How To Become A Valuation Analyst

How To Become A Valuation Analyst

A valuation analyst is employed to understand the true worth of an asset. This includes both real and intangible assets. For example, businesses, equity, real estate, commodities, and stocks. VAs are integral cogs in the finance and audit machines. They work to approximate the value of any given asset. This assists in broader financial decision-making.

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Becoming a valuation analyst takes years of training and certification. However, it can be a great entry point into senior roles in finance, operations, risk, and audit.

Yet becoming an effective VA takes more than classroom-based certifications. The best VAs have to bring a suite of soft skills and many financial skills to the table. These include great reporting and communication. They also require close attention to detail and an awareness of broader economic and audit trends.

Please visit our job description page to find out more about the day-to-day responsibilities of a valuation analyst.

Step 1: Get the right base experience

Valuation analysts need credentials and experience in a specific finance field. They aren’t generalists, so the paths to a stable VA job must be focused and targeted.

The base experience is generalist qualifications. These are at degree level in finance, business, economics, or math. It is working as a junior associate in valuation and has experience in audit, risk, and accounting. Ideally, it also includes some senior management experience running audit or accounting teams.

Also, we highly value experience in financial modelling and deal analysis. We also value experience in PPA, IP, and other intangible valuations.

Step 2: Certifications

Valuation analysts typically require a degree in finance, business, economics, mathematics, or a related field. Some organisations require an MBA for this role.

VAs also need a Chartered Financial Analyst certification from the CFA Institute. It is equal to a postgraduate finance degree. There are multiple levels of certification from the CFA, which help VAs work up to the partner level.

Step 3: Network!

No modern finance job is complete without an element of networking. Some of the world’s most prominent financial companies are using VAs. Among others, these include venture capital firms, investment vehicles, and large auditing firms. Don’t forget to keep your digital and physical doors open to new prospects, even though skilled and experienced VAs will always be in high demand. Valuation analysts are in constant demand.

Learn more about valuation analyst careers. The following articles cover the job description, salaries, CV-building tips, and more:

Job Description & Profile, Salary & Pay, CV Building Tips.

Search Jobs to find out about the valuation analyst job roles we currently have available.

See also Business Analyst Qualifications, Skills, and Requirements.