Starter prompts for accountants
Copy a prompt, replace the [BRACKETS], and paste it into the bot your organization allows. Each one tells the bot what not to do, so it is easier to check.
1. Formula writer
Write an Excel formula. Sheet "GL" has Date (A), Account (B), Amount (C). In Sheet "Summary", cell B2 has an account number. I want the total of Amount for that account in October 2026. Give the formula, explain each part, and give a 3-row test I can check by hand.2. Reconciliation script
Write a Python (pandas) script that reads bank.csv (date, amount, description) and ledger.csv (date, amount, memo), matches rows with the same amount within 3 days, and writes matched.csv and unmatched.csv. No other changes to the data.3. Document request list
Draft a friendly document request email for an individual tax client for tax year [YEAR]. Use a checklist format. Do not state any tax rates, limits or deadlines; I will add those from IRS sources.4. Variance commentary
Here is a budget vs actual table. Draft 5 bullet points of commentary for the largest variances. Quote the line name and both numbers for each. Say "needs explanation from management" instead of guessing causes.
[TABLE]Before you paste: remove names, account numbers, dates of birth, addresses and anything else that identifies a real person, unless the tool is approved for that data.
Accuracy and ethics, every time
- Confidentiality: never paste client, patient, student, employee or customer personal data (PII/PHI) into a public bot. Use tools your organization has approved, with contract terms that cover data use, or remove identifiers first.
- Verify everything: bots can invent citations, case law, statistics, doses, code sections and quotes that look real. Check each one against the original source before you rely on it.
- Not professional advice: these tutorials teach you how to use AI tools. They are not legal, medical, tax, financial or engineering advice.
- A human professional is responsible: the licensed or accountable person reviews, decides and signs. The bot drafts; you own the result.
- Prices change: we don't list product prices. Check each vendor's official pricing page.
Official sources for this section
- AICPA Code of Professional Conduct: official online code
- IRS Circular 230 (Pub 947 and Circular 230 page): rules for practice before the IRS
- IRS Publication 4557: Safeguarding Taxpayer Data: security guide for tax professionals
- IRS Tax Professionals hub: news, forms and guidance
Links checked Oct 30, 2026. Rules differ by state and country; follow your licensing body and employer policy.
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