Performance Leader offers two powerful ways to bring external data into the platform: financial tables and imported data attributes. Both methods allow you to attach data to individual users, display information in reviews, and manage updates at scale. However, they serve different purposes and are structured differently. This guide will help you understand when to use each option and how to make the most of both features.

What are financial tables?

Financial tables allow you to upload structured financial data against users and present it within reviews. The data appears in a table format using row and column headers that you configure in the system.

Key characteristics of financial tables

Table structure: Data is displayed in a grid format with customisable row and column headers

Fixed placement: The financial table appears in a dedicated section of the user's profile and can be referenced in reviews

User-specific visibility: Each user sees only their own financial data

Bulk upload: Financial data can be imported in bulk using Data Utilities

Template-based: Only rows and columns with uploaded data will display on a user's profile

Common use cases for financial tables

Displaying multiple related financial metrics (e.g., billable hours, fees billed, utilisation, recovery rates)

Tracking performance across different time periods (e.g., quarterly or annual data in separate columns)

Presenting comprehensive financial dashboards within performance reviews

Recording fee earner or partner financial performance metrics

What are imported data attributes?

Imported data attributes are custom data points that you can bulk-upload through the Utilities tool and then integrate flexibly into reviews or reports.

Key characteristics of imported data attributes

Flexible placement: Imported data can be placed anywhere within a review template

Single value per field: Each imported field represents a specific data point (rather than a table of multiple values)

User-specific visibility: Each user sees only their own data

Bulk upload: Data can be imported in bulk using the Utilities section

Custom configuration: You must create import fields before uploading data against them

Common use cases for imported data attributes

Embedding specific metrics within review questions or prompts

Displaying individual performance indicators alongside contextual information

Integrating non-financial data (e.g., training hours, client satisfaction scores, productivity metrics)

Similarities between the two methods

Both financial tables and imported data attributes share several important characteristics:

Individual attachment: Data is attached to specific users, so people only see what's relevant to them

Review visibility: Both types of data can be displayed within performance reviews

Bulk management: Both can be updated in bulk through Data Utilities

Individual editing: Both can be edited at a per-user level if needed

Data security: Both maintain user-specific visibility to protect confidential information

Key differences between the two methods

Feature	Financial Tables	Imported Data Attributes
Display format	Table with rows and columns	Individual data fields
Placement in reviews	Fixed location (financial data section)	Flexible placement anywhere in the review
Best for	Multiple related metrics across time periods	Specific data points embedded in context
Data structure	Grid of related values	Single values per field
Configuration	Row and column headers in Financial (rows)/(columns) attributes	Import fields in the Import Field Group attributes

When to use financial tables

Choose financial tables when you need to:

Present multiple related financial metrics together in a structured format

Display data across different time periods (e.g., comparing quarterly or annual performance)

Create a comprehensive financial dashboard for fee earners or partners

Show traditional accounting or practice management metrics (billable hours, utilisation, fees, etc.)

Provide a complete financial picture that users can reference throughout their review

When to use imported data attributes

Choose imported data attributes when you need to:

Embed specific data points within review questions or prompts for context

Place individual metrics in strategic locations throughout the review template

Import non-financial data (training hours, client feedback scores, project completion rates, etc.)

Maintain flexibility in how and where data appears in the review process

Can you use both methods together?

Absolutely. Many organisations use both financial tables and imported data attributes to create a comprehensive performance review experience. For example, you might use a financial table to display core financial metrics whilst using imported data attributes to embed specific KPIs within relevant review questions. Example scenario: A law firm might use financial tables to show partners' comprehensive financial performance (fees billed, hours worked, utilisation, recovery rates across quarters) whilst using imported data attributes to embed individual training hours or client satisfaction scores within specific review questions about professional development or client service. If you're unsure which method to use, consider these questions:

Do you need to display multiple related metrics together? → Use financial tables

Do you want to embed specific data points within review questions? → Use imported data attributes

Are you importing traditional financial metrics? → Use financial tables

Do you need maximum flexibility in placement? → Use imported data attributes

Would both approaches serve different purposes in your review? → Use both

For further guidance on setting up financial tables or imported data attributes, please contact your Customer Success Manager or the Performance Leader support team.

Setting up and managing each option

For financial tables

Configure row and column headers in Settings → Attributes → Financial (rows) and Financial (columns)

Use Data Utilities to bulk upload financial data via CSV

Users can view their financial data by clicking their avatar and selecting 'View financial info'

Administrators and line managers can view relevant financial data via Data Utilities → Financial data import → View existing data

For imported data attributes

Create import fields in Settings → Attributes → Import Field Group

Use the Utilities section to bulk-upload data for these fields

Configure review templates to reference these imported fields where needed

Data appears contextually within the review based on your template design

Financial tables vs imported data to show external data