Is learning financial analysis hard? These 5 tips will make it easier

Is learning financial analysis hard? These 5 tips will make it easier

Being skilled in financial analysis is a dream statement for almost everyone looking to refurbish their resumes or even bring it up in casual conversation. Well, financial analysis is the current hot-selling cake. Everyone you know wants to have a piece of it. So, let us try to decode the meaning of the term. 

What is financial analysis? 

Simply put, financial analysis is about gaining insights into an organisation’s financial information. No matter your role in your company, it is a highly valued skill. When we say that someone is a master at financial analysis, we mean that they can analyse the company’s financial statements and contextualise them into the broader market space. It further helps the person arrive at strategic business decisions once they have a grip on the numbers. Financial analysis is hence considered to be a top skill when it comes to managerial decision-making. 

If you are someone who does not have a background in finance, there is absolutely no reason to worry! There are several methods through which learning this skill can be simplified for you. 

Essential skills for practising financial analysis: 

  • Ability to read and interpret financial statements, which include the cash flow statement, income statement and the balance sheet 
  • Each of these statements carries information vital to understanding the financial health of the organisation 
  • Computation of critical financial ratios which come in handy to compare trends within the same or similar industries 
  • Producing actionable insights through the information presented by the economic data
  • Comparing the organisation’s position with the growing market trends and positioning forces into action so that future movement can be forecasted 

Here are the five tips to make learning financial analysis easier: 

  • Earn a degree in the field of finance:

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It is a smart move to have a background in finance if you want to excel in financial analysis. The CFA Course in India is gaining a lot of popularity. The exams for the course are being held locally due to the ongoing pandemic. You can also opt for a Bachelor’s degree in finance or its related field. Chances of landing your dream job may increase after pursuing an MBA or applying for the CFA certification, as it is regarded as the standard gold degree in finance. 

 

  • Opt for an online course or certificate program:

 

CFA will provide you with the CFA charter holder after completing four years of work experience in finance. You do not have to worry about attending physical classes as learning in an online certificate program is self-paced. The financial analyst training and placement are facilitated by the financial analysis prodegree, which powers tech-enabled learning. The learning management system (LMS) hosts all the study material on a single platform. You can prepare your schedule and track your learning accordingly. 

The financial analyst training and placement program provides end-to-end support through resume building, LinkedIn profile building, and mentorship sessions. You will be job-ready after the completion of the course. Leading industry experts teach the vast curriculum with rich experience working in actual markets. The program is interactive and competitive and will help you build on your quick thinking abilities. 

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The program includes accounting and financial modelling courses. It also covers valuation and corporate strategy modules along with equity research and M&A. It offers a comprehensive curriculum in terms of learning. The financial analyst training and placement program will assist you in preparing for job interviews and selecting a profile best suited to your skills. 

 

  • Learning from real-life examples:

 

The expert faculty holds a significantly impactful experience in the market. On-ground experience is a lot different than learning a skill in the classroom. The financial modelling courses they teach will also come with examples of how it helps them on the job. Real-world examples will guide you to apply the skills and develop your critical thinking abilities. 

 

  • Gain a hands-on exposure:

 

The simulations and case studies forming part of the curriculum will help you implement and practise essential concepts. Taking up challenges at work is going to be a routine, so understanding the financial data in-depth and assessing its impact on a company’s performance will help shape you as a financial analyst. 

 

  • Leveraging your network and participating in finance conferences:

 

Learning from industry leaders’ experiences is a great way to kickstart and build a career. Make sure you gain financial analysis tips by utilising your professional network well. Hence, ensure that you are enrolling yourself as a part of the financial analyst community. 

Conclusion

Financial analysis skills help organisations gain a competitive advantage in the market. Whether deciding on a new hire or assessing the latest market campaign’s impact on the business, financial analysis is needed everywhere. This is by far the best investment you can make for your career. As we can see the country’s rapid growth and demand for financial analysts, the time to learn the skill is now!

To learn more about the financial analyst prodegree, you can contact us through chat support or drive to our training centers in major Indian cities, including Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Gurgaon, and Ahmedabad.

Financial Modeling Training in 2022: How to get started without experience?

Financial Modeling Training in 2022: How to get started without experience?

Financial modelling is a skill that helps a retail organization decide how and where to open its store. It is a key skill that is mandatory if you are looking for a career in finance. It is also helpful for entrepreneurs planning to start their own gig, and can even prove to be handy for marketing and sales professionals.

Financial modelling also includes looking at projections, evaluating the practicality of the decision, and analyzing the stock market in terms of cost, revenue, and profit.

If you do not have work experience, do not be afraid, you can still have your own business or make a career in finance by enrolling yourself in a financial modelling course.

 What are the Various Application Areas?

  • Corporate Finance

This model is used by various companies to evaluate their finances and projects and help create plans for funding projects.

  • Investment Banking

Financial modelling is the fundamental tool for valuation and analysis. An investment banker uses this model to come to a valuation in fundraising transactions. An equity analyst will use this model to come up with buy/sell or hold recommendations by applying them to value stocks.

  • Entrepreneurs

 

Entrepreneurs use the financial model to pitch their plans to prospective investors and to strategize their future plans. Carrying out various experiments can be beneficial to avoid any risks and financial loss in upcoming businesses.

Types of Models

When you enrol in a financial analyst course you will be taught about the following financial models:

  • Leveraged Buyout Model (LBO)

In this kind of layout, the firm will finance its acquisition via a considerable amount of debt. The LBO model is used so this model helps to critically analyze whether the business can manage the debtor if a certain degree of performance is needed to make sales and eventually pay off the debt.

  • Credit Rating Model

This model is employed by credit analysts to figure out the creditworthiness of a firm. The model makes assumptions with respect to future earnings and if the company can pay the interest and principle.

  •  Comparable Company Analyst

Under this model, the financial metrics of a company are compared with similar organizations in the industry.

  • M&A Model

The whole purpose behind the merger model is to decode the effect of the acquisition on the acquirer and whether the new EPS is comparable with the existing one. If the new EPS is higher, the transaction is referred to as ‘accretive’, and vice versa is referred to as ‘dilutive’.

 Skills You Need to Have

Although you can learn the tricks of the trade in this discipline by enrolling yourself in a financial modelling course, some skills that whether inherent or learned are essential to making this career work are:

  •         Prerequisite

Financial management and ratio analysis, financial statement, valuation methods, written communication, and analytical ability.

  •         Core Skills

Drawing up financial statements in excel, analyzing financial statements, and being able to build from scratch fresh financial models with high potential for success.

  •         Related Skills

Knowledge of mutual funds, debt markets, credit appraisal, and understanding of various financial market tools can help to build your business in finance, banking, and investment.

Conclusion

A financial modelling course is an in-demand qualification for many lucrative opportunities in the market such as equity researcher, portfolio manager, and credit researcher. If you do not have a background in this field professionally, you can easily join a course as a fresh graduate, post-graduate, or MBA student, and learn what it takes to be successful on this path.

The analogy between a financial analyst certification program and a ratio analysis course

The analogy between a financial analyst certification program and a ratio analysis course

The Financial Analyst Certification Programs and the ratio analysis courses are online certificate courses that will enhance your qualities in particular topics and guide you to become one of the best analysts in the field. Let us understand what each course is about and how it can help you.

Financial analysis and its types – 

Financial analysis can be defined as a process that is led by the financial statement preparation of a company and then continued using various forms of analysis to assist business, investment, and financial decisions. Each method of analysis has its own specific purpose. They are – 

  • Vertical analysis – Vertical analysis is mainly used during the making of the financial statement or the balance sheet.
  • Horizontal analysis – The horizontal analysis is done to examine a spike or decline in the company data. The results are then used to determine a detailed examination of the finances.
  • Profitability analysis – Profitability analysis is done to check the profits of the business. This analysis is done to understand the costs of the company and what can be done to optimize it correctly.
  • Liquidity analysis – The liquidity analysis involved the calculation of the turnover rates of the company including the accounts, assets, working capital, and more. The general outcome of this analysis is to understand whether the company requires additional capital.
  • Valuation analysis – The valuation analysis is done to understand the valuation of the business like the cashflow valuation, the subsidiaries, and the compilation of the value of individual assets.
  • An industrial comparison – This is a very important analysis. This describes the place at which your company stands in comparison to the market or the average result of the industry. This also helps in understanding the strategies of the business.
  • Multi-company analysis – This analysis takes place when there is a comparison between two companies that belong to the same industry. This helps to determine the values of different companies and which ones are worthy of acquisitions. 

Ratio analysis – 

A ratio analysis course will empower you with all the information about stocks and shares that will guide a person to make the right decision about investments. A course on ratio analysis guides a person to do an in-depth analysis of the company’s financial statements and quantitative data. You will be able to finally determine if the company is worth investing in.

 

The course entails a lot of benefits as well. Apart from calculating the ratios of the company, it helps you analyze the pros and cons and then make an informed decision. A ratio analysis is also used to analyze the company earnings, the course helps you do the same. The topic mainly covers the different types of ratios like Activity Ratios, Solvency Ratios, Liquidity Ratios, Profitability Ratios, and Valuation Ratios.

Conclusion

The mission of these courses is to help students understand the finances of your organization and advance in their careers. It will give you the opportunity to understand, evaluate your company values, and then make an informed decision.

The two courses are different and unique in their own way, however, if combined, they can really polish your skills. Several online courses like the Financial Analyst Course and Financial Modelling Course will guide you further.

You can check out the Financial Analysis Prodegree in Collaboration with KMPG if you wish to acquire all the skills you will need as a financial analyst and learn techniques such as financial ratio analysis. Financial modelling, statistical functions, financial statement preparation, and basic accounting are some other common skills required by financial analysts.

7 things a financial analyst must know

7 things a financial analyst must know

A financial analyst is a person who analyses investment performance and assesses the financial statements of different verticals to make business decisions. An analyst is solely responsible for monitoring macroeconomic trends in different sectors and industries; the role of an analyst, therefore, demands strong mathematical, analytical, and data interpretation skills.

Analysts can use data, research, and expert opinions to determine whether projects will work or not. Each type of analyst has different focus areas and levels of responsibility. They evaluate potential financial risks, manage cash flow and balance sheets, prepare annual reports and provide guidance to management on investment strategies.

Essential Skill-Sets of a Financial Analyst 

 

  • Decision-Making

 

Decision-making is about choosing the correct option out of many and deciding which one is best for the situation. It’s about weighing the pros and cons of each option to see if it will work for you as an analyst. It’s also about being able to justify the decision by ensuring it makes sense within the company’s goals, mission, or vision.

As a financial analyst, this sort of thinking is essential because your task involves decisions like how much money to invest in different projects or products. One needs to be able to look at all the possible factors involved in making those decisions—like how profitable they will be and how much money they’ll bring in—and make an informed decision that balances risk with reward while staying within budget guidelines.

 

  • Corporate Finance

 

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Corporate finance is the study of how corporations manage their finances. It involves deciding the sources of funds, investments, and capital structure. A classic example is a decision taken by a company involving a combination of debt and equity to fund its needs. 

Financial analysts must come equipped with such knowledge in order to help companies manage their finances and make investment decisions. In order to develop the required expertise, students can opt for financial analyst courses

 

  • Technical Analysis

 

A financial analyst must be able to determine market sentiments based on price trends and detect patterns and indications.  

Financial analysts need to understand the technical analysis based on statistical trends to build a perspective toward stocks, bonds, commodities, or any other financial module. This task involves using charts and graphs when analysing data about stocks and other investments.

 

  • Mergers and Acquisitions Analysis

 

Mergers and acquisitions have an impact of epic proportions on the financial health of an organisation. Mergers and acquisitions analysis involves determining or predicting the results of such business acquisitions and the effect they will have on the financial well-being of the company.

Based on this information, the company can improve its revenue and market share, reduce costs and gain top talent; a chartered financial analyst course is a great way to acquire such a technical skill-set. 

 

  • Corporate Valuation

 

Corporate valuation is the process of determining the market value of an organisation or business entity. Valuation is crucial when it comes to acquisitions and mergers. As a financial analyst, one should be proficient in different financial tools to look at the market cap, capital expenditures, and taxation to determine the economic value of the entire business unit.

 

  • Financial Modelling

 

As a financial analyst, one is expected to calculate how much money the company has made in the past, what it will make this year, and what the future looks like for the business. Modeling covers the analysis of estimating how much money the company is spending each month on essentials, salaries, and benefits for employees. 

Modeling enables analysts to understand how the clients’ businesses work, and how the products they sell fit into those businesses. By doing so, analysts gain a better understanding of not just the client’s business, but also help them make better decisions about what products to offer and how to allocate resources.

Having knowledge of financial modeling helps financial analysts estimate the profits, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Financial modeling courses will help analysts learn the advanced metrics to handle modeling techniques.

 

  • Software Skills

 

As an analyst, having a working knowledge of financial software like Tally, Excel, and SAP can help you get an edge over others and save time. Knowing how to use finance functions, lookup functions, data validation tools, what-if analysis, and pivot tables are some critical skills that an analyst must possess. 

Get Started

The demand for financial analysts will always thrive on driving businesses to the upside. Imarticus Learning understands the skills that industries require and has curated a course covering all important aspects to get you groomed and industry-ready. The Chartered Financial Analyst course by Imarticus Learning is a collaboration with KPMG in India that provides you with real-world training, through a detailed course structure and guidance in every module. Contact us through chat support, or visit our training centers in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Gurgaon, or Ahmedabad.

Kickstart your journey as a financial analyst today!

5 Easy ways to access historical financial data sets with Python

5 Easy ways to access historical financial data sets with Python

Financial analysis is crucial for every company. It helps to provide information that will determine the credibility of a company. The insights generated by a financial analyst can also help in planning and managing future finances. However, if you want to do financial analysis accurately, you need to get relevant data. You can use the data available across Python libraries, particularly for historical analysis. To learn this, you can enroll in Imarticus Learning’s Financial analyst program.

What Are The Different Ways of Accessing Historical Financial Data Sets With Python? 

If you are a chartered financial analyst, you will be able to access financial data sets for various purposes. There are several Python libraries that allow easy retrieval of historical financial data. You can use any one of the following Python packages to obtain financial data from one or more stocks. 

  • Pandas DataReaders

If you are looking for a free Python library to source and manipulate data from, you can use the Pandas DataReaders. Pandas DataReaders is not a data source. It is a PyData Stack API that you can use to obtain data from various sources like Alpha Vantage, and the database of Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED). 

  • Tiingo

If you need historical data related to stocks, you should take a look at Tiingo’s library. You can use Python to access the Tiingo API which is quite easy to navigate and developer-friendly. If you have the API key, you can easily obtain all the necessary data. Tiingo is best for financial companies and institutions that require stock data for analysis. 

  • Quandl

Quandl offers economic, financial, and alternative data You can access this data by using Python. If you use Python, you will be able to connect to the API and obtain the necessary data.   

  • Yahoo! Finance

Yahoo! Finance offers various types of data, including fundamental and option data, market financials, cryptocurrency data, financial reports, commodities futures, as well as bonds and equities. With Python, you can retrieve all available data and use it for accurate analysis. 

  • Twelve Data

At times, you may need both historical and real-time data. This is especially important if you want to compare insights after analysis of both types of data. Twelve Data allows financial analysts to access relevant financial data through API. You can also use several technical indicators and even create dynamic graphs after obtaining the insights.  

There are several financial modelling courses that help students learn how to access such libraries. You can opt for one of these courses and become a financial analyst with essential Python skills. 

How Can You Learn Financial Analysis? 

To be able to access historical financial data, you will need to learn the basics of financial analysis. Imarticus Learning’s Financial Analysis Prodegree course offers this and more. The course is in collaboration with KPMG and provides toolkits that help with various concepts like corporate finance, private equity, and investment banking.

You can become a financial analyst after completing this course and even transition from your previous profession to a successful career in the finance sector. You can attend live lectures and interact with your peers and course instructors. Such learning sessions will help you clear doubts and develop essential skills. Imarticus Learning also provides industry certifications to all students. 

This is one of the best financial modelling courses and includes six different projects that are based on real-world scenarios. You will be prepared for the industry and can explore various aspects of financial analysis once you receive your certificate. 

After completing the Financial Analysis Prodegree, you can become a chartered financial analyst. Since Imarticus Learning offers extensive career support, you will get many opportunities and will be able to find a rewarding job in your field of interest.

Here’s how to advance your career with a financial analyst certificate program online

Do you want to advance your career in the finance industry? If so, a financial analyst certificate program can help you do just that. These programs are available online, making it easy to study and complete your coursework on your own time. This guide will discuss the benefits of earning a financial analyst certificate and tips for choosing the right program.

A financial analyst certificate is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates your proficiency in economic analysis. Many different institutions offer financial analyst certificates, so it’s essential to research to find a program that meets your needs.

What are the benefits of earning a financial analyst certificate?

There are many benefits to earning a financial analyst certificate, including the ability to advance your career. With a certificate, you’ll be able to demonstrate to employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a financial analyst role.

In addition, a certificate can also help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs. With the current job market, competition for financial analyst positions is high. Having a certificate can give you an edge over other candidates who may not have one.

Finally, a financial analyst certificate program can also help you brush up on your skills and knowledge. Even if you’re already working as a financial analyst, taking a course can help you stay updated on the latest trends and developments.

How to choose the best financial analyst certificate program online?

Choosing the best financial analyst certificate program online can be overwhelming—many factors to consider, such as cost, curriculum, and career goals. 

Here are a few tips to help you choose the best financial analyst certificate program:

  • Consider your budget: One of the crucial things to consider when selecting a financial analyst certificate program online is the cost. There are many programs available at a variety of price points. Choose a program that fits your budget and will allow you to complete the program without incurring too much debt.

  • Consider the curriculum: Another vital factor when choosing a financial analyst certificate program online is the curriculum. Make sure the program you choose covers the topics you want to learn about and provides the necessary skills to succeed in your career.

  • Consider your career goals: Finally, make sure you choose a financial analyst certificate program to help you achieve your career goals. There are many programs available, so choose one that will give you the knowledge and skills to succeed in your career.

With these tips in mind, you should be able to choose the best CFA Course In India. With the right program, you can advance your career and achieve your goals. 

Learn Financial Analysis Course with Imarticus Learning!

Financial Analysts are in great demand, and this program will assist a student land their first job as one. These financial planning and analysis courses go through everything from valuing methods to modeling techniques, enabling students to master essential skills such as cooperation and gaining competence quickly.

Course Benefits for Learners:

  • This fascinating financial modeling certification focuses on “learning by doing” with case studies, seminars, and hands-on projects.

  •  Students will gain various valuable skills to help them find careers in the finance business.

  • With finance courses recognized by India’s prominent academic institutions, learners can impress employers and prove their talents.

10 pearls of wisdom from Financial Modeling training

If you’re looking for a career in finance, or if you want to learn more about financial modeling, then you need to check out financial modeling training! This course is with information and tips from experts in the field. This blog post will highlight ten pearls of wisdom that you will learn in the course. Enroll today and start learning!

An overview of financial modeling training:

Financial modeling is the procedure of creating a financial representation of a real-world entity, such as a company, project, or investment. Financial models are used to evaluate the feasibility of a proposed course of action and to forecast future financial performance. A well-built financial model will incorporate all relevant factors impacting the modeled entity and produce accurate and reliable results.

There are different types of financial models, but they all have one common goal: to provide visions that you can use to make informed decisions. The most popular financial models include valuation, capital budgeting, and financial forecasting.

Here are the ten pearls of wisdom from financial modeling training:

  • An essential part of financial modeling is understanding the business.
  • Financial modeling aims to provide insights that you can use to make informed decisions.
  • Financial models are created by incorporating all relevant factors impacting the modeled entity.
  • When building a financial model, always start with a clear and concise goal in mind.
  • Make sure your financial model is on sound assumptions and accurate data.
  • Always test your financial model before using it to make real-world decisions.
  • Keep your financial model simple and easy to understand.
  • Financial models are only as good as the people who create and use them.
  • Always continue learning and refining your financial modeling skills.
  • Have fun with financial modeling. It’s the best way to use your creativity and problem-solving skills.

We hope you enjoyed these pearls of wisdom from our financial modeling training course! If you’re ready to start learning, then enroll today. 

Discover the Financial Modeling Training Course with Imarticus Learning!

Financial Analysts are in high demand, and this program will help a student land their first job as one. These financial planning and analysis courses go over everything from valuing methods to modeling techniques, allowing students to master essential skills such as collaboration while also gaining competence fast.

This fascinating financial analyst course emphasizes ‘learning by doing’ through case studies, seminars, and hands-on projects. It simplifies corporate valuation processes, financial modeling approaches, and financial analyst abilities into comprehensive pieces of information.

Course Benefits for Learners:

  • Financial modeling courses are an excellent way to get real-world experience and abilities right after graduation.
  • Students will gain various valuable skills to help them find careers in the finance business.
  • With online finance courses recognized by India’s prominent academic institutions, students can impress employers and demonstrate their talents.

Contact us through chat support, or drive to our training centers in Mumbai, Thane, Pune, Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Gurgaon.