Check a financial model for errors before it goes to leadership
A structured model review that finds formula errors, broken logic, and weak assumptions before anyone relies on it.
The prompt
Review my financial model for errors and weaknesses.
Purpose of the model: [e.g. "3-year plan for board", "acquisition model", "pricing model"]
Structure: [DESCRIBE tabs and flow - inputs, calculations, outputs]
Key formulas or sections: [PASTE formulas, or paste tabs as tables with cell references]
Known concerns: [anything I am unsure about]
Check for:
1. Mechanical errors: hard-coded numbers in formulas, inconsistent formulas across a row, wrong ranges, circular references, sign errors, mixing units (thousands vs. units, monthly vs. annual).
2. Integrity: does the balance sheet balance, does cash reconcile to the cash flow statement, do subtotals foot?
3. Logic: timing (annual vs. monthly), growth compounding, double-counting, tax and depreciation treatment, working capital direction.
4. Assumptions: any that look out of line with history or benchmarks I have provided.
5. Usability: inputs clearly separated, labeled units, version and source notes.
Return:
- An issues log: # | Location | Issue | Severity (high/medium/low) | Suggested fix.
- The top 3 issues that could change a decision.
- A list of standard checks (balance check, cash proof, totals) to add to the model.
- Questions I should answer before sharing.
Only review what I paste. If you cannot see a cell or formula, say so rather than assuming it is correct.
Highlighted [brackets] are blanks to replace with your own details.
Fill in the blanks and use this promptMore Finance & Accounting prompts
What to fill in
- DESCRIBE tabs and flow - inputs, calculations, outputs
- PASTE formulas, or paste tabs as tables with cell references
- anything I am unsure about
How this prompt is built
This prompt follows the RTF structure (Role, Task, Format). RTF tells the model who to be, what to do and what shape the answer should take. It is the quickest structure that still gives noticeably better results than a bare request.
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