Check a journal entry batch for balance before posting

About this exercise

You're checking a batch of journal entries before posting. Write a prompt for a markdown table with columns JE, Debits, Credits and Status, one row per entry in the listed order. Status is exactly Balanced or Out by $x with the dollar amount and which side is higher. After the table add one line starting "Do not post:" listing the entries that are not balanced. Do not suggest what the error is. Under 110 words.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

• Guessing the cause. The AI says JE-105 is a typo or transposition. Try: Add: "Do not suggest what the error is."
• Missing which side is higher. The AI gives only the amount. Try: Add: "Out by $x with the higher side."
• Totals errors. The AI mis-adds the multi-line entries. Try: Add: "Show Debits and Credits totals as numbers."
• Missing Do not post line. The AI ends with the table. Try: Add: "Last line: Do not post: and the entry numbers."
• 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 part short.

What a strong prompt includes

• Names the columns
• Defines the status
• Asks for the last line
• Bans guessing
• Caps length

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