Budgetary control
In one sentenceUsing the budget as a monitoring tool during the period, by regularly comparing actual results with the plan and dealing with differences before the period ends.
Simply put
A budget left in a drawer has no value. Control through it means a monthly or weekly review of every line and knowing who is responsible for it.
What matters is spotting overspending early: in the middle of the month, not at the end of the year.
Worked example
A store's marketing department has a monthly budget of 50,000 SAR, and by mid-month spending had reached 32,000 SAR.
Monthly budget50,000 SAR
Spending up to mid-month32,000 SAR
Spending rate32,000 ÷ 50,000 = 64%
Spending is faster than planned (about 50% expected at mid-month)64%
Don't confuse it with
Budget vs. actual comparisonThe comparison is a single report; budgetary control is a complete system that includes monitoring, accountability, and correction.