10 Best ChatGPT Prompts for Accountants

You are an experienced financial analyst tasked with creating a clear, professional narrative summary of financial data. Your objective is to transform raw numbers and figures into a coherent story that business stakeholders can understand without requiring deep accounting knowledge.

Write a comprehensive financial report narrative based on the data provided for [time_period]. The narrative should:

Open with a high-level executive summary that captures the most critical financial highlights in 2-3 sentences. Then provide detailed explanations of key financial metrics including revenue performance, expense trends, profitability margins, cash flow status, and any significant variances from budget or prior periods.

Use clear language that avoids excessive jargon while maintaining professional credibility. When technical terms are necessary, briefly explain them in parentheses. Break down complex financial movements into cause-and-effect relationships so readers understand not just what happened, but why it happened.

For each major financial category, explain whether the results align with expectations, exceed them, or fall short. If there are concerning trends, acknowledge them directly but also provide context about mitigating factors or corrective actions being taken.

Include forward-looking statements where appropriate, discussing how current results position the organization for upcoming periods. Highlight any risks or opportunities that merit attention.

What to avoid: Do not simply restate numbers without interpretation. Avoid overly optimistic language that downplays genuine concerns. Do not use acronyms without defining them first. Avoid making the narrative too lengthy – aim for conciseness while being thorough. Do not include recommendations or opinions unless specifically requested in additional instructions.

=== PLEASE ENTER THE DETAILS REQUIRED BELOW (Enter “attached” for attached details) ===
[time_period]:
[financial_data]:
Additional Instructions (optional):

Act as a client-focused tax accountant preparing proactive communication for clients. Your goal is to help clients understand upcoming tax obligations, planning opportunities, and action items in a way that feels personalized and helpful rather than overwhelming or generic.

Create a tax planning communication for [client_type] covering the upcoming tax period. Structure your message to first acknowledge the client relationship warmly, then transition into the substantive tax information.

DEADLINE OVERVIEW

List all relevant tax deadlines with specific dates. For each deadline, briefly note what’s due and any prerequisites the client should be aware of.

PLANNING OPPORTUNITIES

Identify 3-5 tax planning strategies that could benefit this client type. For each strategy, explain what it is, who it benefits most, what action is required, and the potential tax savings or advantages. Make these concrete and actionable, not vague generalizations.

DOCUMENTATION NEEDED

Specify which documents and information you’ll need from the client and when you need them. Explain why each item is necessary to make the request feel reasonable rather than burdensome.

NEXT STEPS

Provide a clear call-to-action. This might be scheduling a meeting, submitting documents by a certain date, or confirming they want to proceed with a particular strategy.

What to avoid: Do not use fear-based language about penalties and consequences as the primary motivator. Avoid presenting too many options that create decision paralysis. Do not make the communication so formal that it feels impersonal. Avoid tax code references that mean nothing to laypeople. Do not forget to include your contact information for questions.

=== PLEASE ENTER THE DETAILS REQUIRED BELOW (Enter “attached” for attached details) ===
[client_type]:
Additional Instructions (optional):

You’re handling accounts receivable communications and need to follow up on outstanding invoices. Your goal is to secure payment while preserving the client relationship. The tone should be professional yet approachable, firm yet understanding, making it easy for the client to respond and resolve the matter.

Draft a payment follow-up message for an invoice that is [days_overdue] days past due. Adapt your approach based on the overdue timeframe – early stage reminders should be gentler than significantly overdue accounts.

Begin by referencing the specific invoice including the invoice number, date, amount, and what it was for. This immediately orients the recipient and shows you’re addressing a specific matter, not sending generic collection notices. Acknowledge that oversights happen and perhaps they’ve already sent payment that crossed paths with your message.

Clearly state the amount due and how long it’s been outstanding. Provide multiple convenient payment methods and include all necessary information like account numbers, payment portal links, or mailing addresses.

If there might be a dispute or issue preventing payment, invite them to contact you to discuss it. Show willingness to work with them on payment arrangements if needed, but make it clear that communication is essential. Include a specific call-to-action with a deadline, such as “Please remit payment or contact us within 5 business days.”

Close professionally while keeping the door open for continued business relationship. Include your direct contact information to make reaching out easy.

What to avoid: Do not be accusatory or assume bad intent. Avoid threatening legal action in early-stage collection attempts. Do not include guilt-tripping language about how their late payment affects your business. Avoid being so soft that there’s no urgency. Do not send generic, template-sounding messages that feel mass-produced.

=== PLEASE ENTER THE DETAILS REQUIRED BELOW (Enter “attached” for attached details) ===
[days_overdue]:
Additional Instructions (optional):

You are a management accountant analyzing budget-to-actual variances. Transform variance data into actionable insights that help management understand performance and make informed decisions.

Analyze the budget variances for [reporting_period] and create a comprehensive variance analysis report. For each significant variance (typically those exceeding 5-10% or a material dollar threshold), provide both quantitative and qualitative analysis.

For FAVORABLE variances:

• Quantify the variance in both dollar and percentage terms
• Identify the root causes (higher volume, better pricing, cost savings, timing differences, etc.) – Assess whether the variance is sustainable or one-time
• Note if the favorable result masks any underlying concerns
• Recommend whether budgets should be revised going forward

For UNFAVORABLE variances:

• Quantify the negative impact
• Explain what drove the unfavorable result
• Distinguish between controllable and uncontrollable factors
• Identify who or what department is responsible
• Suggest corrective actions to get back on track
• Project whether the variance will continue

Prioritize your analysis by materiality – address the largest and most impactful variances first. Connect individual variances to the bigger financial picture, showing how they collectively impact overall profitability or financial health. Use comparisons to prior periods or industry benchmarks where relevant to add context.

Conclude with an overall assessment of budget performance and 3-5 key recommendations for management action.

What to avoid: Do not simply list numbers without explanation. Avoid being overly critical of departments in a way that feels like blame-shifting. Do not ignore timing differences that might resolve in subsequent periods. Avoid analysis paralysis by examining trivial variances. Do not provide recommendations that are too vague to be actionable.

=== PLEASE ENTER THE DETAILS REQUIRED BELOW (Enter “attached” for attached details) ===
[reporting_period]:
[variance_data]:
Additional Instructions (optional):

You’re preparing documentation for an audit – whether internal, external, or regulatory. Your documentation needs to be thorough, organized, well-supported, and defensible while being efficient to prepare and easy for auditors to review.

Prepare comprehensive audit documentation for [audit_area]. Structure the documentation according to best practices that auditors expect and appreciate.

IMPORTANT: Begin with an executive overview that explains what this documentation package covers, the time period involved, and a brief summary of findings or conclusions. This roadmap helps auditors navigate the materials efficiently.

SUPPORTING MATERIALS

List and organize all supporting documents, schedules, calculations, and evidence. Use consistent file naming conventions. For each key document, include:

• What it is and what it shows
• Source of the information (system name, report type, etc.)
• Date prepared and who prepared it
• How it ties to the financial statements or compliance requirement

PROCEDURES PERFORMED

Document what procedures were performed, when, and by whom. Describe the methodology used and sample sizes if applicable. Show your work for calculations and reconciliations. Make your logic trail easy to follow so someone unfamiliar with the process could understand what was done and why.

EXCEPTIONS AND RESOLUTIONS

Clearly identify any exceptions, errors, or unusual items discovered during your procedures. For each exception, document how it was resolved or why it’s not material. Don’t hide problems – auditors will find them anyway, and proactive disclosure builds credibility.

CONCLUSIONS

State clear conclusions about whether controls are operating effectively, whether balances are fairly stated, or whether compliance requirements are met.

What to avoid: Do not provide disorganized or poorly labeled documentation that wastes auditors’ time. Avoid gaps in documentation that raise more questions than they answer. Do not alter or backdate documentation. Avoid overly defensive language or tone. Do not include irrelevant materials that clutter the package.

=== PLEASE ENTER THE DETAILS REQUIRED BELOW (Enter “attached” for attached details) ===
[audit_area]:
Additional Instructions (optional):

Function as a financial analyst examining cash flow patterns to help management understand liquidity, identify risks, and plan for future cash needs. Your analysis should go beyond just reporting numbers to providing strategic insights.

Conduct a thorough cash flow analysis for [analysis_period] covering operating activities, investing activities, and financing activities. Your analysis should tell the story of how cash moved through the business and what it means for financial health.

Start with a summary of net cash flow change, breaking down how much came from operations versus other sources. Highlight whether the business is generating positive cash from core operations – this is the most important indicator of sustainable financial health.

Dive into operating cash flow by examining the relationship between net income and cash generated. Explain any significant differences caused by non-cash charges, working capital changes, or timing differences. If accounts receivable increased significantly, explain that customers owe more money but haven’t paid yet, tying up cash. If accounts payable increased, note that the business is preserving cash by taking longer to pay suppliers.

Analyze investing activities to show how the business is deploying capital. Heavy capital expenditures might explain tight cash but could be investments in future growth. Asset sales might provide cash infusions but could signal distress.

Review financing activities including debt payments, new borrowings, equity transactions, and dividend payments. Assess whether the business is overleveraged or has untapped borrowing capacity.

Calculate and interpret key cash flow metrics like free cash flow, cash conversion cycle, and operating cash flow ratio. Compare current period to historical trends and note any concerning patterns.

RISKS AND OPPORTUNITIES: Identify any cash flow risks on the horizon and suggest strategies to optimize cash management.

What to avoid: Do not present cash flow analysis as just a categorized list of transactions. Avoid ignoring the quality of cash flow sources. Do not overlook seasonal patterns that affect comparisons. Avoid failing to connect cash flow to strategic business decisions. Do not use terminology without explaining what it means for the business.

=== PLEASE ENTER THE DETAILS REQUIRED BELOW (Enter “attached” for attached details) ===
[analysis_period]:
[cash_flow_data]:
Additional Instructions (optional):

You are documenting financial policies and procedures to ensure consistency, compliance, and control within the organization. Your documentation should be clear enough for someone new to follow while comprehensive enough to address key control points and regulatory requirements.

Create a detailed policy and procedure document for [policy_area]. Structure it for maximum usability with clear sections and step-by-step guidance.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE

Explain why this policy exists, what it aims to achieve, and who it applies to. This context helps people understand the importance of following the procedure.

POLICY STATEMENT

State the overarching policy clearly and concisely. This is the “what” – the rules and requirements that must be followed. Use definitive language like “must,” “will,” or “is required to” for mandatory items.

PROCEDURES

Provide step-by-step instructions for executing the policy. Number each step and write them in chronological order. Specify who is responsible for each action. Include decision points and what to do in different scenarios. Note required approvals and documentation at each stage. Provide templates or examples where helpful.

CONTROLS AND SEGREGATION OF DUTIES

Identify key control points and how segregation of duties is maintained. Explain what prevents errors or fraud from occurring or going undetected.

DOCUMENTATION AND RECORD RETENTION

Specify what documentation must be maintained, where it should be stored, and how long it must be retained.

EXCEPTIONS

Describe the process for requesting exceptions and who has authority to approve them.

REFERENCES

Note any related policies, regulatory requirements, or accounting standards that this procedure supports compliance with.

What to avoid: Do not write procedures so rigid they can’t adapt to reasonable situations. Avoid jargon or technical terms without explanation. Do not create unnecessarily complex procedures when simpler approaches would work. Avoid vague statements like “appropriate” or “reasonable” without defining what that means. Do not forget to include consequences for non-compliance if relevant.

=== PLEASE ENTER THE DETAILS REQUIRED BELOW (Enter “attached” for attached details) ===
[policy_area]:
Additional Instructions (optional):

Take on the role of a management accountant preparing reports for executives and decision-makers. Your reports need to distill complex financial information into actionable insights that support strategic decisions. Focus on what matters most to leadership.

Create a management report for [reporting_period] that provides executives with the financial information they need to run the business effectively. Design the report for busy readers who need to quickly grasp performance and identify areas requiring attention.

EXECUTIVE DASHBOARD: Open with a high-level dashboard showing critical KPIs at a glance. Include current period figures, comparisons to prior period and budget, and visual indicators (red/yellow/green) for quick status assessment. Select KPIs that truly matter to this organization – revenue, profit margin, cash position, and 3-5 other metrics aligned with strategic priorities.

Present financial statements in summarized format with just the main line items – save detailed general ledger data for appendices. For income statement, show revenue by segment or category, major expense categories, and profitability at various levels. For balance sheet, highlight working capital components, debt levels, and equity changes.

PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS: Provide narrative commentary on what’s going well. Quantify successes and note what’s driving positive results. Give credit where it’s due and create momentum.

AREAS OF CONCERN: Address challenges directly but constructively. Identify problems early before they become crises. For each concern, propose potential solutions or next steps rather than just raising alarms.

FORWARD LOOK: Include a forecast or outlook section showing projections for the next quarter or year based on current trends and known upcoming events.

Use visual elements like graphs and charts to make data more digestible. Compare actual results to targets and historical performance so context is always clear.

What to avoid: Do not overwhelm readers with too much detail or raw data dumps. Avoid burying critical information in the middle of the report. Do not present numbers without context or comparison points. Avoid overly technical accounting language. Do not sugarcoat bad news or overstate good news. Do not create reports so lengthy that executives won’t read them.

=== PLEASE ENTER THE DETAILS REQUIRED BELOW (Enter “attached” for attached details) ===
[reporting_period]:
[financial_data]:
Additional Instructions (optional):

You’re welcoming a new client to your accounting practice and setting the foundation for a successful long-term relationship. Your communication should make clients feel confident in their choice, clear about what to expect, and prepared to engage effectively with your services.

Compose a comprehensive onboarding communication for a new [service_type] client. This should serve as their roadmap for getting started and knowing what to expect from your working relationship.

Open with genuine enthusiasm about working together. Acknowledge their decision to partner with your firm and reinforce that it was a good choice. Briefly remind them of what initially drew you together and your understanding of their needs.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT: Outline the immediate next steps in chronological order. Give specific timeframes when possible. For example, “Within the next 3 business days, you’ll receive a secure portal invitation to upload documents” is much better than “You’ll receive a portal invitation soon.” Set clear expectations about timing so clients know when to expect what.

INFORMATION WE NEED: Provide a detailed checklist of documents and information required. Organize by category (business documents, financial records, tax information, etc.) and explain why each item is necessary. This helps clients understand it’s not busywork. Note which items are urgent versus which can come later.

HOW WE’LL WORK TOGETHER: Describe your communication approach – how quickly they can expect responses, preferred communication channels, how often you’ll proactively check in. Explain your availability and any scheduling procedures for calls or meetings. Set service level expectations so clients know what’s normal.

PORTAL AND TOOLS: If you use client portals, accounting software, or other technology, explain how to access and use these tools. Provide login information, quick-start guides, or video tutorials.

BILLING AND PAYMENT: Be transparent about billing structure, when invoices will be sent, payment terms and methods accepted. Address this upfront to avoid awkwardness later.

YOUR TEAM: Introduce key team members the client will interact with and their roles. Include contact information so the client knows who to reach out to for what.

What to avoid: Do not send generic, template-feeling welcome messages. Avoid overwhelming new clients with too much information at once. Do not use this communication to upsell additional services aggressively. Avoid being unclear about fees or costs. Do not forget to make clients feel welcomed as people, not just accounts.

=== PLEASE ENTER THE DETAILS REQUIRED BELOW (Enter “attached” for attached details) ===
[service_type]:
Additional Instructions (optional):

You’re preparing financial commentary to accompany financial statements for external stakeholders such as board members, investors, lenders, or partners. Your commentary should provide context, transparency, and confidence while meeting stakeholder information needs.

Write financial commentary for [stakeholder_type] covering [reporting_period]. Your commentary should make financial statements more meaningful and actionable for this specific audience.

Begin with an overview that frames the financial results within the broader business context. Reference significant events, market conditions, strategic initiatives, or operational changes that affected financial performance during the period. This immediately helps stakeholders understand results aren’t happening in a vacuum.

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS

Walk through the key financial statements with narrative explanation:

For revenue, break down growth or decline by its drivers – volume, pricing, mix, new products, market expansion, customer losses, etc. Show which business segments or revenue streams performed above or below expectations.

For expenses, explain major variances and whether changes are temporary or represent new run rates. Distinguish between investments in growth versus efficiency improvements versus unavoidable cost increases.

For profitability, discuss margin trends and sustainability. If margins compressed, explain why and what’s being done about it. If they expanded, credit the factors responsible and assess whether improvements will hold.

For balance sheet items, highlight changes in working capital, debt levels, capital investments, and equity. Explain the strategic rationale behind major balance sheet movements.

For cash flow, emphasize cash generation capability and how cash is being deployed to create value.

OUTLOOK AND RISKS: Provide forward-looking perspective on what stakeholders should anticipate. Discuss known headwinds and tailwinds. Be balanced – acknowledge challenges while highlighting opportunities. Address how management is positioning the organization for future success.

Tailor your language and focus to your audience. Boards want governance and oversight information. Investors want return potential. Lenders want credit risk assessment. Adjust accordingly.

What to avoid: Do not be overly promotional or sales-focused – stakeholders want honest assessment. Avoid technical jargon that your audience may not understand. Do not cherry-pick only positive metrics while ignoring problems. Avoid being so conservative that you undersell genuine achievements. Do not make forward-looking statements that could be construed as guarantees.

=== PLEASE ENTER THE DETAILS REQUIRED BELOW (Enter “attached” for attached details) ===
[stakeholder_type]:
[reporting_period]:
[financial_statements]:
Additional Instructions: