[Anonymous]

I have been finding out how difficult it is to find work in the current job market for CPA candidates, especially with regards to software. I have seen job postings citing software and programming languages that I have either never used, or even never heard of, but are of particular interest to employers (examples include: Peoplesoft, SQL, SAP ERP, etc). From your experiences, what software is most beneficial to a CPA or CPA candidate?

*rankings and explanations appreciated 🙂

[Anonymous]

probably excel

[tmgolf318]

I concur. Excel is easily the most important program. In my job, the second most is adobe. If you can get your way around those you should be fine.

B - 84
A - 62, 74, 69, 67, 90!!!!!!!!!!
R - 88
F - 66, 76

[acamp]

Most of those are going to be company specific, if you go public accounting, strong Excel skills will make your life much easier–but even then I don't think they require much (anyone come across a workpaper filled white rather than Gridlines being unchecked? LOL)

Ninja + Wiley Test Bank: [FAR - 81] [REG - 76] [BEC - 88] [AUD - 73](doh!)

Becker Videos: [AUD - 82]

California CPA

[littlenumberrobot]

I believe SAP ERP is a manufacturing software. I used that when I interned with a food manufacturing company. But yes excel is important. A lot of engagement software intereface with Excel so knowing that is essential. Everything else would be really pricey to buy on your own to learn. Maybe take a class?

CA CPA - All because of the journey listed below
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[Chantel]

I think most places now assume you have good enough excel skills, which you should. We never do anything more than basic spreadsheets and calculation on excel, but I'm in tax so audit may be different.

Other tax software specific to where you work is Lacerte or all Prosystems programs, MAS 900 (or something like that) and Quickbooks. Those are the software that I see used most often at firms here in Texas.

F - F ('12), 90 (Dec '15)
A - F ('12), 73 (Feb '16), ? (July '16)
R - 87 (May '16)
B -

[Mayo]

Excel for auditing and Corp Accounting. VBA programming can also be a big asset for smaller public accounting firms and for Corp Accounting positions.

Mayo, BBA, Macc

[musicamor]

It depends on the whether or not industry or public accounting. Like others have said here, excel is a must for both. If you work in a large company, SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards, AS400, Peoplesoft, etc. Small companies use QuickBooks, Peachtree and Great Plains.

Texas CPA - licensed in 2012!!!

[Anonymous]

Excel

Oracle database

SQL (big time)

Essbase

Peoplesoft

[hmesalguero]

I agree I think Prosystem is very important

FAR - 76
AUD - 74,84 🙂
REG - 76
BEC - 72, 80

Roger's CPA Review

[taxman2012]

Whats the best way to acquire Oracle, SQL and other software skills? Is coaching or coursework available?

[Anonymous]

I've learned SQL kinda on the fly using Microsoft Access where I currently work. However, I recently picked up a book to make sense of what I'm doing since much of it is just step-by-step procedures passed down from former employees and co-workers.

Sams Teach Yourself SQL in 10 Minutes (4th Edition)

Very concise and understandable. I highly recommend this book for understanding SQL 🙂

[Tncincy]

I guess it would be good to self learn some other program other than quickbooks and excel.

It begins with a 75
Been here too long as a cheerleader....ready to pass

[ReadytoPasstheCPA]

Master Excel. In particular, ensure you are proficient at VLookups, Pivot Tables, and other useful functions. Interestingly, Youtube is an efficient and effective way to learn much of Microsoft Excel.

[samdiegoCPA]

I only know a few… all of Office to an extent, Quickbooks, and a mortgage software. I can learn most programs fairly easily and fast so I'm not too worried when I get a job and what they all use. As a few have mentioned – you can youtube videos or read a quick book and learn the jist!

AUD: 84
REG: 84
BEC: 79
FAR: 83

[Anonymous]

I agree with ReadytoPasstheCPA. VLookups (and HLookups) as well as pivot tables are Excel skills that will set you apart, and are very useful. Other useful Excel functions worth considering are Conditional Formatting, multiple level sorts, filters, SUMIFS formula and CONCATENATE formula.

[Author]

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