In the fast-paced world of equity research and financial analytics, speed and precision are everything. For Siddhant Sharma, a CFA Level II cleared professional with solid experience extracting deep insights from SEC filings and building historical models for global energy giants, the technical foundation was already there. But like a high-performance engine waiting for a turbocharger, Siddhant wanted to expand beyond pure financial data extraction and step directly into high-impact corporate valuation and strategic deal-making.
To convert his analytical rigor into dynamic execution, Siddhant joined The WallStreet School (TWSS) for the Certificate in Financial Modeling & Valuation (CFMV) – a step that elevated his valuation edge and earned him a prime placement at IncWert!
Here is how Siddhant combined CFA level intellect with TWSS’s practical modeling machinery.
Q: Hi Siddhant, you already had a strong background – clearing CFA Level II in the top 80+ percentile and working as an Analyst at Daloopa. What made you pursue TWSS?
Siddhant: Having worked extensively on SEC filings (10-Ks, 10-Qs, 8-Ks) and maintaining over 20+ historical financial models under tight earnings-season deadlines, I was very comfortable with financial statement analysis and institutional platforms like Capital IQ, AlphaSense, and BamSEC.
However, equity research and data analytics often focus heavily on historical tracking and KPI extraction. I wanted to master forward-looking financial architecture – building fully integrated forecast models from scratch, understanding complex M&A mechanics, and executing relative and intrinsic valuations with boardroom-level confidence. TWSS was the perfect bridge to elevate my analytical skill set into core corporate valuation.
Q: How was your experience with the curriculum at The WallStreet School?
Siddhant: The transition was seamless because TWSS cuts straight to real-world corporate execution. What really stood out for me was:
- Integrated 3-Statement Modeling: Building fully dynamic forecasting models in Excel where every operational driver flows naturally through the Income Statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow.
- Advanced Valuation Frameworks: Moving beyond basic theory into Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) modeling, Comparable Company Analysis (CCA) and Precedent Transaction Analysis (PTA).
- M&A & Pitchbook Mechanics: Gaining practical exposure to transaction structuring, synergy analysis, and presenting financial insights through polished pitchbooks.
The trainers, being ex-McKinsey and PwC professionals – don’t just teach you what formulas to write, they teach you how an investment banker or valuation lead defends those numbers in front of clients.
Q: What was the learning curve like given your previous experience in equity research and data analytics?
Siddhant: Coming from an equity research background, I was already comfortable reading 10-Ks and analyzing historical trends. However, shifting from analyzing data to building dynamic forecast models requires a completely different mindset. TWSS made that shift smooth by breaking down complex financial structures into step-by-step logical frameworks. The instructors taught us how to handle unstructured data, clean messy financial inputs, and build stress-test scenarios in Excel.
Q: How did your past experience at Daloopa combine with your TWSS training to help you land the role at Incwert?
Siddhant: My time at Daloopa taught me process standardization, speed, and deep forensic analysis of financial footnotes. At Daloopa, I had even helped integrate institutional valuation frameworks that reduced turnaround times by 80%.
When you combine that level of speed and SEC filing mastery with TWSS’s dynamic modeling and valuation techniques, you become a double threat. At Incwert, being able to quickly interpret data and build sound, defensible valuation models is essential, and TWSS prepared me to deliver that value right from Day 1.
Q: How did the practical exposure at TWSS prepare you specifically for the technical interview rounds at top advisory firms?
Siddhant: Technical interviews for valuation roles aren’t about reciting textbook definitions, as panels want to see how you think on a live spreadsheet. During interviews, I was not just talking about valuation concepts in theory, I could explain the exact mechanics of linking cash flows, adjusting working capital and running sensitivity analyses. The hands-on drills at TWSS gave me the confidence to walk through my modeling logic line by line without hesitation.
Q: What advice would you give to other CFA candidates or finance analysts looking to accelerate their careers?
Siddhant: Clearing CFA exams gives you exceptional theoretical depth and global credibility, but financial modeling gives you immediate execution capability on live Excel sheets. Don’t rely on theory alone. Combine your academic credentials with hands-on, practical modeling drills at an institute like TWSS – it’s the fastest way to prove to top advisory firms like Incwert that you can hit the ground running!
