15+ Best Finacial Modeling Courses & Certifications in 2024
How do you build a strong financial model easily?
Well first, you’ll need a good understanding of how to use Excel and its advanced formulas to make your financial analysis, and consequently modeling, simple and efficient. But there’s more to building great financial models beyond that.
Often, creating a reliable financial model can seem like a lot of work, and it’s easy to get weighed down by the accounting details involved until it almost seems like an impossible task.
As a result, you’ll want to take the best financial modeling courses online, to uncover how to build strong financial models. By taking these tutorials, you’ll master advanced Excel functions to build models quickly from the ground up, and gain the expertise to choose funding strategies, and generally understand how to manage your business’s cash flow better.
In this article, we’ll discuss the best financial modeling courses & certifications online in 2022 for building powerful financial models.
Let’s get started!
Choose the 5 Best Free Financial Modeling Courses
We know that there is an ocean of financial modeling courses available online. However, searching for the right one can be overwhelming for you. You have to find out which one is best. The one which has topics relevant to your interest is beginner-friendly, adds value to your CV, and especially affordable.
We have all the answers for you. While seeking financial modeling free courses online, we also recommend you consider some important factors like brand value, niche specialization, and real-world skills. You would be surprised to know there are so many good courses available for you that you can access without blowing a budget.
Here is a list of the best online financial modeling courses for free with an in-depth analysis. So if you are looking to embark on the finance journey or switch careers, and are wondering how to learn financial modeling, have a look through this list.
Introduction to Financial Modeling for Beginners (Udemy)
Udemy is the name that the whole world of online education knows and appreciates. With 18K+ students, this course has achieved a rating of 4.4 and a lot of positive reviews which shows the satisfaction of students.
Out of all the free courses on financial modeling online, this is a great introductory program specially designed for beginners. Even if you have no background knowledge, the simple teaching technique will make your journey wonderful. You will dive into many excel features and practices and also learn about building three types of financial models.
Content:
It comes with 10 modules and 18 downloadable resources. It has short videos which keep you engaged and motivated for consistency. Another special feature is using the example of the lemonade stand model for teaching.
The courses includes:
- Financial modeling using Excel
- Building financial forecast model in Excel
- Core financial concepts
- Building financial decision-making model in Excel
- Lemonade stand model
- Building financial reporting model in Excel
Instructors:
You will learn from two experts in the finance field who have extensive experience in the industry. Simon has MBA from Stanford university whereas the second instructor Brandon Young has done Masters in Real Estate Finance & Development from the University of North Carolina.
- Time to finish: 6 hours
- Level: Beginner
- Certificate: yes
Pros:
- Certificate available
- Lifetime access
- Experienced instructors
Cons:
- No personalized interaction with the instructor
Summary
The Introduction to Financial Modeling for Beginners course at Udemy will teach you everything you need to know to begin you career in financial modeling.
Business and Financial Modeling Specialization (Coursera)
This specialization is provided by one of the prominent and well-recognized business schools. Being from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, its certificate carries a strong brand value. Apart from the excellent reputation, this free online financial modeling course also comes with comprehensive and well-designed course materials.
Learn how to create forecasted financial statements for your business, such as forecasted income statements, forecasted balance sheets, and forecasted cash flow statements.
Content:
The course comprises theoretical as well as practical knowledge by using many models, video exercises, demonstrations, real-life examples, and a final project. It also includes feedback from peers in the assignment.
With five courses in the package, it teaches you the working of spreadsheets, how to make quantitative models, investment analysis, valuation, performance prediction as well as many more concepts to prepare you for a successful career.
The course structure is suitable even for beginners with no background knowledge. However, a hang of high school calculus is recommended.
There are a total of five courses in this specialization package and most of them have 4.5+ ratings.
- Fundamentals aspects
- Spreadsheets and models for data analysis
- Modeling risk and realities for data-informed decisions
- Decision making and scenarios to find the best solution for business
- Capstone
Instructors:
Since this course is from Wharton you will get to learn from top faculties. They are from different departments including accounting, statistics, and finance, and they are famous for their published books.
- Time to finish: Approx 6 months
- Level: Beginner and intermediate
- Certificate: Yes
Pros:
- Complete online and self-paced
- Beginner-friendly
- Reputed and shareable certificate
- Quizzes with feedback
Cons:
- Not personalized
- Starting dates are fixed
- Lengthy course
Summary
Overall, The Wharton Schools’ Business and Financial Modeling Specialization course is a great free online course. It is very comprehensive and definitely worth the long course time. Achieving this online financial modeling certificate will stand you out from the crowd.
Financial Modeling Foundations (LinkedIn)
As the name suggests, it is a foundational course that will smoothly sail you from basic to advance topics. The great amount of 93K saved reflects it as a reliable course for anyone who wants to get into financial modeling course. You will learn financial modeling using Excel, DCF models, buyout models, and many more things to advance your career in finance.
If you are looking to get ready with modeling in a short duration, then it is a perfect choice as it needs only around 3 hours to finish the course. You must be thinking how come this course is on the list of financial modeling courses? Well, you can avail the LinkedIn free trial and learn your favorite skills.
Content:
It is designed to present theory as well as applicable skills. You can also ask questions in the Q&A section to experts and peers which is indeed a valuable feature. The content will review financial models, forecasts, and scenario analysis.
It has 8 modules with a great deal of exercises and quizzes.
- Basics
- Corporate financial modeling
- Evaluating the model
- DCF model
- Banking model
- Buyout model
- Industries finance model
- Building and maintaining
Instructor:
You will be trained by a professor of Fairfield University, Michael McDonald. He has comprised his wide experience of investment banking, hedge funds, consulting and has been known for his works in wall street journal, CFA institute, and many others.
- Time Duration: Approximately 3 hours
- Level: Beginner and intermediate
- Certificate: Yes (for more than 70% scorers)
Pros:
- Self-paced
- NASBA accreditation and CPE Credits
- Only 3 hour course
- Trustworthy host LinkedIn
- Downloadable resources
Cons:
- Not personalized
Summary
LinkedIn Financial Modeling Foundations is an excellent short course to learn the foundations of financial modeling. Getting a trustworthy LinkedIn certificate could be the key to jump-start your career.
Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (FVMA) by CFI
CFI is one of the most trustworthy and renowned institutes for finance courses. And, FVMA is one of its best certifications which can add shine to your resume. It has an alumni network from Top names such as Amazon, Morgan Stanley, Deloitte, and HSBC. In addition to this, the site also claims the average CFI graduate salary to be $121000.
This program is aimed at removing the skill gap between formal education and the real work environment. You will learn accounting principles and standards, budgeting, financial modeling, data visualization, and many more concepts that strengthen your skills for an amazing career. CFI also offers various free courses.
Content:
You will study through videos, quizzes, and exercises designed for practical practice. It consists of a set of 28 courses with some optional as well as compulsory ones.
Apart from this, it also covers electives like advanced excel formulas, Excel VBA, solar financial modeling, etc. The customization feature offers you an option to choose an elective relevant to the role you are focusing on.
Instructors:
Teachers have been training in this field for 20 years in the top banks and financial modeling institutes. They know how to keep the classes informative as well as engaging.
- Time to finish: 100-150hrs
- Level: Intermediate
- Certificate: Yes
Pros:
- 2-year access
- Certificate (If you score at least 80% and pass a final exam)
- Tons of models and templates (120+)
- Experienced teachers
- Full online; Study at your own pace
Cons:
- Personalized support only for the premium pack
Summary
Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst (FVMA) is another excellent comprehensive online financial modeling course. Achieving the certificate from CFI is one of the best ways to show potential employers that you mean business.
How to Build a Financial Model in Excel – Full Tutorial for Beginners (YouTube)
If you are looking to get a hang of financial modeling in Excel and something like a quick rundown, then this is an ideal course for you. This one is the shortest among all the financial modeling courses online. Hence, it is suitable and fast guidance for beginners.
It is hosted by the YouTube channel The Wall Street School which has around 46.9K subscribers and is known for training in the finance domain mainly investment banking, CFA, and stock. Apart from this, the video itself has about 7K likes which proves how helpful it is.
Content:
In the video, the screen-record style lets you watch the step-by-step method in excel. It will help you to have a perfect grip on the skill and will leave less room for any doubts. It also provides a document for the V2 restaurant case study.
- Time to finish: 2.5 hours
- Level: Beginner
- Certificate: No
Pros:
- Self-paced
- Short course
- Replay anytime
Cons:
- No certificate
- Not structured
Other Notable Financial Modeling Courses Online
Summary
This free financial modeling in excel course from The Wall Street School is relatively short but will give you a solid beginner foundation.
If you’d want a simple financial modeling course that also teaches you advanced Excel formulas on the side, there’s one, in particular, I’d recommend to you.
The 1. Excel Financial Modeling: Models and Valuation Course on Udemy by 365 Careers is among the best financial modeling courses & certifications online. It covers visualizations, pivot tables, and other advanced Excel functions that will help you pick up expert financial modeling skills.
For a more comprehensive program, I suggest the 2. Business and Financial Modeling Specialization on Coursera by the University of Pennsylvania. It’ll teach you how to design quantitative models, as well as important statistical concepts like regression analysis, making it one of the best financial modeling courses online for math refreshers.
SAS Studio can also be a powerful tool for financial modeling with the right guidance. Check out my review of the best SAS courses online if you’d like to master SAS for important business analytics.
FAQs
1. How much time will I need to complete the financial modeling course?
It varies from a short course of 3 hours to a full structured course of 50 hours. So you can choose according to your comfort. In online courses, you can learn at your pace and hence it also depends on your learning speed.
2. How can I get certified in financial modeling?
To receive a certificate for it, you should first learn the skill and craft properly. Numerous financial modeling institutions give you training as well as a certificate. We have listed above some of the best financial modeling courses.
3. Is online training enough to learn financial modeling?
The online courses use a comprehensive curriculum, expert teachers, and plenty of materials. It equips you with all skills using the study materials, videos, and practice exercises. The self-paced feature gives you the privilege to attend classes from anywhere and anytime.
4. Can a beginner attend these courses?
Yes. Anyone can take up these courses be it someone who is still in university and want to learn an additional skill or any professional who wants to advance their skill. They cover an extensive array of topics from basics to advanced levels.
5. Are the financial modeling courses online worth it?
Financial modeling is a high-in-demand skill in the job market. A popular and appealing skill in your pocket can open doors to endless opportunities for you. If you want to take up financial roles mainly in investment decisions, equity, corporate finance development, forecasting, accounting, and modeling, then this skill can enhance your resume.
Not only for a career, but a small business can also consider learning financial modeling. It can help them to analyze revenue and predictions.
