Tech Tips
AI Usage – Productivity
Practical ways to use AI tools more effectively for drafting, structuring, and thinking through work—without replacing judgment.
Build Your Personal AI Style Guide (Use It Every Time)
What it does:
Forces AI to consistently write in your professional tone instead of generic language.
How to use it:
Create a reusable prompt like this:
“Write like a Chartered Accountant. Use clear structure, precise language, no fluff, and a professional but direct tone. Avoid generic phrases. Be concise and practical.”
Save it. Use it in every important prompt.
Advanced version (after a few uses):
Add your preferences:
• Short vs detailed replies
• Formal vs semi-formal tone
• Use of bullet points or paragraphs
Where it helps:
• Client communication
• Opinions and advisory notes
• Internal documentation
Why it matters:
Without a fixed style, AI changes tone every time.
Consistency = credibility.
During filings or client submissions, this matters more than you think.
Don’t Assume AI Remembers Context Reliably
What it does:
Reduces errors caused by missing, forgotten, or misinterpreted context in AI responses.
How to use it:
When accuracy matters:
• Don’t assume earlier context is retained or used correctly
• Restate key facts (figures, names, assumptions)
• Mention relevant year / section explicitly
• Reframe the query instead of continuing blindly
Where it helps:
Useful in tax queries, compliance checks, drafting replies, or any situation where precision is critical.
Pro tip:
AI may appear to “remember,” but responses depend on what is clearly restated. Treat each important query as a fresh instruction.
Interrogate Documents, Don’t Just Summarise Them
What it does:
Helps you extract hidden risks, inconsistencies, and missed obligations from documents—not just summaries.
How to use it:
Upload your document to NotebookLM or ChatGPT
Use prompts like:
* “What assumptions does this document make that may not hold true?”
* “List clauses that can create financial exposure or compliance risk.”
* “What is missing that should ideally be included?”
Pro tip:
Ask:
“Challenge this document like a regulator/auditor—what would they question?”
This flips AI from passive summariser to active reviewer.
Note:
Mask confidential data before uploading.
Use AI as a “Second Reviewer,” Not a Typing Tool
What it does:
Turns AI into a critical reviewer that challenges your conclusions instead of just generating content.
How to use it:
After drafting your answer/position, paste it into AI and prompt:
“Act like a strict reviewer. Challenge my conclusion. Identify weak assumptions, missing risks, and alternative interpretations.”
Optional follow-up:
“Now strengthen my argument after fixing these gaps.”
Where it helps:
• GST classification decisions
• Legal interpretations
• Replying to notices
• Internal memos and opinions
Why it matters:
Most professionals use AI to support their view. That creates blind spots.
Using it to attack your view improves accuracy and defensibility.
Clear prompts produce better AI responses.
Vague input usually leads to generic answers.
Instead of:
“Check this calculation”
Try:
“Review GST calculation logic for RCM on freight under reverse charge.”
Good prompts typically include:
• *Context* (GST, income tax, audit, etc.)
• *Specific task* (review, explain, verify)
• *Relevant condition or rule*
Precise input → more useful output and less rework.
AI works better with CONTEXT, not long text.
Instead of pasting everything, try:
• Who you are (CA / practitioner)
• What you want (summary / checklist / reply)
• Output format (points / table)
Short prompts → clearer answers.
Don’t just ask for answers. Ask for *structured disagreement.*
Use:
“Give me 2 alternative approaches. For each, list: assumptions, risks, edge cases, and when it will fail.”
Optional add-on (power move):
“Now critique the strongest option.”
Why this matters:
• Forces the model to expose hidden assumptions
• Surfaces implementation risks before you commit
• Reveals edge cases (where most professional errors happen)
• Simulates internal review without group bias
Most AI errors don’t come from wrong answers.
They come from unchallenged assumptions.
Single output = efficiency.
Structured alternatives + critique = control.
Never ask AI to “summarise this email” blindly.
Instead say:
“Summarise and highlight ONLY items requiring action or reply.”
Why this matters:
• Prevents missing obligations
• Filters noise
• Saves review time
AI should prioritise work, not just compress text.
Use AI as a drafting assistant, not a data processor.
Good uses:
• Rewriting emails professionally
• Summarising notifications
• Creating checklists
• Explaining unfamiliar concepts
Avoid uploading:
• Client data
• Returns
• Working papers
AI can assist speed.
Judgment and data responsibility stay with you.
AI responds better to context than keywords.
Instead of:
“Draft a reply”
Try:
“Draft a polite reply declining a deadline extension,
in a professional tone.”
Clear intent → usable output.
AI tools answer confidently — accuracy is not guaranteed.
Before relying on output:
• Recheck section numbers & limits
• Verify dates, thresholds, applicability
• Use it as a draft, not a final view
Treat AI as an assistant, not an associate.
Judgement remains yours.
