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Answer an auditor's PBC list with honest status lines

  • For Accountants
  • You practice Keeping the AI to your sources
  • Time about 5 minutes
  • Level Intermediate

About this exercise

Your auditors sent a PBC (prepared by client) list and want status today. Write a prompt for exactly 5 numbered lines, one per request, formatted "1. PBC-01 - Status - detail", where the status is exactly Provided, Partial or Other team. Partial lines say what's missing. Nothing may be claimed as provided unless your notes say it was uploaded, and legal matters go to the GC without describing them. Plain text, under 160 words.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Rounding up to 'done'. The AI reads 'confirms sent' or 'rollforward done' and marks the whole request provided. Try: Say: "Provided only if every item is uploaded; otherwise Partial and say what's missing."
  • Free-form status. The AI writes 'in progress' or 'mostly done', which the auditor can't track. Try: Give the labels: "Status is exactly Provided, Partial or Other team."
  • Speaking for legal. The AI says there's no open litigation or describes legal matters itself. Try: Add: "For legal, say Other team and name the GC. Don't describe any legal matter."
  • A memo, not status lines. The AI writes a letter with headings and paragraphs. Try: Show the line: "1. PBC-01 - Provided - detail", exactly 5 numbered lines, plain text.
  • Trusting the AI to count words. Status replies run long with intros and closings. Try: Cap each line at 25 words and say no intro.

What a strong prompt includes

  • Gives the status labels
  • Shows the line format
  • Says what's missing
  • Routes legal
  • Sets length

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