Training course
Corporate Finance Modelling & Valuation
Practical, deal-focused training delivered by experienced Australian industry professionals to strengthen financial modelling, valuation, and analytical capability for graduates and junior finance professionals in corporate finance, investment banking, and advisory teams.
Subject Learning outcomes
Explore the Investment Banking Landscape
Develop a clear understanding of corporate finance functions, key advisory divisions, and how analysts contribute within deal teams.
Master Financial Statement Analysis
Interpret financial statements to assess performance, identify key value drivers, and support transaction decision-making.
Build Financial Models and Master Excel
Develop integrated three-statement financial models using structured frameworks, advanced Excel techniques, and industry best-practice modelling standards.
Learn Valuation Techniques
Apply core valuation methodologies including discounted cash flow (DCF), trading multiples, and precedent transaction analysis.
Develop Client-Ready Outputs
Translate detailed analysis into clear, structured outputs suitable for internal stakeholders and client-facing materials.
Build Corporate Finance Presentation Skills
Understand how analytical outputs are structured into professional presentations, including valuation summaries and investment rationale.
Topic learning outcomes
Module 1
Understanding the Investment Banking Landscape
This module introduces the structure of corporate finance and investment banking environments, focusing on how analysts operate within deal teams and advisory workflows.
It provides an overview of how transactions progress and how financial analysis supports corporate and investment decision-making.
- Learn how corporate finance and investment banking teams are structured
- Understand the role analysts play within deal execution environments
- Explore key advisory functions across transactions and client work
- Develop an understanding of how analysis informs real-world decision-making
On successful completion of this topic, students should be able to:
- Understand the role of analysts in corporate finance and transaction teams
- Identify key divisions and advisory functions within the industry
- Explain how financial analysis supports real corporate decision-making processes
Module 2
Analysing Financial Statements
This module builds the foundation for all corporate finance analysis: the ability to interpret financial statements and understand what drives business performance. It focuses on connecting the Profit & Loss statement, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow Statement, and extracting meaningful insights that inform valuation and transaction work.
- Understand how to read and interpret financial statements in a corporate finance context
- Learn how the three financial statements interact and connect
- Identify key drivers of financial performance and business value
- Analyse corporate disclosures and extract relevant financial information
On successful completion of this topic, students should be able to:
- Identify and extract high-value financial information for analysis
- Interpret corporate disclosures and financial statements
- Understand the relationship between the three core financial statements which is critical to modelling and forecasting
- Apply financial statement analysis in modelling and forecasting contexts
Module 3
Integrated Financial Modelling
This module develops practical financial modelling skills used in corporate finance and transaction advisory roles. It teaches how to build a fully integrated three-statement financial model that links operational drivers to financial outcomes, supporting forecasting, scenario analysis, and deal evaluation.
- Learn the structure and logic of integrated three-statement models
- Understand how operational assumptions flow through financial outputs
- Apply structured modelling frameworks through hands-on financial modelling exercises
- Develop forecasting and scenario analysis techniques
On successful completion of this topic, students should be able to:
- Be able to create an integrated 3-Statement Financial Model
- Understand how to create own set of forecasts
- Understand the Big Picture benefits of a 3-Statement Financial Model for advising clients
Module 4
Valuation Methodology
Valuation is at the heart of every Investment Banking transaction. This module develops practical understanding of when and how to apply key valuation approaches including comparable company, precedent transaction, and discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis. Participants will strengthen their understanding of market dynamics, refine commercial judgement, and develop the confidence to interpret and communicate valuation outcomes clearly and effectively.
- Learn the purpose and application of different valuation methodologies
- Learn key valuation methodologies and when to apply them
- Explore comparable trading multiples, transaction multiples, and Discounted Cash Flow (DCF)
- Develop an understanding of valuation drivers and assumptions
On successful completion of this topic, students should be able to:
- Apply core valuation methodologies appropriately in different transaction contexts
- Understand the difference between intrinsic and market-based valuation approaches
- Calculate and interpret valuation metrics used in listed companies
- Communicate valuation outputs clearly within a deal environment
Module 5
Bringing it All Together
This capstone module focuses on transforming financial analysis into structured, client-ready outputs used in corporate finance and advisory work. It brings together modelling, valuation, and financial analysis into clear, commercially relevant insights that support decision-making in transaction environments.
- Learn how to integrate modelling, valuation, and financial analysis outputs
- Understand how to structure insights for professional deal environments
- Highlight the importance of customised solutions for clients
On successful completion of this topic, students should be able to:
- Structure financial analysis into clear, professional outputs
- Present valuation and strategic insights in a concise format
- Communicate key findings in a way that supports internal and client discussions
- Translate technical analysis into commercially relevant recommendations
Running module 6
Advanced Excel
Excel proficiency underpins all financial modelling and analysis across the program. This running module builds speed, accuracy, and technical discipline through ongoing application of shortcuts, formatting standards, and formula best practice.
Using guided exercises and a downloadable cheat sheet, it develops the ability to build clean, reliable financial models efficiently, with a strong focus on accuracy and consistency under time pressure.
Note: This module requires a desktop keyboard with function keys and Microsoft Excel for Windows.
- Master essential Excel keyboard shortcuts to improve speed and efficiency across modelling and analytical tasks
- Apply consistent formatting standards to ensure clarity and professional presentation of financial models
- Use formula best practices to improve accuracy, structure, and auditability of models
- Build techniques to minimise errors and improve reliability in increasingly complex Excel-based work
On successful completion of this topic, students should be able to:
- Work efficiently in Excel using advanced shortcuts to improve modelling speed under time pressure
- Implement effective formatting techniques to improve the clarity and presentation of financial models and reports
- Adopt best practices for formula creation and error-checking, ensuring accuracy and reliability in financial analysis
- Comprehend techniques for minimising errors in complex Excel models, enhancing overall accuracy
Course instructor - Corporate Finance Modelling & Valuation
Phillip Christopher
Phillip Christopher is a finance professional known for his strong educational background and extensive experience in the industry. He earned his Bachelor of Commerce & Economics from the University of Western Australia (UWA) with a GPA of 3.95, having excelled in 32 units, including 29 high distinctions and 3 distinctions. His strong interest in economics led him to teach at the UWA Business School, where he shared his knowledge with students and realised his passion for educating aspiring finance professionals.
In 2011, Phillip began his career as an Analyst at Goldman Sachs, where he gained valuable experience working across domestic and cross border M&A/capital markets advisory for Australian natural resources and infrastructure companies. In 2014, he transitioned into the field of Private Equity with Alceon, where he specialised in mid-market investments across various sectors.
Currently, as an Investment Director with ASX listed investment group Hancock & Gore, Phillip is known for his astute investment strategies and deep understanding of the financial landscape. Phillip is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Directors (GAICD) and is currently on the board of directors for multiple ASX listed and private companies. In 2022, Phillip co-founded xceeda, a platform dedicated to nurturing and connecting the next generation of finance talent.