Introduction

Artificial intelligence is transforming the way Australian accountants work. While tools like ChatGPT are no replacement for professional expertise, they can streamline research, drafting, compliance checks, and internal planning—when used responsibly.

This article presents 15 ChatGPT prompts designed for Australian Certified Practising Accountant Australia (CPAs). Whether you're advising clients, managing compliance, or staying up to date with CPA Australia’s Code of Ethics, these prompts help you apply AI thoughtfully and strategically in your daily workflow.

The Role of AI in Australian Accounting

AI in accounting is no longer optional—it’s rapidly becoming part of standard practice. However, responsible use is critical. Under the APES 110 Code of Ethics, Australian CPAs must maintain professional competence and exercise due care. That includes verifying AI-generated output, protecting confidentiality, and avoiding over-reliance on unverified tools.

For CPAs looking to implement AI in practice safely, the Generative AI Strategy for Accountants course is a strong starting point. It provides a roadmap for evaluating AI tools, balancing automation with human oversight, and avoiding ethical pitfalls.

A Common Pitfall: Assuming AI is Always Right

One of the biggest mistakes professionals make with AI is assuming that its outputs are automatically correct. But ChatGPT does not “know” facts—it generates language based on probabilities, not verified regulatory data. In accounting, that can lead to serious compliance errors or ethical breaches.

In 2023, a U.S. lawyer made headlines for citing fictitious cases generated by ChatGPT in a court filing. While not an accounting example, it illustrates the risk of using AI outputs without verification. For CPAs, sharing incorrect tax advice or misrepresenting standards due to AI error could lead to disciplinary action or breach of engagement terms.

To build a safe foundation, CPAs should invest time learning how to write effective, ethical prompts. The Unlock the Secrets to Mastering Prompt Engineering course teaches accountants how to frame clear, specific, and compliant requests that deliver useful—and usable—AI-generated responses.

ChatGPT Prompts for Australian CPAs

Each prompt below is designed for specific use in tax, advisory, ethics, or internal firm workflows. They’re written with ethical safeguards in mind, ensuring no confidential client data is involved and that every response still requires CPA oversight.

Tax Compliance and Regulation

1. “Summarise the ATO’s record-keeping requirements for businesses with turnover under $10 million in 2024. Highlight obligations relevant to GST and income tax.”
   
   
2. “Explain the superannuation guarantee requirements for part-time and casual employees in Australia, including thresholds, due dates, and penalties for late payment.”
   
   
3. “List the most common GST reporting mistakes made by sole traders and how a CPA can proactively prevent them.”
   
   
4. “What are the current documentation requirements for fringe benefits tax compliance in Australia?”
   
   
5. “Draft a plain-English explanation of PAYG withholding obligations for small business clients in Victoria.”

To sharpen your skills using ChatGPT for these tasks, the ChatGPT for Accountants and Bookkeepers – 2025 Edition walks you through real use cases—such as generating compliance guides, preparing checklists, and managing client-facing explanations—with a focus on ethical and professional boundaries.

Advisory and Client Communication

1. “What are the tax and legal differences between setting up a discretionary trust vs a company in Australia?”
   
   
2. “Draft a checklist for reviewing the financial health of an early-stage startup in NSW.”
   
   
3. “Explain the pros and cons of cash vs accrual accounting for a consulting business with less than $500k annual turnover.”
   
   
4. “Summarise the tax implications of purchasing business equipment via a family trust structure.”
   
   
5. “Create a sample agenda for a quarterly advisory meeting focused on cash flow, compliance, and growth planning.”

Ethics, AI Use, and Internal Practice

1. “What ethical considerations should Australian CPAs follow when using ChatGPT or other AI tools in public practice?”
   
   
2. “Draft a disclaimer to include in engagement letters that explains the firm’s limited use of AI tools for internal drafting or brainstorming purposes.”
   
   
3. “Create an internal review checklist for CPA firms to validate AI-generated output before sharing with clients or using in advisory.”
   
   
4. “Summarise the professional obligations in APES 305 regarding engagement documentation and disclosures.”
   
   
5. “Generate a 12-month CPD plan for a CPA in public practice, focusing on technology, ethics, and advisory services.”

Conclusion

As AI becomes more embedded in Australian accounting, CPAs who learn to use tools like ChatGPT responsibly will stand out—not just for efficiency, but for ethics and strategic insight. These 15 prompts are a starting point to help you use AI practically and professionally, without compromising your obligations to clients, regulators, or the public.

If you're looking to deepen your skills across AI, ethics, compliance, and advisory, the Unlimited CPD Pass for Australian Accountants offers year-round access to accredited learning designed to keep you compliant and competitive in the evolving accounting landscape.

Try one of these prompts internally. Use it to outline a client meeting, draft a non-sensitive policy, or explore a tax topic. You’ll quickly see how ChatGPT can support—but never replace—your professional judgement.