9 Best Institutions to Learn Financial Modeling

September 12, 2023 Sejal Adhvaryu Courses, Finance Courses, Financial Modeling

With the ever-changing landscape of the financial world, it’s more important than ever to learn financial modeling. Financial modeling is a technique for predicting future financial events using historical data. By understanding and using financial modeling, you can make more informed decisions about investments, budgeting, and more. There are many different types of financial models, but they all have one common goal: to provide a framework for making decisions. The most important part of financial modeling is understanding the assumptions that go into the model. These assumptions can be based on economic trends, company-specific information, or other data.

Once you learn financial modeling, you can begin to build your models. Financial modeling is a valuable skill that can be used in a variety of settings, from personal finance to corporate finance. With a little practice, you can be on your way to becoming a financial modeling expert.

One of the most important things to understand about financial modeling is the assumptions that go into the model. These assumptions can be based on economic trends, company-specific information, or other data. It’s important to understand the assumptions because they will affect the results of the model.

For example, let’s say you’re building a financial model to predict the future value of a stock. One of the assumptions you might make is that the stock will continue to grow at the same rate as it has in the past. However, if the company announces a new product that is not well received, the stock might not grow at the same rate.

In this case, your assumption would be wrong and the results of your model would be inaccurate. In such cases, learning financial modeling helps deal with the problem more efficiently and effectively. You might be curious as to where financial modeling comes in handy. The points below mention the usage of financial modeling in various fields.

Applications of Financial Modeling

Fundamental analysis and values require the use of learning financial modeling. It is used by investment bankers to arrive at a valuation in mergers and acquisitions or fund-raising deals. Equity analysts use it to value stocks and make buy/sell/hold recommendations.
Bankers and credit analysts use financial models to forecast future revenues and expenditures and make informed decisions regarding a project’s sustainability. They can then decide whether or not to provide loans or what a project’s or company’s credit rating should be.
Companies use financial modeling to evaluate their financial affairs and undertakings. As a result, it can be used to help create business opportunities for corporate operations.
Financial models are used by entrepreneurs to present their ideas to potential stakeholders as well as organize their strategies.

Eligibility Criteria to Learn Financial Modeling

If you are thinking about whether you are eligible or not for the course, then in terms of academic prerequisites, these courses are open to any graduate student. Participants will be able to appreciate the complexities and finer concepts if they have a background in finance, statistics, mathematics, or economics. CA, CFA, FRM, MBA, finance degree, B.Tech, and B.Com degree holders are common participants.

Also Read: Financial Modeling

The Skills Required to Become a Financial Modeling Analyst

If you have any doubt regarding which type of skill set is required to learn financial modeling, then here is the list of required skill sets.

Excel Abilities:

The majority of the work done by analysts is done in Excel. As a result, great Excel skills are required to create successful financial models. You must have extensive advanced Excel skills, including VBA, macros, and formulae. Financial analysts must be efficient and quick while analyzing data on excel sheets because they work with large amounts of data. Businesses rely on these models to make judgments and approve them.

Accounting and Finance:

These abilities become critical as a financial analyst. Numbers, matching concepts, investment appraisal procedures, and other topics will be part of your daily work. So, having a thorough understanding of these will aid you in your job. You’ll need accounting skills to pull insights from different statements, analyze them, and rebuild them into relevant information.

Skills in Problem-solving:

A skilled financial analyst can think clearly and methodically. These abilities are essential for a logical flow of thought and proper data organization. So that stakeholders may know what the financial model says when they read the excel sheet. It simplifies data by dissecting it and putting it in an ordered and logical manner.

Statements That Connect:

The ability to link the three financial statements is another key skill. This involves using Excel to dynamically link historical financial statements (income statement, balance sheet, and cash flow statement).

The Scope of Learning Financial

Lastly, if you are wondering which types of job opportunities are available in the markets after you learn the financial modeling course, then here is the scope of financial modeling, and as you can see, it has a wide reach. Financial modeling has a wide reach because it is utilized for a variety of goals, including mergers and acquisitions, budgeting, internal planning, capital raising, forecasts, investments, and appraisals.

When trained specialists begin undertaking sensitivity analysis, scenario analysis, capital projects, and return on investment, the scope expands even further. Experts in private equity, investment banking, equity research, company development, and financial planning typically execute such tasks.

If you want to pursue a profession in finance but aren’t pleased by the popular options, Financial Modeling is the course for you. With these best short-term commerce courses, you can upskill yourself. So now if you have started preparing yourself physically and mentally to learn financial modeling courses, let’s start to search for the best courses/ institutions for the same.

In Today’s Work From the Home Era, Here Is the List of the 9 Best Online Courses/institutes for Financial Modeling:

1. Financial Modeling Course by IIM SKILLS

The financial modeling course provided by IIM SKILLS is the top-rated training program. If you are looking for an institution that is truly dedicated to providing hands-on training then IIM SKILLS must be on your wishlist. The successful students who have graduated from the institute are the full proof examples of the IIM SKILLS dedication to their student’s goals and achievements.

Every module of the course is explained fully which is appreciated by the learners. All the courses by the institute promise a highly rewarding career to their students as they know what value they are delivering in the training to make people highly skilled. You may ask for a demo class before you enroll in the course.

The trainers are highly skilled and supportive. They assist each student by giving equal attention. No matter whether you are a very beginner who has just initiated with the niche, or a working professional looking to flourish in the field, you can blindly trust IIM SKILLS to fulfill your needs.

Financial Modeling Course Curriculum:

Basic and Advanced Excel
Accounting Concepts
Financial Modeling
Ratio/ KPI Analysis
Basics of Financial Modeling
Types of Financial Modeling
Business Valuation

Professional Courses from IIM SKILLS

2. Business and Financial Modeling by Coursera:

Consider this course from The Wharton School on Coursera if you’re seeking a financial modeling curriculum from a reputable institution. The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School has an enviable reputation as the greatest business school in the country.

The Programme Is Divided Into Five Sections:

Quantitative Modeling Fundamentals:
Spreadsheets and Models: An Overview
Risk and Reality Modeling.
Scenarios and Decision-Making
Wharton Business and Financial Modeling Capstone

You will learn how to create scenarios and forecast future performance using your data in this program. Although the courses are self-paced, they start on specific dates, so you’ll have to wait until the next enrollment period. Every course, however, is offered at least once a month.

Because all of the content is recorded, there is no ability to engage with educators if you require one-on-one help. While you will receive a degree upon completion of the program, it will be granted by Coursera rather than The Wharton School.

3. Courses for Startups and Small Businesses by Udemy

Financial modeling is particularly beneficial to entrepreneurs and small business owners. Financial modeling can be used to evaluate pricing models, forecast how much capital you’ll need, and prepare for investor meetings. Two startup founders teach the Financial Modeling for Startups and Small Businesses courses on Udemy, and the material is tailored to the needs of entrepreneurs.

You will get unlimited access to all of the resources once you enroll. You’ll learn how to build valuation models for your company or organization, use financial modeling to make smarter decisions, and apply financial modeling best practices by taking this course. Prior understanding of Excel is required for this course, especially when it comes to formula creation. You will get a certificate from Udemy.

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4. The Investment Banker by Financial Edge

Basic accounting principles, financial modeling, valuation, mergers and acquisitions, and leveraged buyouts are all covered in the Investment Banker course package (four sub-courses divided down into particular modules). The course consists of 25 video modules, totaling over 43 hours of content.

Along with the video training, you may undertake hundreds of Excel exercises to help you improve your skills. Unlike the other online courses, you can ask the course teacher questions and interact with other finance professionals who are taking the course. You can download content to work on course materials offline using the Financial Edge app, Go by FE (available on the Apple Store or Google Play).

You may also accomplish tasks in the application and have your modifications reflected across all of your devices. You must pass four different tests to earn a micro-degree, which is recognized by several banks.

5. Financial modeling Foundations by Linkedin

If you want to learn financial modeling and you are new to it then, LinkedIn Learning’s online Financial Modeling Foundations class is a great place to start. This course will teach you how to use Microsoft Excel to create financial models that may be used in a variety of careers (e.g., commercial banking, investment banking, corporate finance).

You’ll also receive a certificate of completion. This course should take you roughly three hours to finish. When you enroll in the course, you will have access to on-demand videos that you may watch at your leisure. You’ll also receive Microsoft Excel exercise files that you may store in your library.

The course also contains a Q & A section where you may ask content experts and other students questions. However, you need to buy the subscription plan for the course, and there will be no personal interaction with the instructor.

6. Certified Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst by Corporate Finance Institute

The Certified Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst (FMVA) program offered by the Corporate Finance Institute (CFI) is a wonderful option to solve your problem if you haven’t learned about financial modeling in your degree program. Financial modeling and business appraisals, advanced spreadsheet skills using Microsoft Excel, and accounting and financial analysis are among the skills you’ll acquire in this program.

For a one-time fee, you can complete this self-paced course fully online. You’ll obtain the FMVA Certification at the end of the course, which you may place on your CV and share with your network.

You’ll Get Lifetime Access to the Entire Cfi Collection of Courses After You’ve Registered in the Program, Which Includes:

Six extra preparatory courses to help you brush up on the fundamentals of financial modeling
Eleven essential financial modeling and valuation courses are required.
There are nine finance electives available (you must take a minimum of three)

All course participants will have access to recorded video lectures, application activities, quizzes, and evaluations. To get the FMVA Certification, you must receive at least an 80 percent on each course evaluation and pass a final test. You’ll get the blockchain-verified FMVA Certification to the email address the CFI has on file for you after this is completed.

Recommended Read: Financial Modeling Courses in Delhi

7. Edupristine

With the introduction of data science and AI use cases in finance, the demand for financial modeling professionals has exploded. To satisfy this need, EduPristine offers financial modeling courses online as well as offline that prepare students for a profitable future in finance. It helps students stay relevant in the banking profession with their abilities thanks to its up-to-date training.

The course, which was created in partnership with the BSE Institute, covers all financial building subjects and helps students through the creation of models like option pricing models, M&A models, and LBO models, among others. Students having a background in statistics, mathematics, or economics will benefit greatly from this course.

However, no such eligibility criteria exist. Anyone who wants to pursue a career in finance can start the course. Its hands-on learning and theoretical classes deliver challenging and basic concepts in a concise and simplified manner.

8. Real Estate Financial Modeling From Wall Street Prep

For people interested in real estate investments, Wall Street Prep’s Real Estate Financial Modeling course is the finest option. Its program is tailored to professionals who wish to understand financial modeling for property acquisition, land development, office building acquisition, or multifamily development.

There are both online and teacher-directed courses available. Investment banks, private equity firms, and business schools are among its clients. You’ll learn real estate and development theory as well as how to create a real estate development model during the course.

You can earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits by taking the course, which is a requirement for Certified Professional Accountants (CPAs). It comes with unrestricted access to the company’s online support center, where you may ask questions, obtain more resources, and receive updates.

Tutoring is available online if you require further assistance, however, each tutoring session comes at an additional cost. After finishing the course, you can get a certificate, but you must first pass an exam. You have 24 months to take the test after enrolling.

The course stands out from others that teach students more general financial modeling ideas because it is so comprehensive and customized for real estate professionals. Its in-depth modules will be particularly beneficial to those pursuing real estate jobs.

Recommended Read: Financial Modeling Courses in Mumbai

9. Financial Modeling Certification from IMS Preschool

Another alternative certification program is the IMS Preschool Financial modeling certification course, which is offered in collaboration with the NSE Academy and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), the Ministry of Skill Development, and the Government of India. The IMS preschool training program, which is available in both classroom and online formats, has trained over 6000 students across India.

They have got flexible learning options, including classroom-based, online, and distance learning. They give industry-expert training, with each educator having at least seven years of expertise. Additionally, 24×7 access to online study materials is provided, including a 70+ hrs training program. They assure 100% placement assistance.

FAQs:

1. Is it possible for me to learn financial modeling on my own?

Financial modeling can be learned without a structured course framework, but it will take more effort and time than taking a class. To become an expert in financial modeling, you’ll need to master the following abilities: Advanced Excel skills are required as Excel is the primary tool for financial modeling. You’ll need a thorough understanding of how to use Excel functions and develop formulas. Basic accounting and commercial techniques, such as how to generate a financial statement, capital structure, and cash position, are required.

Once you’ve mastered Excel’s fundamentals, you can build simple models like what will happen while changing the pricing of your products and whether it will impact your bottom line or not. It becomes more difficult to learn financial modeling on your own. While there are free courses available on advanced Excel activities and accounting jargon, you’ll usually have to do some searching to discover valuable videos or materials, and it can be challenging to build expertise as you learn. With well-prepared curricula, online courses simplify the approach. Each class will build on the previous one to help you grow.

2. What Are the Costs of Financial Modeling Courses?

It might cost anything from $100 to $1,000 or more to learn financial modeling course. The cost of a course is determined by several criteria, including the course’s comprehensiveness, the reputation of the organization or school, the number of resources offered, and whether students have lifetime access to class materials and lessons. Some courses are brief with only a few hours of content, while others have numerous videos and lessons and are aimed at more experienced users. You’ll learn Excel shortcuts and common functions for financial modeling and develop basic models in almost all the courses.

3. When Should You learn Financial modeling?

Consider your objectives if you’re considering taking a financial modeling course to see if it’s worth the money. Financial modeling expertise is in high demand. The job outlook for financial analysts is predicted to expand by 5% by 2029, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, which is greater than the average job outlook for all occupations. Furthermore, the median salary for financial analysts is $83,660, which is significantly higher than the national average. If you’re a small business owner trying to estimate how different circumstances will affect your revenue, if you want to improve your skills, or if you want to qualify for a loan, taking a financial modeling course can be beneficial.

4. Is there a demand to learn financial modeling?

As more firms rely on data to predict and expand their businesses, financial modeling abilities are in great demand. Because there is a strong demand for financial modeling professionals but a limited supply, it is a well-paying position with a variety of career prospects.

Conclusion

Financial modeling is a valuable tool that can be used to predict future financial outcomes. By understanding the basics of financial modeling, you can begin to build your models which will be beneficial to the company. Whether you are a beginner, an entrepreneur, or an investor you have lots of online self-paced courses from which you can select courses of your choice to master financial modeling.