How to Use Claude for Financial Forecasting
The exact prompt, setup, and codes to get great results.
The Problem
Financial forecasts are either too optimistic (hockey stick projections) or too conservative (just last year +5%). Building a credible, assumption-driven model takes expertise.
The Prompt (Copy & Paste)
Build a financial forecast for [COMPANY/PROJECT]. Type: [REVENUE FORECAST / BUDGET / CASH FLOW PROJECTION / FULL P&L] Period: [MONTHS/QUARTERS/YEARS AHEAD] Historical data: [PASTE LAST 6-12 MONTHS OF ACTUALS] Known changes: [NEW PRODUCTS, HIRES, CONTRACTS, SEASONALITY] Build: 1. **Assumptions**: List every assumption explicitly (growth rate, churn, pricing, headcount) 2. **Revenue model**: Bottom-up build (customers × ARPU × retention) 3. **Cost model**: Fixed vs. variable costs, step functions 4. **Three scenarios**: Conservative, base case, optimistic — with the assumption that differs 5. **Monthly/quarterly projections**: In table format 6. **Key drivers**: Which 3 assumptions have the most impact on the outcome? 7. **Sensitivity analysis**: What happens if each key driver changes by ±20%? Rules: - Bottom-up is more credible than top-down - Show your math for every line - Flag where you're estimating vs. using data - Include cash flow timing, not just P&L
Replace the [BRACKETED] placeholders with your specific details.
What You Get
An assumption-driven financial forecast with three scenarios and sensitivity analysis. Every number traces back to a stated assumption, making it easy to update and credible to present.
Prompt Codes That Help
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