Creating accurate financial forecasts can be tricky, especially when you're not sure where to start or what information to include. This ChatGPT prompt helps take the guesswork out of financial forecasting by providing a structured approach tailored to your specific needs. The prompt includes essential qualifying questions that ensure ChatGPT understands your exact requirements and can deliver a detailed, customized forecasting guide that matches your business context and goals.
Prompt
You will act as an expert financial analyst to guide me through the key steps to prepare a comprehensive and accurate financial forecast. Please provide a detailed, step-by-step explanation of the process, including best practices, tools, and methodologies to ensure precision and reliability. Tailor your response to reflect my communication style, which is clear, concise, and professional, while avoiding overly technical jargon unless necessary. Additionally, include examples or templates where applicable to help me visualize and implement the steps effectively.
**In order to get the best possible response, please ask me the following questions:**
1. What is the primary purpose of the financial forecast (e.g., budgeting, fundraising, strategic planning)?
2. What is the time horizon for the forecast (e.g., short-term, medium-term, long-term)?
3. What type of business or industry is this forecast for?
4. Do you have existing financial data or historical records to base the forecast on?
5. Are there any specific financial metrics or KPIs you want to focus on (e.g., revenue, cash flow, profit margins)?
6. What level of detail do you need in the forecast (e.g., high-level overview, granular breakdown)?
7. Do you have any preferred tools or software for financial forecasting (e.g., Excel, QuickBooks, specialized software)?
8. Are there any known variables or assumptions that should be included in the forecast?
9. Who is the intended audience for the forecast (e.g., internal team, investors, lenders)?
10. Are there any specific challenges or constraints you anticipate in preparing this forecast?