In today's podcast, we bring you a story of resilience, determination, and the power of the right guidance. Vishal, an outplaced candidate from our Investment Banking Program, shares his experience of how he went from facing unexpected challenges to landing a prestigious role as a Valuations Analyst. Vishal's journey highlights the importance of building the right skills, learning from setbacks, and taking decisive steps toward success.

Through this podcast, Vishal will give us an inside look at his path, what he learned along the way, and his advice for others who want to break into the finance industry. This story is an inspiration for anyone who has faced hurdles in their career journey and is seeking the right guidance and mentorship.

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Podcaster:
Good afternoon everyone. We are back with another lovely podcast and another lovely placement. We have with us Mr. Vishal. How are you Vishal?

Vishal:
Fine sir. How about you?

Podcaster:
I’m fine as well. So Vishal, for our audience, please introduce yourself.

Vishal:
Uh, my name is actually Sanaganadan, but Vishal is my nickname, which my parents and friends used to call me. I joined Jobaaj because I was really interested in finance, particularly corporate finance and investment banking. In 2023, I got placed at State Street HCM through my college placement. However, due to a joint venture collapsing because of the economic downturn, about 800 candidates, including myself, were let go. The company didn’t even send us an official letter. That was a tough time, but it sparked my interest in the finance domain. During this time, I started my ACCA journey and after a year, I came to know about Jobaaj. I joined in June, completed the investment banking course, and undertook the internship. It was insightful and highly recommended, as it really helped enhance my knowledge, particularly in Excel and valuations, which proved invaluable during my interviews.

Podcaster:
So, you mentioned that you've done ACCA. So, are you a BCOM or a BBA graduate?

Vishal:
I'm a BCOM graduate, along with ACCA.

Podcaster:
Great! How many ACCA papers have you completed so far?

Vishal:
I've cleared 11 papers, one result is awaited for July 14th, and there's one more paper left to complete.

Podcaster:
That's impressive. A lot of students don’t understand what ACCA is and how it relates to finance. Can you explain ACCA and its relevance in the finance domain?

Vishal:
ACCA is primarily based on UK-oriented IFRS, accounting, reporting, taxation, and audit. It is globally recognized in over 180 countries, but it’s especially popular in regions like the UK, Dubai, Gulf countries, Singapore, and Malaysia. While it’s not directly related to corporate finance, ACCA does have two papers that focus on financial management – FM at the skill level and AFM at the advanced level. Though not entirely related to corporate finance, ACCA helps improve skills that can help you land jobs in the reporting and audit areas, and with additional training, you can transition into finance roles like I did.

Podcaster:
So, it’s a bit like the UK version of the Indian CA, right?

Vishal:
Yes, exactly.

Podcaster:
That clears it up for our audience. Now, let’s talk about your experience at State Street HCM. How did you end up at Jobaaj after being let go?

Vishal:
I discovered Jobaaj through Instagram and their YouTube channel. I was impressed by their placement podcasts, so I reached out directly, attended their orientation, and got feedback from others who had worked with Jobaaj. The positive reviews helped me make the decision to join.

Podcaster:
It’s great to see that the trust in our platform is helping our students make informed decisions. Now, tell us about the placement process at Jobaaj.

Vishal:
The placement process was overseen by Vishaka Ma’am, the placement coordinator. She was extremely professional and guided me through every step, from the beginning to the moment I received my offer letter. She gave me valuable advice on how to professionally approach HR through cold emails, something I wasn’t initially familiar with.

Podcaster:
This is something that we’re not taught in schools or colleges – how to approach HR, how to send the right cold emails, or even how to apply properly. These practical skills are crucial for success in any job hunt. Now that you’ve been placed, you’re working as a Valuations Analyst at Knowcraft Analytics, right?

Vishal:
Yes, sir. I’m based in Noida.

Podcaster:
Can you tell our audience more about Knowcraft and your role there?

Vishal:
Knowcraft provides advisory services in accounting, taxation, valuation, and M&A. They also have a small investment bank focused on serving US and Canada-based clients. It’s a well-reputed firm in the North and a great place to start as a fresher in the valuation domain. It offers good growth potential in the long term.

Podcaster:
Absolutely. Many people dream of working in large firms like Goldman Sachs or JP Morgan, but often, starting at a smaller firm like Knowcraft allows you to gain invaluable hands-on experience that can help you move to bigger companies later. Now, tell us about the interview process at Knowcraft.

Vishal:
The interview process included an HR round followed by two technical rounds with their VP.

Podcaster:
That’s great. So, from a BCOM background to ACCA, then a layoff, and finally landing a role as a Valuations Analyst – how does that feel? I bet your family must be really proud.

Vishal:
Yes, sir. My family supported me through the tough times. During my ACCA journey, many people questioned my decision, asking why I wasn’t pursuing an MBA or MCOM. But my family always believed in me. They knew I was working hard and that it would pay off, and now I’m here. I’m happy to be starting my career at Knowcraft as a Valuations Analyst.

Podcaster:
It’s great to hear that your hard work and perseverance have paid off. Now, for our audience – many of them are BCOM, BBAs, MBAs, and MCOMs who are stuck in admin or accounting roles and want to break into finance. What advice would you give them?

Vishal:
For those looking to get into valuation roles, they need to be clear on the basics of valuation methods, such as DCF and comparables. It’s crucial to understand concepts like the cost of capital and cost of equity. Additionally, qualitative factors, such as how to select comparables for a company, are vital to grasp. In my interview, I was asked these questions, and having clear answers made all the difference.

Podcaster:
That’s great advice. And what’s your final message to the students?

Vishal:
The most important thing is to have a clear goal. Without a goal, you can’t achieve anything in life. Set a clear path and focus on building a strong foundation. Only then can you construct the rest of your career.

Podcaster:
How important are practical skills in the finance industry?

Vishal:
Practical skills are crucial. In addition to core skills like accounting and valuation, employers expect strong Excel skills and soft skills. Communication, problem-solving, and the ability to demonstrate those skills during interviews are vital. It’s all about showing that you can solve problems and handle real-life situations.

Podcaster:
Exactly. A strong work portfolio will showcase your skills to HR and prove your capabilities. Vishal, you’ve done an amazing job, and we at Jobaaj are incredibly proud of your achievements. You’ve set an example for many others. We wish you all the best in your career. Who knows – maybe one day you’ll end up in a big bank or even start your own advisory firm!

Vishal:
I hope so, sir. Thank you.

Podcaster:
Thank you so much for joining us, Vishal. Your story is an inspiration to many. We wish you the very best in all your future endeavors.

Vishal:
And also, thank you for your internship mentoring. It was invaluable. Your patience in helping me correct my mistakes was an essential part of my learning. I truly appreciate it.

Podcaster:
I’m glad to hear that. Sometimes, the toughest learning moments make the most significant impact. Keep pushing forward, Vishal. The best is yet to come.

..............

Don’t miss the full conversation—watch the podcast now and get inspired by Vishal's journey!

 

General interview questions answered by Vishal during his selection process

Why did you choose to pursue ACCA after completing your BCOM, and how has it helped you in your career?

Sample Answer: I chose to pursue ACCA to gain a deeper understanding of international accounting standards and financial reporting. ACCA's focus on IFRS and financial management provided me with a broad global perspective, which has been valuable in my career. Although not directly related to corporate finance, ACCA has enhanced my analytical skills, which were crucial for my placement and success in financial roles.

Can you explain your role during your internship at Jobaaj and how it prepared you for your current role at Knowcraft Analytics?

Sample Answer: During my internship at Jobaaj, I worked on financial models, research reports, and valuation analyses. The exposure to real-world projects and financial data enhanced my understanding of financial statements and valuation techniques, particularly DCF and comparables. This practical experience gave me the confidence to apply my knowledge in my current role as a Valuations Analyst at Knowcraft Analytics.

What is your understanding of valuation methods like DCF and comparables, and how would you apply them to a real-world company?

Sample Answer: Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) is used to estimate the value of an investment based on its expected future cash flows. Comparables involve looking at the market value of similar companies to determine a company’s worth. In real-world applications, I would analyze a company's financials, project future cash flows, and select comparable companies to derive a value. Understanding the assumptions and risks involved in both methods is crucial for accurate valuations.

How do you approach financial modeling, and which Excel functions do you find most useful in the process?

Sample Answer: When building a financial model, I start with a clear structure, including historical data, assumptions, and key drivers of the business. I use functions like SUMIF, INDEX-MATCH, and VLOOKUP for data analysis, along with advanced techniques such as pivot tables and scenario analysis. Excel’s data validation, conditional formatting, and charting features help to present the data clearly and effectively.

How do you handle situations where there are discrepancies or errors in your financial models or analyses?

Sample Answer: When I identify discrepancies in my models or analyses, I first double-check my data sources and assumptions. I break down the model into smaller components to identify where the issue might be, and I cross-check formulas and calculations. If the error persists, I ask for feedback from my team or mentor. I believe addressing errors quickly and learning from them is essential for improving the accuracy of financial analyses.

What do you think are the most important skills for someone in a valuation analyst role?

Sample Answer: In a valuation analyst role, technical skills like financial modeling, understanding of accounting principles, and proficiency in Excel are essential. Alongside technical skills, attention to detail, analytical thinking, and the ability to interpret financial data are crucial. Strong communication skills are also necessary to present findings to clients or senior management in a clear and concise manner.