HOW RELEVANT IS SAP SOFTWARE CERTIFICATION TO MY ACCOUNTING JOB SEARCH?
Good Day Sir,
My name is Adebajo Ayokunnumi. I came across ur blog accidentally and I have been impressed with the various write-ups. I am a fresh graduate still waiting for NYSC call up letter. I really need your help please.
I studied Accounting and I hope to start ACCA this June but my main issue is that my uncle wants me to do a Computer ERP (Enterprise Resource Programme) programme named SAP in South Africa which is quite expensive. My fear is that I might find this program irrelevant later on in my quest for job which will be sad due to the amount of this program and also this program requires practice with a company that uses it, so as to make me know it more and increase my chance of having a job using this program which I might not get because I will serve this year and won’t have a chance to work with a company.
I would appreciate your candid advice and also I would like to attend your graduate finishing school after my NYSC program. Please I would appreciate your quick response because I might go for the SAP program by June.
Thank you.
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Dear Adebajo,
There are many Accounting softwares (ERPs) used by different companies. I have worked in different companies and I am familiar with three. I never learned any of them before joining the companies, I learnt them on-the-job. I know a top International Oil Company that uses SAP as its software. Oracle, SUN are other common accounting softwares used by top companies.
Except in very few cases, companies don’t expect you to have in-depth knowledge of Accounting software before employing you, they are usually so easy that they can be learnt within one or two weeks of use on-the-job. However, knowing them beforehand no doubt will be an advantage. In fact, I see some companies put as part of requirements: Knowledge of Oracle Accounting software; knowledge of SAP software etc, will be an ADDED ADVANTAGE. But the truth is, only few companies use SAP in Nigeria, because it is such an highly expensive system.
To me, passing and finishing ACCA is a more important factor in boosting your chance of getting job than SAP certificate. However, if your Uncle is not complaining about the money, then I will advise you to go for it, especially if it will not take more than 1 year. It also doesn’t stop you from writing ACCA. No doubt the certificate will also add to your CV, whether you eventually work in a company that uses it or not. Being in SA also exposes you.
Moreover, undergoing dedicated course in an ERP is different from learning ERP on-the-job like some of us, because those of us that learn will only the parts that relate to our role. A trained ERP professional will know the in and out of the software and such people are usually employed to work with project team or IT as support for the entire organization in the implementation of the project. ACCA plus a reputable SAP certificate will also make you able to look beyond Nigeria for job.
But like you rightly mentioned, the issue is, where do you get to practice it after the training. You can surmount that refreshing your materials before you get a relevant job that will require use of the knowledge.
All these don’t stop you from hunting for regular accounting job with your Bsc and ACCA certificate, or Bsc certificate only before you finish ACCA.
In any case, I will say go for it. Whether you get to use it or not, you don’t lose anything. No knowledge is wasted.
All the best.
Jarus
Mr. Jarus, do you train SAP program, if you do how much is for the training and duration.
thanks.
We don’t do SAP training. Thanks
Good morning Mr. Jarus. How are you doing today? I have a bothering question on my mind and I will love it sir if you can advice me on it. I took SAP PLANT MAINTENANCE on the advice of someone. I took the course around April and I loved it so much but I have not seen any firm that is open to hire me. I have sent unsolicited applications to over 20 firms I know uses SAP but no response yet. I took the course for an expensive fee but as it is, I am getting fed up gradually. What advice can you give sir?