Are you still using Excel and what are you using it for?
Is it one of the essential tools left in the accountant’s armoury? If not, what are you using as an alternative and for what tasks?
Replies (19)
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I still use it for
Accounts prep via VT software.
Apart from that nothing, maybe I will export a report from Xero and fiddle with in Xero but don't often use it any more.
VT
Accounts prep via VT software.
This. Does make VT seem a lot less cheap than its face cost as it's pretty much the sole reason we then have fairly expensive O365 download versions.
Have come to the same conclusion
Accounts prep via VT software.
This. Does make VT seem a lot less cheap than its face cost as it's pretty much the sole reason we then have fairly expensive O365 download versions.
Have been trying my hand at google docs for simple analysis work. As soon as an online accounts production becomes available I don't know if I will bother with Office365.
Their oneDrive is giving me ulcers....
Spreadsheets are still essential for me
I mostly use them for working paper schedules, analysis work and will download data from bookkeeping systems into it.
Yes, spreadsheets are still as valuable to me as ever. I would probably struggle to do my job effectively without them.
Everything
I'm an accountant in industry, and I couldn't go a day without using it.
Most non-accounting staff need data and to sculpt it for them I have to use excel as no system will give you the reports for all needs
Analysing data
As Rory, I find it essential for all analysis work, as it lets me sort and 'cut' the data however I need it, plus create various graphs/charts to support my analysis.
I have to admit that, at present, I only have experience of industry based software packages, so it may be that practice software would also allow such data manipulation? I shall find out shortly!
I have also used Access a great deal in the past, creating reporting models that use Access and Excel jointly.
Hope that helps!
Not Excel but...
.. spreadsheets for everything - modelling, tracking - you name it. OpenOffice is the weapon of choice but the principle remains : spreadsheets rule.
If I had no spreadsheets I would have to go home.
Another industry accountant here - all my data extracting and modelling is done here. Pivot tables essential.
Without spreadsheets I don't really know what my day would consist of.
Yep!
A great deal of bank statement analysis etc is done on Excel - both from defence & prosecution. Since we swap spreadsheets it's essential to have a compatible & trusted piece of software, so everyone uses Excel.
David
Excel has many facets
Apart from accounts record-keeping, plant register, management accounts, year end accounts and tax computations Excel is a versatile tool for use in a wider environment - for example timetable compilation, counting how many days between particular dates, work tasks and deadline tracking, timesheet compilation and proof reading of some books.
ultimate tool
It is the ultimate tool. It can do anything. I even did my house plans on it (alright, everything will be square).
For me it has replaced pen and paper.
My life...
..revolves around spreadsheets; I get withdrawal symptoms without it. Sad but true. Started with SuperCalc, used Lotus ('orrible) and ending up with Excel which has been fiddled about with over the years but I still love it.
Confusing
I'd like to know just what people who aren't using Excel do use instead? Are there people in practice who don't use Excel for working papers? In our office the only ones not using Excel are the ones who still do it all on pen and paper!
If there's a better tool I could be using then I'd be all for it but at the moment my life in the office is spent 80/20 between Excel and IRIS.
Key part of your armoury
Is there life without Excel after 25 years I doubt it. Problem is too many accountants cannot use it properly. With Pivot charts and slicers you can give such a professional look to your presentations and reports for example.
Needs to be used in conjunction with Access but then that is what MS Office is all about.
Excel will long outlive me - 64 today!!
As my coffee mug says
I love excel. I tend to even use it in preference to a calculator for anything more than adding/multiplying a couple of numbers. Working in practice, and it is a programme I open every single day without fail.
EXCEL-LENT
I don't just use it for professional purposes, but also privately use, especially for. scoring at cricket, the format being a lot better than using a handwritten design.