Generate Executive Summary Insights with Spotlight AI Suggestions
What the source describes
Spotlight Reporting's help article describes AI options on the Executive Summary page and in Text Panels that can generate commentary on a report for up to five topics, or rewrite existing commentary to be shorter, longer, or more professional. The article notes that AI-generated text reflects the values at the time it was created and does not update automatically when data changes, unlike tags and auto-text. It also recommends checking generated text before completing the report because the AI can occasionally make mistakes.
Result or outcome
According to the source, AI Suggestions can insert generated commentary for selected topics directly into the Executive Summary, and Edit with AI can reformat existing text, with the caveat that users should review the output because it may contain mistakes.
How to run it
- Open the report, go to the Customise Layout tab, find the Executive Summary page and click Customise.
- Click AI Suggestions, choose Highlights or Recommendations, select the sections to cover, and pick a comparator such as this month versus budget.
- Click Generate Suggestions, then add individual suggestions or use Add All, or click Regenerate to see other versions.
- Use Edit with AI on existing text to make it shorter, longer or more professional, or run the prompt on this page in a general AI tool.
- Optionally click Create actions to turn the Recommendations panel into an Action Plan page, then edit the inserted text before finishing the report.
Try it yourself
Copyable prompt
Act as a client accounting manager preparing a quarterly executive summary for [client business name]. Here are the key figures for [quarter] and the prior period: [paste revenue, gross margin, operating expenses, net profit, cash balance, debtor days, creditor days]. Write an executive summary covering these topics: [profitability, cash flow, working capital, growth]. For each topic give two to three sentences: what changed, why it likely matters, and one recommended next step. Then produce a shorter version under 120 words for the owner and a more formal version for the bank. Flag any figure that looks inconsistent instead of smoothing it over, and do not invent explanations I have not supplied.
Replace the [bracketed] placeholders. Remove client names, account numbers, and personal data before pasting into any AI tool.
What to review
Spotlight notes its AI can make mistakes, so check every figure and direction of change in the inserted text against the report values. AI-generated text reflects the values at the time it was created and does not update like tags and auto-text, so rewrite or regenerate it if the numbers change after late adjustments.
Related free download: 50 AI Prompts for Bookkeepers (Prompt pack (PDF))
Source: Spotlight Reporting Help
Not professional advice. This is general information, not accounting, tax, legal or financial advice. Check AI output yourself and consult a licensed professional for your situation. See our Terms of Use.
This entry summarizes a public source. Features, plans, and availability change, so confirm details with the vendor. Tool names are trademarks of their respective owners.
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If you want somewhere to check the numbers from this report or analysis, the Small Business Bookkeeping Spreadsheet Bundle is on our sister store.