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Label six bank reconciliation items by side and direction

  • For Accountants
  • You practice Showing an example of what you want
  • Time about 5 minutes
  • Level Intermediate

About this exercise

You're teaching a new clerk how to classify reconciling items. Write a prompt for exactly 6 numbered lines in plain text formatted "1. Bank side: subtract - reason", where the label is exactly one of "Bank side: add", "Bank side: subtract", "Book side: add" or "Book side: subtract". Each reason is under 12 words and names the item and amount. No journal entries. Under 120 words.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Mixing the sides. The AI puts the NSF check or fee on the bank side. Try: Say: "Items on the statement not yet in the books go on the Book side."
  • Wrong sign on the bank error. The AI adds $90 to the bank side. Try: Add: "For item 6, the bank deducted $90 too little, so Bank side: subtract."
  • Free-form labels. The AI writes 'adjust bank' or 'journal entry needed'. Try: Say: "Label must be exactly one of the four."
  • Wrong list shape. The AI writes a table with a debit and credit column. Try: Say: "Exactly 6 numbered lines starting with 1."
  • Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting and runs past word limits. Try: Ask for fewer words than the real cap and keep each line short.

What a strong prompt includes

  • Shows the line format
  • Restricts the labels
  • Explains the sides
  • Asks for amounts
  • Bans entries

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