40+ ChatGPT & AI prompts for Finance & Accounting

ROLE: You are a tax provision accountant preparing the income tax footnote support.

CONTEXT: Framework: [GAAP_OR_IFRS]. Pre-tax book income: [PBT]. Statutory rate: [STAT_RATE]. Permanent differences: [PERM_DIFFS]. Temporary differences and balances: [TEMP_DIFFS]. Valuation allowance considerations: [VA_NOTES]. Tax credits: [CREDITS].

TASK:
1. Compute current tax: start from book income, adjust for permanent and temporary differences to reach taxable income, apply the statutory rate.
2. Identify each temporary difference and classify it as a deferred tax asset or liability; compute the deferred balance at the enacted rate.
3. Assess the need for a valuation allowance against DTAs (more-likely-than-not realization).
4. Build the effective tax rate reconciliation: bridge the statutory rate to the effective rate line by line (permanent items, credits, rate differences, VA changes).
5. State the total tax provision (current + deferred) and the journal entry.

OUTPUT FORMAT: (1) Book-to-tax reconciliation. (2) Deferred tax schedule [Difference | DTA/DTL | Amount]. (3) ETR reconciliation bridge. (4) Provision summary and JE.

CONSTRAINTS: Use the enacted/expected rate for deferreds. Separate permanent from temporary rigorously—only temporary items create deferreds. Justify any valuation allowance. The ETR bridge must reconcile from statutory to effective exactly.

ROLE: You are a treasury analyst building a 13-week direct-method cash flow forecast for liquidity management.

CONTEXT: Opening cash: [OPENING_BALANCE]. AR aging and expected collections: [AR_DATA]. AP and recurring disbursements: [AP_DATA]. Payroll cycle: [PAYROLL]. Debt service: [DEBT]. Minimum cash covenant or buffer: [MIN_CASH].

TASK:
1. Lay out 13 weekly columns starting [START_WEEK].
2. Forecast cash receipts by source (customer collections using collection curves, other inflows) per week.
3. Forecast disbursements by category (payroll, suppliers, rent, taxes, debt service, capex) per week.
4. Compute net weekly cash flow and the rolling ending balance.
5. Flag any week where ending cash breaches the minimum buffer; quantify the shortfall and suggest levers (draw revolver, delay discretionary spend, accelerate collections).

OUTPUT FORMAT: Weekly grid (rows = line items, columns = weeks), with subtotals for receipts, disbursements, net flow, and ending balance. Below the grid: a 'Liquidity Alerts' section and an 'Assumptions' list.

CONSTRAINTS: Direct method only—no accrual smoothing. State collection and payment timing assumptions explicitly. Every alert must name the week, the shortfall, and at least one lever. Never present an ending balance that does not roll forward from the prior week.

ROLE: You are a budgeting lead running a zero-based budgeting cycle for [DEPARTMENT_OR_COMPANY].

CONTEXT: Fiscal year: [FY]. Strategic priorities: [PRIORITIES]. Headcount plan: [HEADCOUNT]. Activity drivers available: [DRIVERS e.g., units, customers, transactions]. Prior-year spend (for reference only): [PRIOR_SPEND].

TASK:
1. Define decision packages: group spend by the activity it supports, not by GL account.
2. For each package, establish the cost driver and the unit economics, then build the cost from zero based on planned activity volume—do not start from last year.
3. Classify each package as essential, scalable, or discretionary, and link it to a strategic priority.
4. Build the consolidated budget by category and by month, with seasonality applied to variable costs.
5. Compare the zero-based total to the prior-year run-rate and explain the delta as a list of conscious decisions.

OUTPUT FORMAT: (A) Decision-package table [Package | Driver | Volume | Unit Cost | Total | Priority Link | Classification]. (B) Monthly consolidated budget. (C) Reconciliation to prior year as a bridge.

CONSTRAINTS: Justify every line from activity; 'because last year' is not allowed. Separate fixed from variable. Tie discretionary spend to a priority or cut it. Show unit economics for every variable package.

ROLE: You are an external auditor preparing a working paper for a substantive test of [ACCOUNT_OR_ASSERTION].

CONTEXT: Client: [CLIENT]. Account/assertion: [ACCOUNT] / [ASSERTION e.g., existence, completeness, valuation, rights]. Planned materiality: [MATERIALITY]. Population and data available: [POPULATION_DATA]. Prior-year issues: [PRIOR_ISSUES].

TASK:
1. State the audit objective and the specific assertion(s) addressed.
2. Describe the audit procedures (inspection, confirmation, recalculation, analytical) and why they address the assertion.
3. Define the sampling approach: method, sample size rationale, and selection basis tied to materiality and risk.
4. Document the test performed on each selected item and the expected vs. actual result.
5. Evaluate exceptions: quantify misstatement, project to the population, and compare to tolerable misstatement.
6. Reach a conclusion the engagement partner can sign off on.

OUTPUT FORMAT: Standard working paper layout — Objective, Procedures, Sample, Results, Exceptions, Conclusion — plus a tickmark legend.

CONSTRAINTS: Tie every procedure to an assertion. Justify sample size against risk and materiality. Project exceptions; never dismiss them as immaterial without the arithmetic. State a clear pass/fail conclusion with the residual risk.

ROLE: You are a controller designing a repeatable month-end close that finishes by working day [WD_TARGET].

CONTEXT: Entity: [ENTITY], ERP: [ERP_SYSTEM]. Modules in scope: [AP_AR_PAYROLL_REVENUE_FIXED_ASSETS_INTERCOMPANY]. Team: [ROLES]. Known pain points: [BOTTLENECKS].

TASK:
1. Decompose the close into phases: pre-close (cutoffs, accruals prep), hard close (subledger to GL, reconciliations, journal entries), and reporting (flux analysis, sign-off).
2. For each task, assign an owner, a target working day, the predecessor task, and the evidence required to mark it complete.
3. Insert control gates: balance sheet reconciliations, intercompany matching, and a variance review threshold of [THRESHOLD].
4. Identify the three tasks most likely to delay close and propose a mitigation for each.

OUTPUT FORMAT: A table with columns [Phase | Task | Owner | Target WD | Predecessor | Evidence | Control]. Follow with a short 'Critical Path' note and a 'Risks & Mitigations' list.

CONSTRAINTS: Sequence by dependency, not alphabetically. Every reconciliation must name the two sources being tied out. Keep tasks atomic—one verb, one deliverable. Do not omit sign-off and review steps.

ROLE: You are an FP&A business partner writing the monthly variance commentary for the leadership team.

CONTEXT: Period: [MONTH]. Budget vs. actual data by line item: [PASTE_DATA]. Materiality threshold: [PERCENT_OR_DOLLAR]. Prior commentary context: [PRIOR_NOTES].

TASK:
1. Calculate variance in dollars and percent for each line; flag every item over the materiality threshold.
2. For each material variance, classify the driver as volume, price/rate, mix, timing, or one-off.
3. Separate favorable from unfavorable, and permanent from timing differences.
4. Quantify the impact of each driver where decomposable (e.g., a price/volume bridge for revenue).
5. Recommend one concrete action per controllable unfavorable variance.

OUTPUT FORMAT: (A) Headline: net variance and the single biggest story in one sentence. (B) Bulleted variance walk, largest first, each as 'Line — $X (Y%) — driver — action'. (C) Watch items for next month.

CONSTRAINTS: Lead with the punchline; executives read the first three lines. Quantify, do not editorialize. Never report a variance without a driver. Distinguish timing from permanent explicitly. Keep it under one page.

**Role:** Financial planner + CPA.
**Context:** Year-end. Client: [ACCOUNT + holdings + tax bracket].
**Task:** Memo. Identify losses available. Wash-sale rule analysis. Replacement security selection. Estimated tax savings. Execution plan with timing.
**Constraints:** Wash sale honored · replacement security correlated.
**Output format:** Memo.

**Role:** Financial planner.
**Context:** Client: [SITUATION].
**Task:** Checklist. Income optimization. Retirement contributions. HSA. Charitable. Tax-loss harvest. Equity comp. Estimated payments. Documentation gathering.
**Constraints:** Deadlines specific · documentation listed.
**Output format:** Checklist.

Build a 3-year financial model for [business type]. Assumptions: Revenue: [drivers]. COGS: [%]. Headcount plan: [growth]. Capex: [list]. Starting cash: [X]. Build: (1) Revenue model with unit economics. (2) P&L (monthly year 1, quarterly years 2-3). (3) Cash flow statement. (4) Balance sheet. (5) Key metrics dashboard (CAC, LTV, payback, burn rate, runway). (6) Break-even analysis. (7) Sensitivity table (best/base/worst case). Provide as structured data I can enter into Excel.

Create a personalized financial optimization plan for: Income: [X]. Expenses: [breakdown]. Savings: [current]. Debt: [types and amounts]. Goals: [list with timelines]. Risk tolerance: [1-10]. Build: (1) Emergency fund target and timeline. (2) Debt payoff strategy (avalanche vs. snowball analysis). (3) Investment allocation based on goals and timeline. (4) Tax optimization opportunities. (5) Insurance gaps. (6) Monthly budget template. (7) 5-year financial milestone roadmap.

To Create research article using Design Science Research Methodology about topic: "Integrating Blockchain and ERP System to detect accounting financial fraud"

ROLE: You are a nonprofit accountant preparing board and grantor-ready financial statements.

CONTEXT: Organization: [ORG]. Framework: ASC 958 (US GAAP for NFPs). Revenue sources: [CONTRIBUTIONS, GRANTS, PROGRAM_FEES] with donor restrictions: [RESTRICTIONS]. Expense data by program and support function: [EXPENSE_DATA]. Grant terms: [GRANT_TERMS].

TASK:
1. Classify net assets as 'without donor restrictions' and 'with donor restrictions'; track release from restriction when conditions or time requirements are met.
2. Record contributions correctly (conditional vs. unconditional; exchange vs. nonexchange) and recognize timing accordingly.
3. Build the statement of functional expenses: allocate costs across program services and supporting (management & general, fundraising) using reasonable allocation bases.
4. Compute the program-expense ratio and other efficiency metrics watchdogs use.
5. Track grant budget vs. actual against restrictions and flag any spend that breaches grant terms.

OUTPUT FORMAT: (A) Statement of activities by net-asset class. (B) Functional expense matrix [Natural category x Function]. (C) Net-asset roll-forward with releases. (D) Grant compliance summary.

CONSTRAINTS: Never commingle restricted and unrestricted funds. Distinguish conditional from unconditional contributions for timing. Justify each functional allocation basis. Flag any restricted spend outside its purpose.

ROLE: You are a technical accountant applying lease standards to a new contract.

CONTEXT: Standard: [ASC_842_OR_IFRS_16]. Lessee or lessor: [ROLE]. Lease terms: payment [PAYMENT], frequency [FREQUENCY], term [TERM], renewal/purchase options [OPTIONS], discount rate or incremental borrowing rate [RATE], commencement date [DATE], initial direct costs [IDC], incentives [INCENTIVES].

TASK:
1. Determine whether the contract is or contains a lease (right to control an identified asset).
2. Under ASC 842, classify as finance or operating using the five criteria; under IFRS 16, confirm single-model treatment with exemptions checked (short-term, low-value).
3. Compute the initial lease liability as the present value of payments; compute the right-of-use asset (liability +/- IDC, incentives, prepayments).
4. Build the amortization schedule: period, opening liability, interest, payment, closing liability, ROU amortization.
5. State the period-one journal entries and the income statement geography (single lease expense vs. interest + amortization).

OUTPUT FORMAT: (A) Classification conclusion with criteria walk. (B) Initial measurement calc. (C) Amortization schedule. (D) Journal entries. (E) Disclosure notes.

CONSTRAINTS: Cite the specific criterion driving classification. Show the PV math. State the discount rate basis. Flag any judgment that depends on an assumption you had to make.

**Role:** Startup CFO consultant who has modeled 100+ cap tables for seed/A/B companies. You know which assumptions blow up the math.

**Context:** Current cap table: [founders %, ESOP %, investor classes]. Round details: [$ raised, valuation, pre-money / post-money]. SAFEs outstanding: [if any, with caps + discounts]. ESOP refresh requested: [target % post-close]. Pro-rata participants: [who, how much].

**Task:** Run the dilution math.

1. Compute pre-money valuation, total raised, post-money valuation.
2. Trigger any SAFE conversions at the appropriate cap/discount. Show the per-SAFE conversion math.
3. Apply pro-rata participation. Show pre-conversion % vs post.
4. Apply ESOP refresh — note whether it comes from pre or post (this is the dilution gotcha).
5. Final cap table: every shareholder class with pre-round %, post-round %, $ contribution if applicable.
6. Surface the founders' total dilution this round (combined).

**Constraints:**
- Show every formula, not just answers
- Distinguish pre-money vs post-money ESOP impact
- If SAFEs convert with discount AND cap, show both calculations and which one wins per SAFE
- Round to nearest 0.1% for ownership, nearest $1k for dollars

**Output format:** Step-by-step math + final cap table + 1-paragraph "founders' dilution story" summary.

ROLE: You are an accountant modeling stock-based compensation expense and its financial-statement effects.

CONTEXT: Framework: ASC 718 / IFRS 2. Awards: [GRANTS — type (RSU/option/PSU), quantity, grant-date fair value or valuation inputs, vesting schedule (cliff/graded), performance conditions]. Forfeiture policy: [FORFEITURE — estimate or actual]. Tax rate: [TAX]. Diluted share data: [SHARE_DATA].

TASK:
1. Establish grant-date fair value: use the provided value, or build it (e.g., Black-Scholes inputs for options) and show the calculation.
2. Determine the expense recognition pattern: straight-line for cliff vesting, and graded (accelerated, per FIN 28 / tranche method) where elected; apply over the requisite service period.
3. Incorporate forfeitures (estimate-and-true-up or as-incurred) and probability-weight performance conditions for PSUs.
4. Build the period-by-period expense schedule and the cumulative expense.
5. Address tax effects (deferred tax asset and excess/deficient tax benefits) and the dilutive share count via the treasury stock method.

OUTPUT FORMAT: (A) Grant valuation. (B) Expense amortization schedule by period and award. (C) Forfeiture/performance adjustments. (D) Tax and diluted-EPS impact.

CONSTRAINTS: Match expense to the requisite service period—do not front-load cliff awards beyond policy. Probability-weight performance conditions; never assume 100% for PSUs without basis. Show valuation inputs. Apply treasury stock method correctly for dilution.

ROLE: You are an international tax specialist documenting intercompany transfer pricing for [TRANSACTION_TYPE].

CONTEXT: Related parties: [ENTITY_A] in [COUNTRY_A] and [ENTITY_B] in [COUNTRY_B]. Intercompany transaction: [DESCRIPTION — goods, services, IP licensing, or financing]. Functions, assets, and risks (FAR) of each party: [FAR_ANALYSIS]. Financial data: [TESTED_PARTY_RESULTS]. Comparable data available: [COMPARABLES].

TASK:
1. Perform a functional analysis (FAR) and identify the tested party (typically the less complex entity).
2. Select the most appropriate transfer pricing method (CUP, resale price, cost plus, TNMM/CPM, profit split) and justify why the others are less suitable.
3. Define the profit-level indicator and apply it to comparables to derive the arm's-length range (interquartile range).
4. Compare the tested party's results to the range; conclude whether pricing is arm's length or requires an adjustment.
5. Note documentation requirements (master file, local file, OECD BEPS alignment) and audit-defense points.

OUTPUT FORMAT: (A) FAR summary and tested-party selection. (B) Method selection rationale. (C) Comparables and arm's-length range. (D) Conclusion with any adjustment. (E) Documentation checklist.

CONSTRAINTS: Justify the method against the facts, not by default. Use the interquartile range, not a single point. State comparability adjustments made. Align to OECD guidelines and flag any data gaps that weaken the position.

ROLE: You are a corporate treasurer designing an FX risk management program.

CONTEXT: Functional currency: [FUNCTIONAL]. Exposures: receivables/payables by currency [BALANCE_SHEET_FX], forecast revenues/costs by currency [FORECAST_FX], and net investments in foreign subs [TRANSLATION]. Risk tolerance / hedge policy: [POLICY]. Forward points / market rates: [RATES].

TASK:
1. Classify exposures into transaction, translation, and economic; quantify net exposure per currency and tenor.
2. Compute the value-at-risk or scenario impact of a [X]% adverse move on unhedged exposure.
3. Recommend a hedge ratio per exposure type aligned to policy, distinguishing committed vs. forecast.
4. Select instruments (forwards, options, swaps, natural hedges) and justify each against cost, flexibility, and accounting treatment.
5. Address hedge accounting eligibility (cash flow vs. fair value hedge) and the documentation/effectiveness requirements.

OUTPUT FORMAT: (1) Exposure map [Currency | Type | Net Amount | Tenor]. (2) Risk quantification. (3) Hedge recommendation table [Exposure | Hedge Ratio | Instrument | Rationale | Accounting]. (4) Implementation and monitoring notes.

CONSTRAINTS: Do not hedge translation and transaction risk with the same logic—treat them distinctly. Net offsetting exposures before hedging. Flag accounting consequences of each instrument. State which forecasts are reliable enough to designate.

ROLE: You are a SaaS finance analyst building the recurring-revenue and retention model for board reporting.

CONTEXT: Company: [COMPANY]. Subscription data: starting MRR [START_MRR], new bookings, expansion, contraction, churn by period: [MOVEMENT_DATA]. Cohort data: [COHORTS]. CAC and gross margin inputs: [CAC, GM].

TASK:
1. Build the MRR/ARR bridge: beginning MRR + new + expansion - contraction - churned = ending MRR, for each period.
2. Compute gross and net revenue retention (NRR), and logo (customer) churn vs. revenue churn—keep them distinct.
3. Run cohort retention curves and identify whether NRR is improving or decaying by cohort vintage.
4. Compute unit economics: CAC payback period, LTV (using gross margin and churn), and LTV/CAC ratio.
5. Reconcile recognized GAAP revenue to ARR (deferred revenue, ramp deals, usage overages) so they are not confused.

OUTPUT FORMAT: (A) MRR bridge table by period. (B) Retention metrics (GRR, NRR, logo vs. revenue churn). (C) Cohort retention grid. (D) Unit economics (CAC payback, LTV, LTV/CAC). (E) ARR-to-GAAP-revenue reconciliation.

CONSTRAINTS: The MRR bridge must reconcile exactly each period. Never conflate ARR with recognized revenue, or logo churn with revenue churn. Base LTV on gross margin, not revenue. State the churn assumption underpinning LTV. Flag if NRR is propped up by a few large accounts.

ROLE: You are a revenue accounting specialist applying the five-step model to a customer contract.

CONTEXT: Framework: ASC 606 / IFRS 15. Contract summary: [CONTRACT_TERMS including deliverables, pricing, payment terms, term length, variable consideration, and any options or modifications]. Industry: [INDUSTRY].

TASK:
1. Step 1 — confirm an enforceable contract exists (approval, rights, payment terms, commercial substance, collectibility).
2. Step 2 — identify distinct performance obligations; explain bundling/unbundling decisions.
3. Step 3 — determine the transaction price, including variable consideration (estimate and constraint), significant financing components, and noncash consideration.
4. Step 4 — allocate the price to obligations using standalone selling prices; show the allocation math.
5. Step 5 — determine timing: point in time vs. over time, and the measure of progress. Build a recognition schedule by period.

OUTPUT FORMAT: Five labeled sections matching the steps, then a 'Recognition Schedule' table [Period | Obligation | Amount | Method] and a 'Key Judgments' list.

CONSTRAINTS: Justify every distinct-obligation and over-time decision against the criteria. Show the SSP allocation arithmetic. Surface every estimate as a judgment with its basis. Do not recognize variable consideration beyond the constraint.

ROLE: You are a corporate development analyst running accretion/dilution on a proposed acquisition.

CONTEXT: Acquirer: [ACQUIRER] (EPS [ACQ_EPS], shares [ACQ_SHARES], P/E [ACQ_PE]). Target: [TARGET] (net income [TGT_NI], shares [TGT_SHARES]). Offer: [OFFER_PRICE], premium [PREMIUM]. Financing mix: [CASH_DEBT_STOCK_SPLIT], cost of debt [KD], tax [TAX]. Expected synergies: [SYNERGIES], integration costs: [INT_COSTS].

TASK:
1. Compute purchase consideration and the sources/uses of funds.
2. Build pro forma net income: combine earnings, add after-tax synergies, subtract after-tax incremental interest on new debt, adjust for foregone interest on cash used.
3. Compute pro forma shares (new shares issued for the stock portion).
4. Compute pro forma EPS and compare to standalone acquirer EPS—state accretion/dilution in dollars and percent.
5. Find the breakeven (synergies needed, or max premium) for a neutral deal, and sensitize EPS impact to the premium.

OUTPUT FORMAT: (A) Sources & uses. (B) Pro forma income bridge. (C) EPS accretion/dilution conclusion. (D) Breakeven and premium sensitivity table.

CONSTRAINTS: Tax-effect synergies and interest. State whether year-one or run-rate synergies are used. Show the share count math for the stock component. Do not call a deal accretive without showing the bridge.

ROLE: You are a commercial finance analyst explaining why gross margin moved between two periods.

CONTEXT: Periods: [PERIOD_A] vs [PERIOD_B]. By product/segment: units, price, unit cost, and revenue for each period: [PASTE_DATA]. Reporting currency and any FX: [CURRENCY_FX].

TASK:
1. Compute total gross margin for each period and the total change to explain.
2. Decompose the change into effects: price effect (price delta x volume), volume effect (volume delta x prior margin per unit), mix effect (shift in sales mix toward higher/lower-margin products), and cost effect (unit cost delta x volume).
3. If FX is present, isolate an FX effect so it does not contaminate price.
4. Build a margin bridge that walks from prior-period GM to current-period GM through each labeled effect, summing exactly.
5. Call out the single largest driver and whether it is structural or transient.

OUTPUT FORMAT: (A) Margin summary both periods. (B) Effect calculations with formulas. (C) Bridge (waterfall) from prior to current GM, each step labeled and quantified. (D) One-paragraph 'what changed and why it matters.'

CONSTRAINTS: The bridge must reconcile exactly to the total change—no residual. Keep price and mix distinct; do not conflate them. Isolate FX. State the order of decomposition since it affects attribution.

ROLE: You are a corporate finance analyst evaluating a capital expenditure proposal for the investment committee.

CONTEXT: Project: [PROJECT]. Initial outlay: [CAPEX]. Project life: [YEARS]. Cash flow drivers: [REVENUE_COST_ASSUMPTIONS]. Salvage value: [SALVAGE]. Working capital needs: [NWC]. Discount rate / hurdle: [HURDLE]. Tax rate: [TAX], depreciation method: [DEPRECIATION].

TASK:
1. Build the incremental after-tax free cash flows: revenues, costs, depreciation tax shield, capex, NWC changes, and terminal salvage (after tax).
2. Compute NPV at the hurdle rate, IRR, MIRR, discounted payback, and the profitability index.
3. Run scenario analysis (base/upside/downside) on the two most sensitive drivers and report NPV in each.
4. Identify the breakeven on the key driver (the value at which NPV = 0).
5. Make a clear go/no-go recommendation with the deciding rationale.

OUTPUT FORMAT: (A) FCF projection table. (B) Metrics summary (NPV, IRR, MIRR, payback, PI). (C) Scenario table. (D) Breakeven. (E) Recommendation in two sentences.

CONSTRAINTS: Use incremental, after-tax cash flows only—exclude sunk costs, include opportunity costs. Apply the depreciation tax shield. State the reinvestment assumption behind IRR vs. MIRR. Do not recommend on NPV alone—reference the risk scenarios.

ROLE: You are a senior FP&A modeler who builds investor-grade three-statement models.

CONTEXT: Company: [COMPANY_NAME], sector [SECTOR]. Historicals provided: [PASTE_3_YEARS_OF_IS_BS_CF]. Forecast horizon: [N_YEARS]. Reporting currency: [CURRENCY].

TASK:
1. Restate historicals into a clean template; flag any non-recurring items and normalize.
2. Define the revenue build (volume x price, or driver-based) using these assumptions: [GROWTH_ASSUMPTIONS].
3. Project the income statement, then the balance sheet, then the cash flow statement so all three tie.
4. Build supporting schedules: working capital (DSO/DIO/DPO), PP&E roll-forward with capex and depreciation, and a debt schedule with an interest-on-average-balance toggle.
5. Wire the cash sweep / revolver to balance the balance sheet; explain how you handle the interest circularity (iterative calc vs. copy-paste switch).

OUTPUT FORMAT:
- Section A: Key assumptions table.
- Section B: Three statements, years across columns.
- Section C: Supporting schedules.
- Section D: Integrity checks (BS balances to zero, CF ties to cash).

CONSTRAINTS: Show every formula in words. State each assumption explicitly; never invent missing inputs—list them under OPEN ITEMS instead. Balance sheet must balance to the cent or flag the break.

ROLE: You are a reconciliations specialist resolving a balance sheet account that does not tie out.

CONTEXT: Account: [ACCOUNT_NAME]. GL balance: [GL_BALANCE]. Supporting source balance (subledger/bank/statement): [SOURCE_BALANCE]. Difference: [DIFFERENCE]. Detail available: [TRANSACTION_DETAIL].

TASK:
1. Restate the reconciliation: GL balance, source balance, and the gap to explain.
2. Categorize candidate reconciling items: timing differences (in-transit, unposted), errors (duplicates, transpositions, wrong account), missing entries, and FX revaluation if applicable.
3. For the provided detail, walk through systematically and attribute amounts to categories until the gap is fully explained or a residual remains.
4. For each reconciling item, state whether it self-clears (timing) or requires a correcting entry.
5. Draft the correcting journal entries needed.

OUTPUT FORMAT: (1) Reconciliation summary block. (2) Reconciling items table [Item | Amount | Category | Self-clears or JE]. (3) Proposed correcting entries. (4) Unexplained residual, if any, with next steps.

CONSTRAINTS: Do not force a tie-out by plugging—if a residual remains, say so. Show the arithmetic. Distinguish timing from error explicitly. Every correcting entry must balance.

ROLE: You are a senior accountant performing a pre-post review of manual journal entries.

CONTEXT: Accounting framework: [GAAP_OR_IFRS]. Entries to review: [PASTE_ENTRIES with date, accounts, debits, credits, description, preparer]. Period-end: [DATE].

TASK:
1. Verify each entry is balanced (debits = credits) and uses valid account types for the described transaction.
2. Assess whether the accounting treatment is correct under [GAAP_OR_IFRS]; cite the relevant principle for any concern.
3. Flag anomaly patterns: round-dollar amounts, entries posted on weekends or after cutoff, missing or vague descriptions, entries that conveniently hit a target, and unusual account pairings.
4. Rate each entry: PASS, QUESTION (needs preparer clarification), or BLOCK (do not post).
5. Draft the clarifying question for every QUESTION item.

OUTPUT FORMAT: Table [Entry ID | Balanced? | Treatment Assessment | Red Flags | Rating | Question for Preparer]. End with a summary count by rating.

CONSTRAINTS: Do not approve an entry whose business purpose is unclear. Cite the standard, not just 'looks wrong.' Treat round numbers and timing near cutoff as elevated risk, not proof. Be specific in every clarifying question.

ROLE: You are an equity valuation analyst delivering a DCF a deal committee will scrutinize.

CONTEXT: Target: [COMPANY]. Unlevered free cash flows or the inputs to build them: [FCF_OR_DRIVERS]. Capital structure: [DEBT_EQUITY]. Risk-free [RF], equity risk premium [ERP], beta [BETA], pre-tax cost of debt [KD], tax rate [TAX].

TASK:
1. Build WACC step by step; show CAPM cost of equity and after-tax cost of debt.
2. Project unlevered FCF for [N] years; reconcile from EBIT to FCF (taxes, D&A, capex, change in NWC).
3. Compute terminal value two ways—Gordon growth and exit multiple—and reconcile the implied perpetuity growth of the multiple method.
4. Discount to present value using mid-year convention; bridge enterprise value to equity value and per-share value.
5. Build a 5x5 sensitivity grid (WACC vs. terminal growth) on per-share value.

OUTPUT FORMAT: (1) WACC build, (2) FCF projection table, (3) TV reconciliation, (4) EV-to-equity bridge, (5) sensitivity grid, (6) two-line conclusion with the valuation range.

CONSTRAINTS: State every assumption. Flag if implied terminal growth exceeds long-run GDP. Do not present a single point value without the range. Show your reasoning before the numbers.

**Role:** RIA founder + portfolio manager.
**Context:** Market down 20%+. Client list: [N]. Anxiety inbound.
**Task:** Mass client communication. Acknowledge the loss. Historical context (20%+ corrections have happened N times). The long-term plan still works. Specific actions (rebalancing / tax-loss harvest / no panic). Compliance disclaimers.
**Constraints:** Calm not minimizing · historical context · disclaimers.
**Output format:** Letter.

**Role:** Estate planning attorney + financial planner.
**Context:** Family: [DEMOGRAPHICS + assets].
**Task:** Estate brief. Will. Revocable trust. POA + healthcare directive. Beneficiary designations. Estate tax exposure. Strategies (gifting / trusts / charitable). Coordination with retirement accounts.
**Constraints:** State-specific · NOT a substitute for attorney drafting.
**Output format:** Brief.

**Role:** Financial planner.
**Context:** Family: [LOCATION + kids + ages + tuition target].
**Task:** 529 setup memo. State plan comparison (in-state vs out-of-state). Investment options. Contribution strategy (lump sum + monthly). Tax treatment. Owner / beneficiary structure. Sibling flexibility.
**Constraints:** State-tax considered · gift-tax aware.
**Output format:** Memo.

**Role:** Financial planner.
**Context:** Client: [HDHP-eligible + cash-flow status].
**Task:** HSA strategy. Max contribution (per IRS limits). Triple-tax-advantage explained. Investment option (vs cash). Receipt-keeping for future reimbursement. Estate considerations.
**Constraints:** Triple-advantage emphasized · receipt strategy documented.
**Output format:** Strategy memo.

**Role:** RIA portfolio manager.
**Context:** Client: [DEMOGRAPHICS]. Goals: [LIST]. Risk tolerance: [LEVEL].
**Task:** IPS. Investment objectives. Time horizon. Risk tolerance. Asset allocation (with rebalancing thresholds). Tax considerations. Restrictions. Monitoring + review cadence.
**Constraints:** Quantified allocations · rebalancing rules clear.
**Output format:** IPS.

**Role:** Financial planner.
**Context:** Couple: 45yo, $250k household income, $400k saved, $1.5M target by 65. 2 kids.
**Task:** Plan. Cash flow analysis. Retirement projection (Monte Carlo). 529 college planning. Insurance gap. Tax-efficient saving allocation. Implementation steps. Annual review.
**Constraints:** Monte Carlo cited · gaps surfaced.
**Output format:** Plan.

**Role:** PE associate.
**Context:** Target: [WHAT]. Purchase price: [$X]. Debt: [TERMS]. Equity check: [$Y]. Hold: [N years].
**Task:** LBO model summary. Sources + uses. Operating projections (revenue / EBITDA / cash flow). Debt schedule + paydown. Returns (IRR + multiple).
**Constraints:** Assumptions stated · returns sensitivity.
**Output format:** Summary + key metrics.

**Role:** Wealth manager.
**Context:** Client: concentrated position (employer stock / inherited / venture).
**Task:** Review. Position size relative to net worth. Diversification benefit. Strategies (hedging / structured / 10b5-1 / DRIP off / exchange fund). Tax implications. Recommendation.
**Constraints:** Strategies quantified · tax-aware.
**Output format:** Review memo.

**Role:** Financial planner.
**Context:** 60yo couple. Assets $2.5M. SS strategy decision pending. Healthcare cost concerns.
**Task:** Plan. Retirement readiness analysis. SS claiming strategy. Healthcare pre-Medicare. Withdrawal strategy. Tax optimization. Long-term care. Legacy planning.
**Constraints:** SS strategy researched · Medicare timeline.
**Output format:** Plan.

**Role:** Fund formation counsel.
**Context:** Strategy: [WHAT]. Target raise: [$X]. Investors: [LP TYPE].
**Task:** Formation memo. Entity structure. Tax considerations. Fees + carry standard. Regulatory (RIA / ERISA / VCOC). Documents required (PPM / LPA / sub docs). Timeline.
**Constraints:** Regulatory considered · standard market terms cited.
**Output format:** Memo.

**Role:** Wealth manager + estate planner.
**Context:** Client: [LIQUIDITY EVENT pending — IPO / secondary / inheritance].
**Task:** Liquidity plan. Timing. Pre-liquidity tax planning. Post-liquidity diversification. Charitable giving. Estate refresh. Cash flow shift. Spending policy.
**Constraints:** Pre-event planning · diversification strategy.
**Output format:** Plan.

**Role:** Financial planner.
**Context:** Self-employed client: [INCOME].
**Task:** Setup. Provider comparison. Contribution limits (employee + employer). Roth option. Loan provision (if needed). Establishment deadline. Documents required.
**Constraints:** Limits per IRS · deadlines (Dec 31 setup, tax deadline + extension contribution).
**Output format:** Setup memo.

**Role:** Financial planner + CPA.
**Context:** Client: [AGE + IRA balance + tax bracket + projected retirement bracket].
**Task:** Analysis. Current vs future tax bracket. Conversion amount per year. 5-year clock. Net tax impact. RMD avoidance. Estate planning benefit.
**Constraints:** Tax-bracket math specific · 5-yr-clock cited.
**Output format:** Analysis.

**Role:** Startup employee tax advisor.
**Context:** Employee: [GRANT TYPE + FMV at grant].
**Task:** 83(b) memo. What 83(b) does. Cost (current FMV taxed now). Benefit (future gain at cap gains). 30-day deadline. Filing instructions.
**Constraints:** 30-day deadline non-negotiable · filing instructions specific.
**Output format:** Memo + filing guide.