Become a Microsoft Professional Accountants' Network Consultant (MPANC)

by Louis Gutberlet, CPA, MPANC, CQA, CQBC, CMA, ATA, ATP, ABA, etc.

As you can see from the above, I believe in the value of certification (these designations are used in various small business marketing scenarios), so when Microsoft asked me to help them develop a certification exam for "Microsoft Office Small Business Accounting" I jumped at the chance. And, I must say I was impressed (and that's not easy for an old accountant who is results oriented) with the rigor that went into the exam's development.

Let me just say this, the exam was developed by accountants just like you and me. It was not developed by academics.

You have an opportunity to access this certification exam yourself and if you pass - you will distinguish yourself and earn "Microsoft Professional Accountants' Network Consultant (MPANC)" status.

Why Become a Microsoft Professional Accountants' Network Consultant?

Why become a Microsoft Professional Accountants' Network Consultant? Why, for the same reasons you became a CPA or an EA or a CB - to demonstrate competency and to differentiate your practice from the competition. The Microsoft Professional Accountants' Network Consultant designation is a "Seal of Approval". As Microsoft Professional Accountants' Network Consultants, we carry an exclusive identity that designates our Microsoft training and certification.

Specifically, you might consider the following:

• Differentiate Yourself and Build Credibility - Differentiate yourself and increase your credentials. Use the Microsoft Professional Accountants' Network Consultant designation to announce your expertise.
• Grow Your Practice - Attract potential new clients through preferential placement in the Microsoft Small Business Accountant Finder, where small business owners using SBA will go to find a local expert.
• Be More Effective and Efficient - While preparing for the Microsoft Professional Accountants' Network Consultant exam you'll learn best practices, discover in-depth tips and techniques, and have the opportunity to earn up to 27 hours of FREE continuing professional education credit.

How Do I Obtain the Microsoft Professional Accountants' Consultant Designation?

Simple, there are 3 steps to becoming a Microsoft Professional Accountants' Network Consultant.

1. Join the Microsoft Professional Accountants' Network (MPAN). It's free and easy. Visit www.microsoft.com/mpan and join today.
2. Become familiar with Microsoft Office Small Business Accounting 2006. Once you are a member of MPAN online training on SBA is free and can qualify you for up to 27 hours of CPE credit. These courses include the following:
   • Setting Up Microsoft Office Small Business Accounting - This course covers the setup of a new company, customers, vendors, employees, and inventory items. It shows you how to work with general ledger accounts and journal entries, and also covers inventory pricing, receipts, adjustments, financial reporting, data backups, and importing.
   • Using Microsoft Office Small Business Accounting - This step-by-step tutorial teaches you to create purchase orders, bills, checks, sales orders, and invoices. The course also covers customization, cash flow projections, new user setup, and security. Integration with Microsoft Office is also highlighted.
   • Advanced Features of Microsoft Office Small Business Accounting - This step-by-step tutorial takes you through some of the more advanced features of SBA. The following topics are covered in this course: banking, budgeting, planning, sales taxes, managing customers, job costing, project costing, payroll, business services, and time and billing.
3. Take and pass the online certification exam. That's it. Oh, there are only thirty questions picked at random, a passing grade is 75, and you have 2 attempts to pass every two weeks.

More about the Microsoft Professional Accountants' Network - MPAN

Currently, MPAN (the Microsoft Professional Accountants' Network) is part of the Microsoft Partner Program, an industry-leading network of companies that utilize and promote Microsoft software and services.

From my perspective, MPAN will extend the value of SBA to current and prospective clients with training, support, products, and practical resources. These benefits are tailored to the needs of accounting professionals serving small business clients just like you and me.

For example, MPAN gives you (and me) access to:

• Free and discounted product - Upon joining, you automatically receive the MPAN Toolkit which includes a free copy of SBA. This copy is for your use in your practice together with trial copies to share with current and prospective clients.
• Free Support - Second, you are automatically set up for free unlimited support for SBA through September of 2007. You also get free access to business critical support for you and your clients.
• Training - Third, you get up to 27 hours of online, on demand FREE CPE to help you get on the fast track to success with SBA.
• Offers - Fourth, you benefit from special offers through MPAN - offers like the Right Time Kit promotion back in January whereby every MPAN member received 2 kits to pass along to their clients to get them set up with SBA and help them start the New Year right.
• Referrals - Finally, MPAN members who elect to pass the certification exam earn consultant status which demonstrates proficiency in SBA and provides priority listing in Microsoft's referral database.

And, best of all, MPAN membership is FREE.

If you add the Microsoft Action Pack to your membership, you gain even more benefits. The Action Pack offers an easy, cost-effective way to acquire the software you need - from small business accounting tools and desktop applications to operating systems and server software.

By subscribing to the Action Pack, you receive a comprehensive set of Microsoft small business software delivered quarterly in one convenient package - all for an annual fee of only $299. Even if you already own SBA, the Action Pack subscription still offers great value. You will receive powerful software tools, including the latest versions of Microsoft Office and Microsoft Windows XP Professional (necessary to take full advantage of the capabilities of SBA).

The top ten (I could only come up with six but I am sure there are more - but, what the hell, I'm only an accountant) reasons to join MPAN and becoming a Microsoft Professional Accountants' Network Consultant include the following:

• Be one of the first Microsoft Professional Accountants' Network Consultant in your market - the advantages are obvious.
• Learn about SBA directly from the experts; associate with like-minded practitioners from across the country.
• Learn about growing a SBA consultancy.
• Interact with Microsoft personnel associated with the product's development and support.
• Experience hands-on practice with SBA.
• Attention CPAs - you will earn up to 27 hours of FREE CPE credit.

God Bless and thank you for reading this far.