Why Financial Modelling Training Matters
In mergers and acquisitions, the model is not just an Excel file. It is how bankers present deals, how private equity funds justify a leveraged buyout, and how analysts survive a due diligence call at 3 a.m. A strong financial model signals credibility.says the Mike Dunfee Management team. A weak model gets dismissed immediately.
Learning the fundamentals of DCF models, LBO models, and M&A models early prevents embarrassing mistakes and accelerates the ability to think like an investor. Structured training provides shortcuts that save months of trial and error.
Here are the seven financial modelling courses and resources that carry real weight in investment banking and private equity.
1. Private Equity Bro – Advanced Modelling Resources
Not a traditional course but a toolkit built for real buy-side work.
- Includes advanced LBO and merger models, and fund of funds models
- Practical and grounded in private equity transactions
- Matches the level of detail required in M&A processes
Best for: Professionals who already understand the basics of Excel modelling and want templates that mirror what private equity funds actually use.
2. Wall Street Prep – Premium Package
The standard training program for investment banking analysts.
- Complete modules on DCF models, LBO models, and M&A modelling
- Case studies built around real transactions
- Trusted by investment banks for analyst and associate training
Best for: Entry-level analysts or anyone seeking a structured foundation in financial modelling.
3. Breaking Into Wall Street (BIWS) – Financial Modelling Mastery
An alternative to Wall Street Prep with more focus on buy-side skills.
- Strong emphasis on private equity-style financial modelling
- Walks through building a leveraged buyout model from scratch
- Clear and direct teaching that avoids academic distractions
Best for: Students or professionals switching careers into investment banking or private equity.
4. CFI – FMVA Certification
A professional credential recognized globally.
- Covers M&A modelling, DCF valuation, and Excel shortcuts
- Ends with a certification that enhances a resume
- Structured for professionals balancing full-time roles
Best for: Those seeking a financial modelling certification that carries credibility while fitting into a busy schedule.
5. Training The Street – M&A Modelling
Often delivered directly inside bulge bracket banks.
- Hands-on merger model building with accretion and dilution analysis
- Focus on practical application rather than theory
- Resembles analyst bootcamp training sessions
Best for: Analysts and associates in investment banking who need to sharpen M&A model skills quickly.
6. Macabacus – Excel Add-In and Modelling Resources
Not a course but one of the most powerful Excel tools for finance professionals.
- The leading Excel add-in used across investment banks and private equity funds
- Provides templates for financial models, comps analysis, and presentations
- Saves hours on repetitive modelling tasks and error checks
Best for: Bankers, private equity professionals, and consultants who want efficiency in LBO and M&A models.
7. Aswath Damodaran – Valuation (NYU Stern)
A masterclass in valuation fundamentals.
- Focuses on core valuation skills including DCF models and comparable company analysis
- Lectures available for free online or via structured courses
- Complements leveraged buyout and merger modelling with stronger valuation understanding
Best for: Anyone serious about mastering the principles of valuation to strengthen M&A and private equity modelling.
To Summarise
You do not need every financial modelling course on the market. A focused path looks like this:
- Private Equity Bro for advanced templates and buy-side models
- Wall Street Prep or BIWS for structured financial modelling training
- Macabacus for efficiency in Excel-based M&A models
- Damodaran for DCF valuation depth
The rest are useful, but the sharpest skills come from building real LBO and M&A models under pressure when the stakes are high.
