Excel 03 or 07?

[macroy]

You should go with the newer version. The user interface changed a lot in 2007 (and carries over to 2010). Add in the new capabilities, knowing 2010 may give you an edge. Your potential employer still on 2003... well, knowing 2010 won't keep you from doing what you need to do in 2003. However, if you only know 2003, you may be left in the dark on how to take advantage of the newer capabilities in 2007/2010.

Just my .02.

[eggalegga]

We jumped from 2003 to 2010 at my work a few months ago. It took some getting used to but I think I'm able to move around easily now. Being able to customize the "Quick Access Toolbar" really helped.

There are 3 accountants (I'm one of them) and a CFO in our office who picked up on the changes quite quickly. Not really sure how well the other accounting staff are doing--or other managers in other departments.

I think anytime you can familiarize yourself with the most current version of any software for your profession, it's a good thing.

I was told that learning 2010 after using 2007 isn't such a major change like what we went through here.

[destinedtodave]

I use 2007 at work (light use) but for my own personal needs for a side project I use 2010 for some heavy use. I know plenty of professionals still use 2003 but would they hold it against you for knowing 2007 better? No, there are more productive things to worry about.

Although people complain about the design of 2007, it is similar in layout to the 2010 version. So in a couple years when people are switching to 2010, I would imagine hardly anyone would be using the old 2003 version.

[MrsBunny]

We use the 2010 version.
Actually I would learn the newer version and it is not that hard to use the old version once you know the older version either.

[lovetheduns]

Originally Posted by CarolinaOnMyMind

Hi everyone,

Can someone tell me which Excel version is more commonly used in today's accounting/business environments? I also believe that there is an Excel 2010. I am debating if I should sharpen my 03 skills or to learn 07. I'm doing this as part of my job search. I'm an accountant. The two versions are suppose to be very different and I've heard that the 07 version is terrible and not very user friendly. I dont want to waste my time or money learning the 07 version if the 03 version is still predominantly used. Please advise. Thanks!

Learn 2003-- and know the differences in 2007. To be frank, if I were interviewing a person I would ask them what type of advanced Excel experience do you have-- and then I would listen to people talk.

Telling me you have experience in 2003 or 2007 is not going to make a difference to me even if we have both versions at work-- you know one, you pretty much know how to use the other. It is not as if there is a huge fundamental change on the core purpose of the program.