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Write a reforecast bridge memo that catches a double-counted item

  • For FP&A and financial analysts
  • You practice Catching mistakes and made-up facts
  • Time about 5 minutes
  • Level Advanced

About this exercise

You're drafting a reforecast bridge memo for the CFO. Write a prompt for plain text with three headings on their own lines, in this order: Bridge, Check, Open item. Bridge walks budget operating income to the latest forecast using the owners' items. Check applies Operations' note about double counting and shows where the bridge then ends. Open item states the unexplained amount for owners to confirm. Do not change the forecast yourself. Under 130 words.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Keeping the double count. The AI accepts 4.4 because the bridge ties. Try: Say: "Apply Operations' note and show where the bridge then ends."
  • Rewriting the forecast. The AI declares 4.1 the new forecast. Try: Add: "Do not change the forecast; state the gap for owners to confirm."
  • Missing headings. The AI writes one paragraph. Try: Add: "Three plain headings: Bridge, Check, Open item."
  • No visible math. The AI says the bridge ends lower with no numbers. Try: Add: "Show each walk as a sum."
  • 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 part short.

What a strong prompt includes

  • Names the three headings
  • Shows both walks
  • Uses the overlap note
  • Bans changing the forecast
  • Caps length

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