What sort of comptuer stuffs be used in big4 accounting firm?

Question

what kind of programs should I get used to inorder to work in accounting firm, especially big4?

Answer 1

Chances are if you work in audit or tax at a "Big 4" accounting firm, you'll be using a lot of Microsoft Office Programs.  As far as specific accounting software, you won't need to be an expert in software such a PeachTree, QuickBooks, Oracle E-Business, etc.  For a inexperienced hire, every public accounting firm will expect you to know Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, as well as a general familiarity with Windows-based operating systems.

<> Adobe Acrobat - Primary uses:  Used to view scanned in documents (PDF files), as well as add notes to the scanned in documents.

<> Outlook - Primary uses: Calendar, Organization, and E-mail communications with co-workers and clients.

<> Word - Primary uses: Audit programs (a step-by-step checklist of how to audit a specific area such as cash), Memos included in audit files.

<> Excel - Primary uses:  Account details (many clients will provide transaction detail in Excel), Testing workpapers (i.e. a cash disbursements testing workpaper would be prepared in Excel), Analytics (Analysis of margins, turnover ratios, etc)

Whether you work in tax or audit, you'll probably be using some form of engagement management software (such as CaseWare or ProSystems Engagement).  This software will keep all your audit or tax workpapers (Adobe, Excel, Word Files) for each client in one place.  Most schools don't teach these software packages specifically, but they're easy to learn if you have a general knowledge of computers and Microsoft products.

If you feel you're lacking in any area, I always recommend to new recruits that they purchase some books on areas where they're not as skilled.  Excel is used heavily and having a strong knowledge of how to manipulate spreadsheets and create complex formulas is important to be successful as a new hire.  People who have strong computer skills rise to the top very quickly in public accounting.