Which of the following items is NOT a required component of the budgetary comparison mandated in connection with financial statements?

In the context of budgetary comparisons mandated for financial statements, the original budget, actual column (on a budgetary basis), and final amended budget are all essential elements that provide a comprehensive view of the financial performance and adherence to the budget.

The original budget is crucial as it represents the initial financial plan set forth for the period. It serves as the baseline for comparison against actual performance. The actual column, reported on a budgetary basis, reflects the real revenues and expenditures incurred, providing insight into how well the entity operated according to its financial plan.

The final amended budget reflects any adjustments made to the original budget throughout the year, capturing changes in expectations or unforeseen circumstances that affect the financial landscape. This component is important because it provides a revised framework within which actual performance is evaluated.

In contrast, a variance column, while useful for internal analysis and management purposes, is not a mandated requirement in the budgetary comparison presented in financial statements. It calculates the differences between the actual figures and the budgeted amounts, but the core requirements do not necessitate its inclusion. Therefore, the absence of a variance column does not impede the integrity of the budgetary comparison as mandated by financial statement standards.