DATEV Courses: Your Path from Booking Anxiety to Booking Confidence
I took a long time to understand why DATEV in particular runs on almost every screen in tax firms. The answer is simple: hardly any other software covers financial accounting, payroll and cost accounting so comprehensively. That's exactly why DATEV courses are worthwhile, whether you're just starting out or want to refresh your firm skills. On this page you'll find six courses from two providers, ranging from a one-day seminar to a multi-month program with a DATEV certificate. Before you book, a quick reality check is worth it: what do you really need for your job?
Why DATEV courses even make sense
DATEV is almost as unavoidable in German firms as the tax return itself. If you know the software, you've already half-won the job interview. I think many career changers completely underestimate this. A DATEV course teaches you exactly what the job really demands, not just gray theory from a textbook. Even applications without relevant professional experience seem more serious with DATEV skills.
Which DATEV courses you'll find here
The selection on this page covers the most important areas of application. So you don't have to click wildly between courses, here's the short version.
- DATEV Firm Accounting for classic bookkeeping in the firm
- DATEV Payroll and Salary for payroll accounting
- DATEV Cost Accounting for controlling
- DATEV LODAS for payroll processing as a new user
- DATEV Annual Financial Statement for balance sheet, profit and loss account and asset register at year-end
- A complete program with financial accounting, tax theory and DATEV certificate
Each of these courses starts at a different point. I recommend you first clarify your goal, then choose the right course. Feel free to look at two or three descriptions more closely before you decide.
Where do I start if I've never worked with DATEV before
Absolute beginner? Then I'd go for the program that explains financial accounting with DATEV from the ground up. The short seminars from the other providers assume basic knowledge. Without a foundation, you'll just be sitting confused in front of the screen after an hour. I experienced this myself when I opened my first accounting program. You should, if necessary, read up on some basics like posting records or chart of accounts in self-study beforehand.
How long does a DATEV course take
The classic seminars are surprisingly compact at one to two days. Perfect if you want to quickly fill a gap alongside your job. The comprehensive program with a DATEV certificate, on the other hand, runs about two months. I'd plan this time realistically; such a certificate course can't be done on the side. For the short seminars, a single weekend of preparation is usually enough if you stick with it.
How much does a DATEV course cost
For the short seminars, prices range between 990 and 1,490 euros. Sounds like a lot at first for one to two days, but it quickly pays off through better job opportunities. The long program with a DATEV certificate can even be fully financed via a Bildungsgutschein (education voucher) from the employment agency. I'd definitely check this option before you pay yourself. Ask the provider directly if installment payments are possible; it works more often than you'd think.
Do I need a DATEV certificate at the end
Not every course ends with an official DATEV certificate; you should check this beforehand. Most short seminars give you a certificate of participation, i.e. proof of attendance. Only the large program on financial accounting leads to the real DATEV certificate in financial accounting. For my resume, the certificate of participation is often enough for me personally; practice is more important anyway. Ultimately, the most important thing is that you can show on the job what you're really capable of.
DATEV Payroll and Salary: who it's worth it for
If you work in HR or want to move there, DATEV Payroll and Salary is your must-attend. The seminar covers the basics of payroll accounting, from tax class to social insurance. I think this topic is underestimated; without clean payroll accounting, every HR department grinds to a halt. Anyone who's skilled here is in high demand at many companies. For a career change from administration, this seminar is also a clever first step.
DATEV Firm Accounting: what's behind it
This seminar is clearly aimed at work in a tax firm. You learn how accounting with DATEV actually works in day-to-day firm life, not just in theory. For me, this is the most direct path to a firm job if you're coming from another industry. Firms are constantly looking for people who can operate the software directly. Tax clerks use this knowledge practically every day; a friend of mine has often told me that.
DATEV Cost Accounting: more than just bookkeeping
Cost accounting sounds dry but is gold for controlling. In the seminar, you learn how costs are allocated to individual departments or products. I think this knowledge in particular distinguishes the pure bookkeeper from the sought-after controlling professional. If you later want to back up decisions with numbers, you can't get around this. Honestly, I would have found this subject more exciting in my studies than many a mandatory seminar.
DATEV LODAS: payroll processing for new users
DATEV LODAS is the payroll software for anyone who has never created a salary statement before. The seminar for it is the shortest offer here on the page at one day. I find this compact design clever; it keeps the start focused rather than overloaded. Anyone who then has to create pay slips directly on the job should still plan for an onboarding period. At just under 990 euros, it's also at the lower end of the price range here.
Online, in-person, or both
The short seminars run either online or in-person; you decide yourself. I like the online version because there's no travel and I can schedule my breaks myself. The large certificate program runs completely live online with fixed dates. Check before booking which format fits your daily routine. With in-person sessions, you at least get to meet the other participants personally; that's also a plus.
Who DATEV courses are ultimately worth it for
In short: for anyone who wants to get a foothold or move up in accounting. Career changers, bookkeepers, aspiring payroll accountants or controllers will find their entry point here. I'd advise everyone to first clarify their own career path, then choose the course accordingly. That way, you'll actually get out of your DATEV course what you'll need later on the job. Honestly, the best foundation remains real practice right at the screen.
Price on request
approx. 16 weeks full-time; 32 weeks part-time
DATEV certificate in financial accounting
