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Write Q3 opex variance lines that apply the controller's reclass

  • For FP&A and financial analysts
  • You practice Keeping the AI to your sources
  • Time about 5 minutes
  • Level Intermediate

About this exercise

You're writing variance commentary for the Q3 business review deck. Write exactly 4 numbered lines, one per expense line in the order shown, each showing actual − budget = variance with an F (favorable) or U (unfavorable) label and the percent of budget, then a one-phrase reason. Use the numbers after the controller's reclass. End each line with one tag in brackets: [Timing], [One-time] or [Ongoing]. Plain text, under 120 words.

Common mistakes when you ask AI for this

  • Ignoring the reclass. The AI often uses the first table it sees and misses the controller's later correction. Try: Add: "Move the $15,000 Fenwick invoice from Contractors to Software before calculating."
  • Bare variance numbers. Without a format the AI gives a total and a percent, but not the subtraction a reviewer can check. Try: Show the line: "1. Salaries: $864,000 − $900,000 = $36,000 F (4%). Late hires. [Timing]"
  • No timing tag. The AI explains causes but rarely says whether they will repeat, which is what leaders ask first. Try: Add: "End each line with [Timing], [One-time] or [Ongoing]."
  • Forgetting where it goes. AI adds bold and headings, which show up as ** and # clutter in email and chat. Try: Add: "Plain text only, no bold, no headings."
  • Trusting the AI to count words. AI is bad at counting and usually runs long on finance write-ups. Try: Cap each part instead: "each line under 15 words" so the total stays well under 120.

What a strong prompt includes

  • Applies the reclass
  • Labels F and U
  • Shows the math
  • Asks for a timing tag
  • Sets a length limit

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