Client Financial Report Formatter

Raw financial output does not inspire confidence; a clean, narrated report does. This skill packages figures and analysis into a client-ready report with an executive summary, well-formatted tables, and the narrative that tells the reader what the numbers mean, bridging spreadsheet output into a document a client or executive trusts and understands.

1. The figures or spreadsheet data.
2. The purpose and audience (client, management, board).
3. The takeaways the user wants emphasized.
4. The period and any comparatives.
5. Branding or template requirements.

1. Lead with the takeaways

Open with an executive summary stating what the numbers mean in plain language, before any table. Readers want the "so what" first.

2. Present figures cleanly and consistently

Well-labeled tables with consistent number formatting, units, decimal places, currency, and periods. Inconsistent formatting reads as carelessness and undermines trust in the numbers.

3. Narrate each section

Around each table, explain the story: what happened, why, and what it means. Numbers without narrative make the reader do the interpretation, which they will not.

4. Preserve the source numbers exactly

Present the figures as given. Do not compute or adjust anything not provided, and flag any inconsistency for the user to resolve rather than fixing it silently.

5. Close with observations and next steps

What to watch or discuss, so the report drives a conversation rather than just informing.

ALWAYS use:

# [Report Title] | [Period]
## Executive summary (the takeaways)
## [Section per statement or topic: table + narrative]
## Observations
## Next steps or discussion items

• Tables with no narrative, forcing the reader to interpret.
• Inconsistent formatting across the report.
• Altering or computing figures that were not provided.
• No executive summary, so the point is buried.

This formats and presents figures the user supplies; it is not financial advice, an audit, or assurance on the numbers. Preserve the user's numbers exactly and flag inconsistencies rather than correcting them.

A monthly client report opens with a three-point summary, presents P&L and cash tables in consistent format with a narrative under each, and closes with two items for the next review call.