Introduction & orientation (09:00–09:30)

Welcome, objectives of the day and overview of the SME case that serves as the common thread.

• AI & Finance: where do we stand today?
• AI as a research and analysis tool in a financial context
• Comparing the AI frameworks: Claude, ChatGPT & Copilot, Gemini, Grok
• Self-assessment: where do you currently lose the most time on numbers?
• Overview of the day: from understanding to communicating

Result: you know where you stand today and understand the common thread of the day.

Block 1 — AI workflows, prompts & techniques (09:30–10:15)

How do I work with AI in a structured way?

Before diving into the content, we first build the toolkit. The prompt techniques you learn here will be used in every subsequent block.

• What is a workflow in a financial context?
• From individual prompts to structured processes
  • COSTAR(-F) → best for clear structure & communication
  • Chain-of-Thought → best for reasoning
  • ReAct → best for AI agents & tools
  • CoVe → best for accuracy
  • Prompt Chaining → best for complex workflows
• Steps: input → analysis → interpretation → output
• Practical exercise: building a standard workflow

Result: you have a reliable method for getting consistent and usable AI output — ready to apply in every subsequent block.

Block 2 — Financial report analysis (10:30–11:30)

What do the numbers say?

We apply the workflow from Block 1 to the SME case: AI reads the reports, you interpret and adjust.

• Structure of P&L, balance sheet and cash flow (refresher)
• Using AI to read and summarise reports
• Detecting trends and deviations
• Formulating the key insights

Prompt technique in use: COSTAR(-F) and Chain-of-Thought

Result: you extract the essence from any financial report in minutes — without drowning in details.

Block 3 — KPIs and ratios (11:30–12:15)

Where do I need to adjust?

We go deeper into the reports of the SME case: from raw numbers to actionable indicators.

• Overview of relevant KPIs per business type
• Interpreting liquidity, profitability and solvency
• Using AI to detect connections and deviations
• Adding benchmarking and context

Prompt technique in use: Chain-of-Thought and CoVe

Result: you immediately see where adjustments are needed and make better-substantiated decisions more quickly.

Lunch break (12:15–13:00)

Block 4 — Budgeting & scenarios (13:00–14:00)

What am I going to do?

Now that we understand the situation, we start planning. We build the budget for the SME case with three scenarios.

• Establishing realistic assumptions
• Working with different scenarios: best / base / worst case
• Using AI for calculations and structure
• Validating and refining assumptions

Prompt technique in use: Prompt Chaining

Result: you build budgets up to 3× faster, with more structure and less uncertainty.

Block 5 — Variance analysis (14:00–14:45)

Why is it deviating?

Reality always deviates from the plan. We analyse why — and learn to articulate it clearly.

• Types of variances: price, volume, mix, costs
• From numbers to explanation
• Structure of a strong variance commentary
• Using AI for initial analysis and formulation

Prompt technique in use: CoVe and Chain-of-Thought

Result: you write professional variance commentary in just a few minutes that is immediately ready to use.

Block 6 — Investment analysis (15:00–15:45)

How do I substantiate my choice?

The SME is considering an investment. We build the business case — supported by AI.

• Core principles: ROI, NPV, IRR (conceptual)
• Structure of a compelling business case
• Using AI for calculations and substantiation
• Evaluating risks and assumptions

Prompt technique in use: ReAct

Result: you quickly develop compelling investment proposals, supported by numbers and a strong narrative.

Block 7 — Decision-making with AI (15:45–16:15)

How do I make better decisions?

Now that all analyses are complete, we practise making better decisions with AI as a sounding board.

• AI as an analytical sparring partner
• Asking questions that lead to insights
• Comparing scenarios and assessing risks
• Thinking critically about AI output: when do you trust it — and when do you not?

Prompt technique in use: Chain-of-Thought and CoVe

Result: you uncover patterns and risks you would otherwise miss, and make better-substantiated decisions.

Block 8 — Financial communication (16:15–16:45)

How do I explain it?

The final step: translating the insights of the day into a clear narrative for your stakeholders.

• From numbers to narrative
• Structure of clear reporting
• Writing for different stakeholders
• Using AI for clear and concise communication

Prompt technique in use: COSTAR(-F)

Result: you produce reports that are not only accurate, but are also read and used.

Wrap-up & personal plan (16:45–17:00)

What do I do tomorrow?

• Summary of the key insights
• Concrete next steps: which task will you apply tomorrow?
• Your personal 30-day plan
• Q&A

Result: you leave with a concrete plan and know exactly how to deploy AI in your own role next week.

What you take away

Concrete deliverables: personal prompt library, your own AI workflow for financial tasks, concrete 30-day plan, governance framework for responsible use.

Skills: 5 prompt techniques applied to finance, reading financial reports quickly with AI, building budgets and business cases, communicating financially tailored to your stakeholders.

This is not a finance training. It is a decision-making training with AI as the accelerator.