Turn monthly figures into a report management will read

Step by step

1. Collect the month's numbers

   Export the profit and loss, balance sheet and cash position, plus last month and the same month last year if you have them.

2. Set the format once

   Ask management what they want to see, then save a short outline of headings in Word so every month looks the same.

3. Draft the report

   Attach the exports to your AI assistant and paste this prompt.

   Prompt to copyWrite a two-page monthly management report for [company] for [month], using the attached figures. Audience: directors who want the story, not the detail. Sections: 1) Headlines (four bullets with numbers). 2) Sales and margin compared with last month, budget and last year. 3) Costs: the three biggest changes and why (use my notes: [paste]). 4) Cash: closing balance, main movements and the next 8 weeks' known big payments. 5) Risks to watch. 6) Decisions or approvals needed. Use a table where it helps. Plain English. Mark anything you're unsure of as [CHECK]. Don't make recommendations on tax or investment.

4. Check figures and tone

   Tie every number back to your accounts and replace each [CHECK]. Make sure the risks and decisions reflect your own judgement.

5. Share it

   Save it in Word and post it in your management channel in Teams or by email ahead of the meeting.

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