Who are Quants? Quantitative analysts (also called “quants”) are professionals specializing in the design, development, and implementation of algorithms and mathematical or statistical models intended to solve complex financial problems. In their work, quantitative analysts apply a blend of techniques and knowledge from multiple disciplines including finance, economics, mathematics, statistics, and computer science. The quantitative…
What is an Accounting Clerk? An accounting clerk is a member of a company’s accounting department, responsible for assisting with both clerical and administrative tasks. In general, an accounting clerk takes care of basic office tasks that involve reporting, bookkeeping, research, as well as the resolution of discrepancies related to any of the tasks he…
What is the Financial Sponsors Group? The financial sponsors group (FSG) is a team within the investment banking division (IBD) of an investment bank that covers private equity (PE) firms and investment funds (referred to as “financial sponsors”). This group differs from industry-focused groups that work with operating companies in a specific sector, and instead,…
What are the Best Corporate Finance Jobs? This guide will outline the main types of corporate finance jobs at large operating companies. From a corporate finance perspective, the best jobs are those that are the closest to decisions related to the allocation of capital, investments, and long-term planning and value creating. Therefore, the best corporate finance…
What is a Commercial Insurance Broker? A commercial insurance broker is an individual tasked with acting as an intermediary between insurance providers and customers. Today, the field of insurance policies can be daunting, as it’s filled with sophisticated terminology and equally complex procedures. The existence of commercial insurance brokers goes a long way in preventing…
What is an Equity Research Report? An equity research report is a document prepared by an analyst that provides a recommendation on whether investors should buy, hold, or sell shares of a public company. Additionally, it provides an overview of the business, the industry it operates in, the management team, its financial performance, risks, and…
Financial Modeling Test This Financial Modeling Test is designed to help you assess your knowledge on Financial Modeling principles, important concepts, and industry best practices. We strongly encourage any students who are planning or are beginning their FMVA certification program to take this test to determine whether you will need to take the prerequisite Excel Modeling Fundamentals…
What is the Market Approach to Valuation? The market approach is a valuation method used to determine the appraisal value of a business, intangible asset, business ownership interest, or security by considering the market prices of comparable assets or businesses that have been sold recently or those that are still available. Price-related indicators like sales,…
What is Capitalization Rate (Cap Rate)? Capitalization rate (or Cap Rate for short) is commonly used in real estate and refers to the rate of return on a property based on the net operating income (NOI) that the property generates. In other words, the capitalization rate is a return metric that is used to determine…
Finance Test This Finance Test is designed to help you assess your knowledge of important finance concepts, terminology definitions, and frequently used calculations. We strongly encourage any students who are planning or are beginning their FMVA certification program to take this test to determine whether you will need to take the prerequisite finance courses including Reading…
