ChatGPT for Finance: How to Use It Without Putting Sensitive Data at Risk

Write a professional variance commentary paragraph for a management accounts pack. Context: revenue came in [X% above/below] budget, driven by [describe the main driver — e.g. a strong quarter in the enterprise segment that offset weakness in SMB]. On the cost side, [describe cost performance]. Overall EBITDA was [above/below] budget by [X%]. Tone: professional and direct — explain the performance, identify the key driver, and state the outlook for next month. Under 150 words. No jargon. Write for a non-finance board audience.

Write the narrative section of a management accounts pack for [month]. The business performed as follows: [describe revenue, cost, and EBITDA performance in relative terms — % vs budget, vs prior year]. Key highlights: [list 3]. Key concerns: [list 1–2]. One-sentence outlook: [describe next month's expected performance and any key variables]. Format: a 3-paragraph narrative — Performance Overview, Key Drivers, Outlook. Write for a board that is financially literate but wants plain-English interpretation, not just numbers.

Write a one-page board pack executive summary for [month/quarter]. Business context: [2 sentences on what the business is and where it is in its lifecycle]. Financial performance: [describe in relative terms — revenue vs budget, cost vs budget, cash position]. Key decisions required from the board at this meeting: [list 1–3]. One key risk to flag: [describe]. Tone: concise, direct, board-appropriate. Under 250 words. Lead with the most important piece of news — do not bury the lead.

Write a professional email from a finance manager to a client summarising their [monthly/quarterly] financial position. The client's situation: [describe in general terms — e.g. revenue tracking ahead of plan, costs slightly elevated due to a one-off, cash position healthy]. Key message: [what they most need to know]. Action required from client (if any): [describe or say "none"]. Tone: professional, reassuring, and clear — not overly technical. Under 200 words.

Write a concise walkthrough narrative for an audit file. Process being documented: [describe the financial process — e.g. month-end close, accounts payable approval, revenue recognition]. Key controls in place: [list 3–4]. Risk this process addresses: [describe]. Format: process overview (2 sentences) / controls in place (bulleted list) / frequency and ownership / exceptions and escalation. Tone: clear and professional — written for an external auditor reviewing the file. Under 300 words.

Generate 10 challenging questions that a board or investor might ask about the following financial results: [describe performance in relative terms]. For each question, provide: the question, the likely concern behind it, and a suggested 2–3 sentence response that is honest, non-defensive, and forward-looking. Include questions about: the biggest miss, the cost base, cash runway, and revenue outlook. These should be the questions we hope we are not asked — so we are fully prepared to answer them.