Finally, someone who will give you a trophy (and a sizable cash prize) for your unhealthy obsession with Excel. Certiport hosts an annual international Microsoft Excel championship.
Accountants, everywhere, rejoice! Since, while generally, we are not the most athletically inclined (after all, we do spend a lot of time behind a desk), many of us like to tout our excel-lent Excel skills.
Just look at how many people were appalled when I said the reign of Excel was over. It’s obvious that accountants would crush it.
So, where do you sign up for this Microsoft Office Specialist World Championship?
Oh no. Major catch… Â the competition is limited to ages 13 to 22.
Bubble burst.
Why didn’t I know about this sooner? I wouldn’t have minded walking away with $10,000 in prize money.
Maybe we can convince them to host one for us older people?
It’s a shame that Certiport GM, Aaron Osmond, doesn’t seem to appreciate how talented accountants are with Excel. I am almost offended by this statement:
Most of us in an office think that we know how to use Excel. These kids really know.
If Certiport isn’t game, who wants to host the accounting Olympics? KPMG? Deloitte? Grant Thornton?
Why not? It’d be fun. I can see it now:
The day will start with the opening ceremonies. Flags for all the firms flying high. Throw in bagels and cream cheese, lots of coffee. Then, it’s time to get down to the competition:
- Event 1: VLOOKUP skills competition
- Event 2: Most elaborate pivot table challenge
- Event 3: Timed cash reconciliation
- Event 4: Trial balance challenge
- Event 5: Rollforward workpaper accuracy challenge (don’t forget to update those dates!)
Who wouldn’t want to watch that? I’m sure we could get some of the firms to sponsor some epic baseball hats. Maybe it would bump American Ninja Warrior out of their prime time slot. EXCEL NINJA WARRIORS! Okay, maybe not.
