How To Become A Valuation Analyst

To understand the true worth of an asset (both tangible and intangible), business, equity, real estate, commodity, or stock, a valuation analyst is employed. VAs are integral cogs in the finance and audit machine, working tirelessly to approximate the value of any given asset to assist in broader financial decision-making.

Becoming a valuation analyst takes years of training, qualifications, and niche certifications, but it can provide a fantastic jumping-off point into senior financial management, operations, risk, and audit.

But becoming an effective VA takes more than classroom-based certifications; the best valuation analysts have to bring a suite of soft skills and multifaceted financial skills to the table, including impeccable reporting and communication skills, fastidious attention to detail, and an awareness of broader finance 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 aren’t jacks of all trades; they need verifiable experience and certifications in a niche area of finance, and as such, the pathways into a steady VA career need to be specific and targeted.

Base experience refers to generalist qualifications at degree level in finance, business, economics, or maths; working as a junior associate in valuation; experience in audit, risk, and accounting; and ideally, some organisational or senior management experience running audit or accounting teams.

Further to this, experience with financial modelling, transaction approach analysis, PPA, IP, and other intangible valuation analyses is held in high regard.

Step 2 – Certifications

VAs need qualifications at the degree level in finance, business, economics, maths, or equivalent, with some organisations requiring MBA-level qualifications to work as a valuation analyst.

VAs also need to have a Chartered Financial Analyst certification from the CFA Institute, which is equivalent 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. VAs are utilised across some of the world’s most well-established and renowned finance companies, from significant auditors to investment vehicles, VCs, and more. While a qualified and experienced VA will be in high demand anyway, never forget to keep your digital and analogue doors open to new opportunities. Valuation analysts are in constant demand.

Learn more about valuation analyst careers.

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

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