What you will learn

This online programme examines the various methodologies that financial professionals use to value firms and the circumstances that support their use. By completing this programme you will:

learn how to compute a firms value by applying the discounted cash flow (DCF) and multiples methods to inform your decision-making
understand how to apply a framework that appropriately weighs financial and economic factors that influence a firms valuation
gain aptitude in comparing different valuation approaches used formergers and acquisitions (M&A), leveraged buyouts, cross-border valuations, and private firms – assessing the potential for creating maximum value in each scenario.

About this programme

Corporate valuations may be sought for a variety of investment situations, such as obtaining an equity position in a firm, M&As, business restructurings, shareholder disputes, employee stock or share option plans, and leveraged buyouts.

With around 27,962 M&A deals totalling approximately $2.5 trillion completed in 2023, the landscape presents a complex array of growth opportunities. Additionally, private equity deal volume, though recalibrated to about $1.3 trillion in 2023, signifies a strategic shift in investment focus. In this nuanced environment, possessing the capability to perform accurate corporate valuations is more crucial than ever. It enables professionals to adeptly navigate and capitalise on the evolving market dynamics, ensuring strategic decision-making and value creation in a time of change.

Investors generally rely on two main corporate valuation methods: the multiples method and the discounted cash flow (DCF) method. This seven-week programme examines the various methodologies that finance professionals use to value firms and the circumstances that support their use.

It should be noted that the learning materials and access to the live sessions are not available on the ACCA Learning platform, but directly from Columbia Business School.

Key information

This programmeis hosted on the Columbia Business School learning platform and startson 16 March 2026.
You will be subject to Columbia Business School\’s privacy conditions once you purchase and register for the programme.
Seven week course, made up of six modules
Getting started module
Module 1: Framework for valuation
Module 2:DCF Analysis: Cash Flows, part 1
Module 3: DCF Analysis: Cash Flows, part 2
Module 4:DCF Analysis: The weighted average cost of capital
Module 5:Valuations of private firms and cross-border valuations
Module 6:M&A, leveraged buyoutsand distressed valuation
Learning materials include videos, knowledge checks, live sessions, weekly assignments and case studies.
During thelive sessions there will beopportunitiesfor you tohave your questions answered in real-time by an expert course leader.
Complete the programme and weekly assignments to gain your certificate, which is co-branded by ACCA and Columbia Business School.
This programme is designed for those who have familiarity with financial accounting principles and Excel; mid- to senior-level finance professionals who are involved in strategic planning, risk management, researchor corporate development;those whomakeinvestment decisions on their own behalf or in non-institutional settings.