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Fill in an accrual entry template for an unbilled utility

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

About this exercise

You're a staff accountant closing October. Write a prompt for a plain-text accrual template with exactly these five labels, one per line and nothing else: "Debit:", "Credit:", "Amount:", "Math:", "Reverse on:". The accrual covers electricity used October 15-31 that hasn't been billed yet. Base the daily rate on the last bill's usage charges only, not one-time fees. Under 45 words.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Prorating the whole bill. The AI divides the full $3,300 by 30 and accrues $1,870, folding in a one-time fee. Try: Say: "Daily rate uses usage charges only. Leave out the one-time reconnection fee."
  • Crediting accounts payable. With no bill in hand, the AI credits AP instead of accrued expenses. Try: Name the accounts: "Credit the accrued expenses account."
  • Skipping the working. The AI gives an amount with no math or reversal date. Try: Ask for a "Math:" line and a "Reverse on:" line.
  • Adding bold and notes. The AI wraps labels in bold and adds a note about estimates. Try: Say: "Plain text. Output only the five lines."
  • 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 five labels
  • Excludes the one-time fee
  • Asks for the working
  • Says how many days
  • Sets format and length

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