EXHIBIT 23.1

                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

    We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration  statements
of Advent Software, Inc. on Form S-8 (File No.'s 333 - 918 and 333-28725) of our
report  dated  January  20,  1998,  on our audit of the  consolidated  financial
statements of Advent  Software,  Inc. as of December 31, 1997 and 1996,  and for
the years ended December 31, 1997,  1996 and 1995,  which report is incorporated
by reference in this report on Form 10-K, and our report dated January 20, 1998,
on our audit of the financial  statement  schedule,  which report is included in
this Form 10-K.


COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.


San Francisco, California
March 27, 1998