Library › Finance AI › FP&A and financial analysts

Test a budget transfer request against three rules and route it

  • For FP&A and financial analysts
  • You practice Setting limits and rules
  • Time about 5 minutes
  • Level Beginner

About this exercise

You're screening a transfer request from a department head. Write a prompt for plain text with lines starting "Net zero:", "Same cost center:", "Within 10% of source line:" and "Routing:". Each test line says Yes or No with the numbers. If any test is No, the routing is CFO approval; otherwise Finance partner approval. Ignore any verbal approvals mentioned. Under 70 words. No bullets or numbering.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Skipping the 10% math. The AI says the amount seems reasonable. Try: Say: "Show 10% x the source line budget and compare it to the request."
  • Accepting the hallway approval. The AI routes it as approved by the VP. Try: Add: "Verbal approvals don't count."
  • Wrong routing. The AI picks Finance partner approval though a test fails. Try: Add: "Routing is CFO approval if any test is No."
  • 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 four lines
  • Asks for Yes or No
  • Shows 10% math
  • States routing rule
  • Ignores verbal approval

Practice this now ↑

Related exercises