These prompts are designed for finance leaders and their teams using general-purpose AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, or similar. Each prompt is a starting point. Add your specific numbers, entity names, account codes, and context before running. The more specific the input, the more useful the output.
A few rules that apply to all of them: never paste sensitive financial data into a general-purpose AI tool without confirming your organization's data privacy policy. Always treat AI output as a first draft that requires review. And the best prompts are specific. Replace every placeholder in brackets with your actual context before running.
Close and Reconciliation
Draft reconciliation exception memo
I am reconciling [account name, e.g. Accrued Liabilities] for the period ending [date]. The GL balance is [amount] and the sub-ledger balance is [amount], giving an unreconciled difference of [amount]. The largest items contributing to the difference are: [list items with amounts]. Draft a reconciliation exception memo suitable for controller review that summarizes the position, explains each item, and states whether the difference is expected to clear in the next period or requires a correcting journal entry.
Generate close checklist for a new process
I am building a month-end close checklist for [process name, e.g. Intercompany Reconciliation] at a [company size] company with [number] entities. The key steps in the current process are: [list steps]. Draft a structured close checklist with task name, owner role, dependency on prior tasks, expected completion day (relative to close day 1), and a definition of done for each task.
Write a journal entry description
Write a clear, audit-ready journal entry description for the following entry: Debit [account, amount], Credit [account, amount]. The business purpose is [explain the reason]. The entry relates to [period/event]. The description should be specific enough that an auditor reviewing it six months from now would understand the nature and purpose without needing to ask for additional explanation.
Explain an unusual variance for controller sign-off
During the [period] close, the [account name] account showed a variance of [amount] versus the prior period. The main driver appears to be [brief explanation]. Draft a variance explanation suitable for the controller sign-off pack. It should state what the variance is, why it occurred, whether it is expected to reverse, and whether any action is required.
Draft an accrual methodology note
Draft an accrual methodology note for [cost type, e.g. freight accrual] that can be attached to the journal entry as supporting documentation. The accrual is calculated as follows: [describe the method, e.g. trailing 3-month average of actual freight invoices, adjusted for known volume changes]. The historical range for this accrual is [low] to [high] per period. The current period accrual is [amount].
Identify likely causes of a balance sheet movement
The [account name] balance moved from [prior period amount] to [current period amount], a change of [amount]. Typical drivers of this type of movement include changes in [relevant factors]. Given that [provide any known business context], list the five most likely explanations for this movement in order of probability, and suggest what supporting data I should pull to confirm each one.
Summarize close status for the CFO
Summarize the following close status information into a three-paragraph update for the CFO. Keep it factual and concise. Current status: [paste task completion status, e.g. 'reconciliations 80% complete, JEs posted, 3 items outstanding: intercompany, bonus accrual, tax provision']. Outstanding blockers: [list]. Expected close completion: [date].
Write a correcting journal entry explanation
I need to post a correcting entry to fix a misclassification. Original entry: [describe original]. Correct treatment: [describe correct treatment]. Write a clear explanation of the correcting entry, why it is needed, and the accounting rationale, suitable for inclusion in the audit file.
FP&A and Planning
Challenge a forecast assumption
I am reviewing the [Q/FY] forecast. The [revenue/cost] assumption for [business unit or category] is [amount or rate], based on [stated rationale]. Actual performance for the trailing [period] has been [actual result]. The variance between the assumption and recent actuals is [amount/percentage]. Draft three questions I should ask the business unit leader to challenge whether this assumption is still valid, and suggest an alternative assumption range with supporting logic.
Draft scenario commentary for management
We have modeled three scenarios for [period]: Base ([revenue, EBITDA]), Upside ([revenue, EBITDA]), and Downside ([revenue, EBITDA]). The key driver differences between scenarios are: [list drivers and values by scenario]. Draft a one-page scenario commentary suitable for the management team that explains what each scenario assumes, what would need to be true for each to materialize, and which risks are most likely to determine which scenario plays out.
Write a budget narrative for a department
Write a budget narrative for [department name] for [year]. Total budget: [amount]. Key line items: [list top 5 with amounts]. Year-over-year change: [amount and percentage]. Main drivers of the increase/decrease: [list]. The narrative should explain the budget in plain language suitable for a non-finance business leader, cover the key assumptions, and flag any significant risks to the budget.
Identify sensitivity drivers in a forecast model
My forecast model for [period] has the following key assumptions: [list assumptions and values]. Revenue is [amount] and EBITDA is [amount]. I want to identify which assumptions I should present as sensitivities to leadership. For each assumption, estimate directionally how a 10% change up or down would affect EBITDA. Rank the assumptions by sensitivity impact and recommend which three to five I should highlight in the forecast presentation.
Draft headcount plan rationale
Draft a headcount plan rationale for [department] for [period]. Planned headcount: [number]. New hires: [number] roles with titles [list]. Backfills: [number]. Attrition assumption: [percentage]. Total fully-loaded headcount cost: [amount]. Key business rationale for the planned investment: [explain]. The rationale should be suitable for CFO review and address why each incremental hire is necessary to achieve the business plan.
Summarize a planning cycle for leadership
Summarize the following planning cycle outcome for the leadership team in a one-page brief: Final revenue plan: [amount] versus last year [amount]. EBITDA plan: [amount] versus last year [amount]. Key assumptions: [list]. Key risks to the plan: [list]. Key investments in the plan: [list]. The brief should be written for a board-level audience: clear, direct, and focused on the decisions and trade-offs made in the planning process.
Flag internal inconsistency in a forecast
Review the following forecast assumptions for internal consistency and flag any that appear contradictory or unlikely to hold simultaneously: [paste assumptions]. For each inconsistency you identify, explain why it is a problem and suggest how it should be resolved.
Variance Analysis and Reporting
Draft variance commentary for a management pack
Draft variance commentary for the following P&L lines for [period]. Write in the style of a concise management accounts commentary — factual, specific, no filler. Format: one to three sentences per line. Lines: Revenue: actual [amount] vs budget [amount], [variance]. Gross Margin: actual [amount] vs budget [amount], [variance]. Opex: actual [amount] vs budget [amount], [variance]. Additional context: [paste any known drivers].
Write an executive summary of monthly results
Write a three-paragraph executive summary of the following monthly financial results for inclusion in the management accounts. Paragraph 1: headline performance versus budget. Paragraph 2: key drivers of the variance. Paragraph 3: outlook and risks for the remainder of the period. Data: Revenue [actual vs budget], Gross Margin [actual vs budget], EBITDA [actual vs budget], Cash [position]. Key drivers: [list]. Outlook: [describe].
Identify questions a CFO will ask about results
Based on the following monthly results, identify the five most likely questions the CFO will ask in the management accounts review meeting, and draft a concise answer to each. Results: [paste key P&L lines with actuals and variances]. Known drivers: [list any you are aware of].
Translate a variance into plain language
The following financial variance needs to be explained to a non-finance business leader: [account name] was [actual] versus budget of [budget], a variance of [amount and percentage]. The technical reason is [accounting explanation]. Rewrite this as a two-sentence plain-language explanation that a sales director or operations leader would understand without any accounting background.
Draft a prior period adjustment explanation
We are recording a prior period adjustment to [account] of [amount]. The original treatment was [explain]. The correct treatment is [explain]. The reason the error was not caught in the original period was [explain]. Draft an explanation suitable for the financial statements notes and for the external auditor's file.
Write a board-ready revenue commentary
Write a board-ready revenue commentary for [period]. Revenue was [actual] versus prior year [prior year] and budget [budget]. The key drivers were: [list with amounts]. By segment: [Segment A: actual vs budget], [Segment B: actual vs budget]. The forward outlook is [describe]. Write in a tone appropriate for a board pack — precise, authoritative, with no hedging language or filler.
Treasury and Cash Flow
Draft a cash flow commentary
Draft a cash flow commentary for [period] suitable for the CFO and board. Operating cash flow: [amount]. Key working capital movements: AR [movement], AP [movement], Inventory [movement]. Investing activities: [describe]. Financing activities: [describe]. Closing cash: [amount] versus prior period [amount]. The commentary should explain what drove the cash movement and whether it represents a structural change or a timing item.
Write a liquidity risk summary
Summarize the following liquidity position for the CFO in a one-paragraph risk summary: Available cash: [amount]. Undrawn revolving facility: [amount]. Next significant cash outflows: [list with amounts and timing]. Minimum operating cash requirement: [amount]. The summary should state whether the liquidity position is adequate, flag any weeks where the projected balance approaches the minimum, and recommend any action.
Draft a covenant compliance memo
Draft a covenant compliance memo for [period] covering the following covenants: [list covenant, threshold, and actual result for each]. For any covenant where the actual is within [percentage] of the threshold, include a forward projection for the next two periods. The memo should be suitable for the board and the lender relationship manager.
Explain a working capital movement
The cash conversion cycle changed from [prior period] days to [current period] days. DSO moved from [prior] to [current] days. DPO moved from [prior] to [current] days. Inventory days moved from [prior] to [current] days. Draft a working capital commentary that explains each movement, whether it is favorable or unfavorable, and whether the changes reflect deliberate management action or external factors.
Write an FX exposure summary
Summarize the following FX exposure position for treasury review: Open EUR receivables: [amount], expected collection in [timeframe]. Open USD payables: [amount], due in [timeframe]. Current hedge coverage: [percentage]. Net unhedged exposure: [amount]. At current rates, a [percentage] adverse move in [currency pair] would impact P&L by approximately [amount]. Draft a one-paragraph summary suitable for the CFO and recommend whether the current hedge coverage is adequate.
Draft a cash forecast assumption note
Document the following cash forecast assumptions for the 13-week cash flow model in a format suitable for management review and audit: [list each assumption category with the method and source data used, e.g. AR collections: customer-level payment probability based on trailing 12-month payment history, Payroll: HRIS calendar, Tax: tax payment schedule]. The note should be clear enough that a reviewer unfamiliar with the model can understand the basis for each forecast line.
Controls and Audit Preparation
Draft a control narrative
Draft a control narrative for the following control: Control name: [name]. Control type: [preventive/detective]. Frequency: [monthly/quarterly]. Performed by: [role]. Reviewed by: [role]. The control involves: [describe the procedure]. Evidence retained: [describe]. For the most recent operating period [date], the control was performed on [date] by [name]. Exceptions identified: [none / describe exceptions]. Resolution: [n/a / describe]. Write the narrative in the format required for SOX documentation or internal audit review.
Write a PBC response cover note
Draft a cover note for the following PBC (Prepared by Client) response package being submitted to the external auditor. The package covers: [list the PBC items included]. Period: [date]. Preparer: [role]. Any items requiring explanation: [list and brief explanation]. The cover note should be professional, organized, and direct auditor attention to any items that may need follow-up discussion.
Identify audit risk areas from a trial balance
Review the following trial balance summary and identify the five account areas most likely to receive scrutiny from an external auditor, with a brief rationale for each: [paste trial balance summary or key account balances]. For each flagged area, suggest what documentation I should prepare proactively before the audit fieldwork begins.
Draft an exception escalation memo
A journal entry was flagged during the close review that requires escalation. Entry details: [date, preparer, accounts debited/credited, amount, description]. The reason for escalation is: [explain]. Draft a brief escalation memo to the controller or CFO that describes the entry, explains why it was flagged, and recommends whether to (a) approve with documentation, (b) reverse and repost correctly, or (c) hold for further investigation.
Write an internal audit finding response
Draft a management response to the following internal audit finding: Finding: [paste finding text]. Root cause: [explain]. Proposed remediation: [describe]. Responsible owner: [role]. Target completion date: [date]. The response should be constructive, acknowledge the finding fairly, and present a credible remediation plan without being defensive.
Create an audit evidence index
Create an audit evidence index for the following PBC items, formatted as a table with columns: PBC reference number, description of request, document name, location, date prepared, preparer name. Items: [list PBC items]. This will be submitted to the external audit team as the master reference for the evidence package.
Strategic Finance and CFO
Draft a risk section for the board pack
Draft a risk section for the board pack covering the following risks: [list 3-5 risks with a brief description of each]. For each risk, include: a one-sentence description, the current likelihood and impact assessment (high/medium/low), the primary mitigation in place, and whether the risk status has changed since the last board meeting. Write in the concise, direct style appropriate for a board-level audience.
Prepare a CFO talking points memo
Prepare a talking points memo for the CFO ahead of the [board/lender/investor] meeting covering [period] results. Results summary: [paste key metrics]. Key messages to communicate: [list]. Sensitive topics that may come up: [list]. Recommended framing for [sensitive topic]: [your suggested approach]. Format as structured talking points — not full paragraphs — that the CFO can reference during the meeting.
Write an investment thesis challenge
I am reviewing a capital investment proposal for [project name] with a total investment of [amount] and projected IRR of [percentage]. The key assumptions are: [list]. Challenge this investment case from a finance leader's perspective. Identify the three assumptions most likely to be optimistic, suggest more conservative alternatives, and calculate what the IRR would be under a stressed scenario where each of those assumptions is 20% worse than projected.
Draft a finance team strategy note
Draft a one-page finance function strategy note for [period]. Current state: [describe team size, key capabilities, main pain points]. Strategic priorities for the next 12 months: [list]. Key investments needed: [list with costs]. Expected outcomes: [describe]. The note should be suitable for sharing with the CEO and as an input to the broader company planning process.
Summarize KPIs for a weekly CFO review
Summarize the following KPIs for the CFO weekly dashboard in a format suitable for a five-minute review meeting. Use a RAG status (Red/Amber/Green) for each metric based on the threshold provided. Metrics: [list each KPI with actual, target, and threshold]. Include a one-sentence commentary on any Red or Amber metric explaining the current status and the action being taken.
Write a finance narrative for an investor update
Draft a finance narrative for the following investor update. Period: [quarter/year]. Revenue: [actual vs prior year and budget]. EBITDA: [actual vs prior year and budget]. Cash: [position and movement]. Key operating metrics: [list]. Forward guidance: [describe]. The narrative should be written in the tone appropriate for an investor audience — clear, balanced, and focused on the metrics that matter most to investors in this type of business.
Create an AI prompt for a new use case
I want to use AI to help with [describe the finance task]. The inputs I have available are: [list data and documents]. The output I need is: [describe the format and audience]. The key nuances or judgment calls involved are: [describe]. Write an AI prompt that I can use to accomplish this task, optimized to produce output that is ready for professional use with minimal editing.
Review an AI output for finance accuracy
Review the following AI-generated [output type, e.g. variance commentary, forecast narrative, control narrative] for accuracy, professional tone, and completeness. The original data inputs were: [paste]. The AI output was: [paste]. Flag any statements that are inaccurate, any important omissions, any language that is too generic, and any places where the output would benefit from more specificity. Provide a revised version incorporating your suggestions.
