[Anonymous]

Just started my first accounting job ever in a tiny CPA firm (which is unused to new hires). I’ve never once done a tax return other than my own (which the firm clearly knew when they hired me). Problem is, the firm provides absolutely zero training for new hires on its tax software. I’ve had a few hours on my own to play around with the program, but on my second day they handed me a return packet and told me to get the stuff entered. I’m relatively comfortable with the tax issues but utterly unprepared to use this complicated software.

I’ve spoken to them about the gross inefficiency (and potential problems) of this approach, but they won’t let me work with any of the experienced staff for even half a day to get my feet wet. I’m a smart guy and a quick study, but this is ridiculous.

Have you been there with this? Did it eventually work out?

[impska]

If you really don't want to ask people specific questions on how to use the software, then you'll have to rely on the software's help resources.

Remember, you could have bought this software as a sole-proprietor, which means there are probably plenty of resources out there to teach you how to use it. Heck, they probably even have a phone number you can call and ask for help.

REG - 94
BEC - 92
FAR - 92
AUD - 99

[Anonymous]

I don't like being set up to fail. My small firm “experiment” lasted a little over two months. Most of us were new except for two staff members who would shut their office doors so they wouldn't be bothered. It was 2.5 months of torture.

[Anonymous]

I don't like being set up to fail. My small firm “experiment” lasted a little over two months. Most of us were new except for two staff members who would shut their office doors so they wouldn't be bothered. It was 2.5 months of torture.

[Anonymous]

Part of the reason a firm wants to hire someone is that they would assume that you are able to learn and teach yourself to some extent. If they just wanted someone who could follow the prompts or needs a detailed instruction book to figure things out, you could just go get a job at a factory pumping out widgets or go do taxes at HR Block. The reason accountants can't just be outsourced to India as easily is because our discipline requires a certain amount of judgement and ingenuity.

Spend a week on google and do some reading up on the software. I would suggest cranking through a few test forms and then evaluating the output on the tax form against what you know should be there based on your education. Go and have someone look at your tax form once you have self QAed it and get their input.

In the business world being able to pick up new software and skills is a very valuable commodity. If you always need everything teed up for you, you are less valuable than a self starter. Imagine if you had worked there for 10 years and then the boss decided to change the software–you could either be one of the people complaining that they don't know how to use it or you could be a leader and figure it out and train everyone else. Who would you want to promote?

[Anonymous]

Part of the reason a firm wants to hire someone is that they would assume that you are able to learn and teach yourself to some extent. If they just wanted someone who could follow the prompts or needs a detailed instruction book to figure things out, you could just go get a job at a factory pumping out widgets or go do taxes at HR Block. The reason accountants can't just be outsourced to India as easily is because our discipline requires a certain amount of judgement and ingenuity.

Spend a week on google and do some reading up on the software. I would suggest cranking through a few test forms and then evaluating the output on the tax form against what you know should be there based on your education. Go and have someone look at your tax form once you have self QAed it and get their input.

In the business world being able to pick up new software and skills is a very valuable commodity. If you always need everything teed up for you, you are less valuable than a self starter. Imagine if you had worked there for 10 years and then the boss decided to change the software–you could either be one of the people complaining that they don't know how to use it or you could be a leader and figure it out and train everyone else. Who would you want to promote?

[RedRaiderCourtney]

I work at a small firm, too. I am starting my second tax season with them now. We have three CPA's, one EA, and a girl who is working on getting her master's so she can sit for the CPA exam. I didn't go through any particular technical training, but they did give me the opportunity to sort of train myself. The first two weeks I was there, I watched the tutorial on the software and then redid returns from the prior year so that I was able to double check myself. If there was anything I couldn't find, I was able to shoot an email to one of the accountants, and they'd either email me back if it was easy or let me know when they could take a few minutes out of their day if it was complicated. I really did feel prepared by the time tax season rolled around.

Courtney

BEC - 79, 75 DONE!!!
AUD - 70,70, 74, 74, 78
REG - 83
FAR - 79

[RedRaiderCourtney]

I work at a small firm, too. I am starting my second tax season with them now. We have three CPA's, one EA, and a girl who is working on getting her master's so she can sit for the CPA exam. I didn't go through any particular technical training, but they did give me the opportunity to sort of train myself. The first two weeks I was there, I watched the tutorial on the software and then redid returns from the prior year so that I was able to double check myself. If there was anything I couldn't find, I was able to shoot an email to one of the accountants, and they'd either email me back if it was easy or let me know when they could take a few minutes out of their day if it was complicated. I really did feel prepared by the time tax season rolled around.

Courtney

BEC - 79, 75 DONE!!!
AUD - 70,70, 74, 74, 78
REG - 83
FAR - 79

[vanadium3]

Even if you were at a large firm, the training will not get you through everything you need to know. Heck sometimes it's even useless and waste of time. Unfortunately the real world is made up of problems that we are hired to solve (and sometimes create.. or how do we have problems in the first place?)

Like many have said already, use PY as a guide and think through your questions. Training is overrated.

CPA

[vanadium3]

Even if you were at a large firm, the training will not get you through everything you need to know. Heck sometimes it's even useless and waste of time. Unfortunately the real world is made up of problems that we are hired to solve (and sometimes create.. or how do we have problems in the first place?)

Like many have said already, use PY as a guide and think through your questions. Training is overrated.

CPA

[Keely]

I started at an 8 person firm. Don't be afraid to ask questions. It's the only way you learn, and it's better than spinning your wheels for hours. If you can't figure out a software issue within 10-15 minutes, go ask. Gather a list of questions and go over them at one time, when another person has the time to help you. I didn't get any ‘formal' training either, but someone was always willing to help. Just make sure it's convenient for them. They should be willing to help you with specific questions, though. If not, that's not okay.

BEC: (4/2012) 88
AUD: (5/2012) 91
REG: (8/2012) 82
FAR: (1/2013) 78 🙂

VA CPA #42010

[Keely]

I started at an 8 person firm. Don't be afraid to ask questions. It's the only way you learn, and it's better than spinning your wheels for hours. If you can't figure out a software issue within 10-15 minutes, go ask. Gather a list of questions and go over them at one time, when another person has the time to help you. I didn't get any ‘formal' training either, but someone was always willing to help. Just make sure it's convenient for them. They should be willing to help you with specific questions, though. If not, that's not okay.

BEC: (4/2012) 88
AUD: (5/2012) 91
REG: (8/2012) 82
FAR: (1/2013) 78 🙂

VA CPA #42010

[Author]

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