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Code credit card transactions to accounts and flag unknowns

  • For Accountants
  • You practice Asking for a format you can use
  • Time about 5 minutes
  • Level Intermediate

About this exercise

You're coding the October company card statement. Write a prompt for one CSV code block with a header row and six data rows, columns date,merchant,amount,account,flag. Use only the active accounts in the list. When a charge can't be coded from the description, leave account blank and put "Ask cardholder" in flag; otherwise leave flag blank. Outside the code block write at most 20 words.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Guessing the Amazon account. The AI codes Amazon to office supplies because Kim thinks it was for the office. Try: Say: "If the description doesn't say what was bought, leave account empty and flag Ask cardholder."
  • Using Miscellaneous. The AI parks unclear charges in 6990. Try: Add: "Never use an account marked do not use."
  • Wrong table shape. The AI builds a markdown table or adds the card payment row. Try: Say: "One CSV code block, header plus six rows."
  • Too much commentary. The AI adds paragraphs around the CSV. Try: Add: "At most 20 words outside the code block."
  • Wrong accounts for clear lines. The AI sends FedEx to office supplies. Try: Add: "Use the account whose name matches the merchant's purpose."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Gives the columns
  • Limits to active accounts
  • Uses the Ask cardholder rule
  • Sets code block shape
  • Limits prose

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