The journey from being a student to securing a high-impact role in corporate finance requires more than just academic knowledge; it requires a specialized skill set. Today, we celebrate the success of Shikha Soni, a high-achieving B.Com (Finance) graduate from Dyal Singh College, University of Delhi and a dedicated ACCA Skill Level candidate.
With an impressive academic record of 94.6% in her 12th grade and a strong foundation in accounting, Shikha recognized that to break into the competitive world of investment banking and equity research, she needed to master the art of Financial Modeling and Valuations.
Shikha enrolled in the Certification Program in Financial Modelling and Valuations at The Wall Street School, where she mastered advanced Excel, DCF (Discounted Cash Flow) analysis and trading comparables. Her dedication paid off when she successfully transitioned from a Trainee Accountant role to a professional finance placement by getting a role at Preferred Square as an Analyst.
Here’s the transcript of Shikha’s interview with us:
1. What is your educational background and what specific catalyst sparked your interest in a finance career?
I am a B.Com graduate from Delhi University and currently pursuing my ACCA. The real catalyst for me was my internship at a CA firm. Getting a hands-on look at how financial analysis and valuation techniques directly impact business decision-making was eye-opening. It motivated me to move beyond traditional accounting and pursue a specialized career in corporate finance.
2. Why do you think learning financial modeling is essential for students currently pursuing the ACCA Skill Level?
For ACCA students, the syllabus is rigorous, but financial modeling provides the practical ‘push’ needed to enter core finance roles. It transforms theoretical knowledge into job-ready skills. If you aim to break into investment banking or corporate advisory while pursuing ACCA, mastering Excel-based modeling is essential to stand out to recruiters.
3. What are the primary challenges of learning financial modeling you faced and what actions did you take to overcome them?
The biggest challenge was moving from theory to building a structured, error-free financial model from scratch. To overcome this, I focused on consistent practice. I learned to break complex models into smaller, manageable steps—focusing on clean assumptions and rigorous validation. Having access to expert faculty whenever I hit a roadblock was a game-changer for my learning curve.
4. How does financial modeling training bridge the gap between academic theory and practical finance roles?
Academic theory tells you what a concept is, but financial modeling training shows you how it works in the real world. By working with real company data, forecasting future performance, and navigating real-life decision-making scenarios, I was able to connect my studies to the actual requirements of a financial analyst role.
5. Can you provide a specific example of how financial modeling skills directly contributed to your success in a placement interview?
The training significantly boosted my confidence. During my placement interviews, I wasn’t just giving definitions; I was able to discuss valuation methodologies and 3-statement models clearly and calmly. This structured approach to answering technical questions definitely impressed the interviewers and was the key factor in my successful placement.
6. What is your top advice for ACCA students looking to master financial modeling to improve their employability?
My advice is simple: Learn by doing. Don’t get overwhelmed by trying to be perfect from day one. Instead, focus on understanding the logic behind every assumption you make in a model. The more you practice building models, the more clarity and speed you gain, which are the two things employers value most.
Unlock Your Finance Career
Shikha Soni’s success is a testament to what happens when academic excellence meets practical skill-building. By combining her ACCA journey with a specialized Financial Modeling course, she successfully bridged the gap between being a graduate and becoming a finance professional.
Are you ready to write your own success story? Whether you are a B.Com student, a CA aspirant, or pursuing ACCA, our Financial Modeling and Valuations program is designed to get you placement-ready for the world’s leading finance firms.
People Also Ask
Q1: Is financial modeling a good career move for ACCA students?
A: Absolutely. While ACCA provides a solid foundation in accounting and tax, a Financial Modeling course adds practical skills in valuation, forecasting, and data analysis. This combination is highly sought after by top-tier firms for roles in Investment Banking, Equity Research, and Corporate Finance.
Q2: Can I get a job in investment banking after completing a Financial Modeling and Valuations course?
A: Yes. Many students, like Shikha, use financial modeling as a bridge to enter core finance. The course equips you with the ability to build 3-statement models, DCF valuations, and Comparable Company Analysis (CCA), which are the primary skills tested during investment banking interview rounds.
Q3: How does financial modeling help B.Com graduates in their careers?
A: For B.Com graduates, financial modeling acts as a professional “finishing school.” It transforms theoretical knowledge of balance sheets and P&L statements into the ability to project future business performance, making you “job-ready” for roles as a Financial Analyst or Research Associate.
Q4: What are the core skills taught in The Wall Street School’s Financial Modeling program?
A: The program focuses on high-demand technical skills, including:
- Advanced Excel (shortcuts, formulas, and data cleaning)
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Step-by-step 3-Statement Modeling
- Valuation Techniques (DCF, Trading Comps, and Transaction Comps)
- Project Finance and Merger Models (M&A)
Q5: Does The Wall Street School offer placement assistance after the course?
A: Yes, the school has a dedicated placement cell that connects trained students with leading global banks, KPOs, and accounting firms. Success stories like Shikha’s highlight the effectiveness of the training in helping students crack competitive interviews.
Q6: Is coding or a heavy math background required for financial modeling?
A: No. Financial modeling primarily requires a strong understanding of basic accounting principles and logic. Most of the work is done in Microsoft Excel, and the course is designed to take students from basic to advanced levels regardless of their prior technical background.
