exact inclusive dates and the report’s date field.
- Reference an individual refund or unusual item when its treatment is exceptional.
- Record who checked the answer and leave missing evidence visible.
Carry the decision into the close record
Check that the working calculation actually uses the confirmed instructions. The worksheet is not connected to the app and cannot enforce a rate or block a close. Retain the version used for a completed period, then create a new dated record when an instruction changes. If an old note is ambiguous, investigate it instead of rewriting the historical explanation to match today’s settings.
Put it to work.
Make one of the most common hidden assumptions visible.
Compare calculation bases