Explain an intercompany difference and flag what is unsupported

About this exercise

You're a consolidation accountant. Two entities' intercompany balances disagree. Write a prompt for a plain-text note to the controller (under 90 words) with exactly three labeled sections, each starting a new line: "Balances:", "Explained:" and "Unexplained:". Explained lists each timing item with its amount; Unexplained is the remainder. Don't suggest any adjusting entry or plug, and don't name a cause the notes don't support.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

• Booking the FX true-up. The AI goes along with Hana's $600 true-up so the books tie. Try: Add: "Do not recommend a true-up, plug or adjusting entry."
• Treating the FX guess as fact. The AI lists FX as an explained item. Try: Say: "The FX guess is unsupported until rates are pulled; list $600 as unexplained."
• Missing the math. The AI describes the items without totaling $5,500 or the $6,100 gap. Try: Ask for "both numbers, the difference, and the total of explained items".
• Markdown extras. The AI adds bold labels, headings and a closing note. Try: Say: "Plain text, no bold. Output only the lines asked for."
• 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

• Names the labels
• Shows the math
• Blocks plugs
• Says FX is unsupported
• Caps length

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