[Anonymous]

I work in small private firm and would like to change jobs if I am offered higher salary. What programming/software skills will give me an edge? Should I learn vba programming in excel,oracle,sap,etc?

[Anonymous]

VBA since it is the language of Excel and most of your customers (accountants) live in spreadsheets.

SQL, since you will need to be able to pull specific data into an application.

Start with those then expand. Don't worry too much about the specifics unless you want to specialize in something. Learn the concepts then manage developers and coders if you want to move up. You can make an above average salary either way.

Pull data, organize data, analyze data, modify data, submit data. Lather, rinse, repeat.

I've been building and supporting financial systems for almost 20 years now. It pays a lot more without the kinds of regulatory deadlines that throw accountants over the edge. If you can connect the business side to the technology you will have nothing to worry about.

[Anonymous]

Bryan

THanks for your reply. I have no prior programming knowledge but extensively use excel at work. What books should I refer to to learn excel vba programming and for sql?

[jeff]

If you want to stand out among your peers – work on your public speaking skills first.

Join toast masters or a similar organization.

[ParanoidAndroid]

I'm using Bill Jelen's books and videos. I think he does a great job!

CPA for life...

[Anonymous]

For starters, I'd learn a report writer like Crystal Reports. A lot of times you can't get the exact data you need out of an accounting system, and custom reports save a ton of time.

[ParanoidAndroid]

OneStop Report Designer.. -_-

CPA for life...

[Author]

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