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Brief an agent to enter invoices with the right codes and dates

  • For Finance and accounting
  • You practice Asking for a format you can use
  • Time about 5 minutes

About this exercise

You want an AI agent to enter new vendor invoices into the AP system. Write its brief: use your GL codes (software 6100, office supplies 6200, travel 6300, contractors 6400), write dates as MM/DD/YYYY, send any invoice already in the system (same vendor and invoice number) to you with ASK_HUMAN, and never approve anything. Output exactly 5 numbered plain-text lines: one per invoice in order, then DONE.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Not showing the log format. Left alone, the AI writes a friendly report with headings instead of a checkable action log. Try: Show it literally: "Format every line like 1. ACTION: tool(args), then ASK_HUMAN: and DONE: lines. Plain text."
  • Not giving your codes. The AI invents GL codes or leaves them out. Try: Say: "GL codes: software 6100, office supplies 6200, travel 6300, contractors 6400."
  • Not fixing the date format. The AI copies three different date styles as written. Try: Add: "All dates as MM/DD/YYYY."
  • No duplicate or approval rule. The AI enters the duplicate invoice and approves to finish the job. Try: Add: "If vendor and invoice number are already entered, ASK_HUMAN. Never approve."

What a strong prompt includes

  • Gives the GL codes
  • Sets the date format
  • Checks for duplicates
  • Forbids approving
  • Shows the action-log format

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