Accounting and Financial Modelling Bootcamp

The Accounting & Financial Modeling Bootcamp is an online program for beginners, covering financial statements, Excel modeling, ratio analysis, and DCF valuation. Perfect for aspiring analysts, entrepreneurs, and career-switchers.

Michael McDonald
Finance | core | 15 hours |   Published: Oct 2025

Overview

STUDENTS*
RECOMMEND*

This course includes:

  • On-demand videos
  • Practice assessments
  • Multiple hands-on learning activities
  • Exposure to a real-world project
  • 100% self-paced learning opportunities
  • Certification of completion

The Accounting & Financial Modeling Bootcamp is a comprehensive online program designed to help beginners develop essential skills in accounting, financial analysis, Excel-based modeling, and corporate valuation. Whether you’re pursuing a career in finance, managing a business, or seeking to build a stronger understanding of financial data, this program will equip you with the practical tools and conceptual knowledge needed to confidently navigate the world of business finance. 

 

Structured as four integrated yet standalone courses, the program begins with the fundamentals of financial statements, building toward full-scale financial models and valuation applications. Each course is divided into modules and lessons, with each lesson containing short, digestible video segments. This structure makes it easy for learners to absorb complex topics gradually and build on their knowledge at each stage. 

 

The first course introduces the core principles of accounting. Learners explore double-entry bookkeeping, the accounting equation, accrual accounting, and the construction of income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements. Emphasis is placed on understanding how transactions affect financial statements and how the three core statements relate to one another. 

 

In the second course, the program transitions to financial analysis and ratio interpretation. Learners examine how to evaluate a company’s profitability, liquidity, efficiency, and capital structure using common financial ratios. Techniques such as DuPont analysis, trend analysis, and peer benchmarking are also introduced to help learners develop a well-rounded view of financial health and performance. 

 

The third course dives into the technical skills of financial modeling using Excel. Learners gain hands-on experience in building operating models with structured inputs, formulas, and outputs. Topics include revenue forecasting, cost modeling, capex planning, and working capital management. The course also guides learners through integrating the three financial statements, building dynamic models, and incorporating scenario and sensitivity analysis. 

 

The final course focuses on valuation and advanced modeling applications. This includes building discounted cash flow (DCF) models, calculating terminal value, determining the cost of capital, and applying Monte Carlo simulations and scenario planning techniques. The course also explores merger and acquisition (M&A) modeling, accretion/dilution analysis, and best practices for preparing executive-level financial dashboards and summaries. 

 

Throughout the program, learners will engage with real-world examples, interactive lab exercises, discussion prompts, and course-end projects that simulate actual business challenges. The course is delivered entirely online and designed for flexible self-paced learning. Each video lesson is 5–7 minutes long, making the content accessible even to learners with limited time. 

 

No prior experience in accounting or finance is required, although a basic understanding of Excel and a general interest in business concepts will be helpful. The program is ideal for aspiring analysts, career-switchers, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to gain a foundational and practical understanding of finance. 

 

By the end of the bootcamp, learners will be able to read and interpret financial statements, evaluate financial performance using key ratios, build integrated models in Excel, and perform valuation techniques such as DCF analysis and scenario planning. These are core skills that are in high demand in finance, corporate strategy, consulting, investment banking, and many other roles across industries. 

 

This program balances academic rigor with hands-on practicality. The curriculum is informed by best practices from industry and academia and is led by an experienced finance professor and consultant who has taught thousands of students and advised Fortune 500 companies. With its clear structure, real-world applications, and beginner-friendly delivery, the Accounting & Financial Modeling Bootcamp is an ideal starting point for building a career-ready skill set in finance. 

Skills You Will Gain

Learning Outcomes (At The End Of This Program, You Will Be Able To...)

  • Interpret and construct financial statements from basic accounting inputs. 
  • Apply ratio analysis to assess profitability, efficiency, and financial health. 
  • Build dynamic, assumption-driven models in Excel. 
  • Perform DCF valuation, scenario analysis, and M&A modeling techniques. 

Prerequisites

Basic familiarity with Excel and a strong interest in business or finance are the foundational prerequisites for this program. While prior experience in accounting or finance is not required, having a basic understanding of Excel will help participants engage with the course content more effectively and apply the financial concepts learned in practical scenarios.

Who Should Attend

This program is designed for aspiring financial analysts, business students, career-switchers entering accounting or finance, entrepreneurs, and startup founders managing finances. It is also suitable for professionals seeking a refresher in accounting and modeling basics.

Curriculum

Instructors

Michael McDonald

Michael McDonald

With over a decade of expertise in finance and economics, supported by a PhD in Finance and extensive teaching experience at Fairfield University, he is committed to delivering in-depth insights into financial accounting, analysis, and business valuation. His academic journey is distinguished by numerous publications on topics ranging from stock returns to bond market dynamics, reflecting a profound understanding of global financial markets. Renowned for his dynamic teaching style, he seamlessly blends theoretical concepts with real-world applications. He has taught a diverse range of courses, from foundational investments to advanced project analysis and factor-based investing, consistently crafting tailored coursework to enhance student learning outcomes. His professional background as a municipal bond trader and senior editor at Seeking Alpha brings practical insights and industry relevance to his instruction. This unique blend of academic rigor and real-world expertise equips students with critical analytical skills, empowering them to navigate today’s complex financial landscape with confidence. Passionate about knowledge dissemination, he excels in both traditional and e-learning environments, fostering an engaging and transformative learning experience. His courses are meticulously designed to make complex financial concepts accessible and actionable, bridging the gap between theory and practice. With a dedication to inspiring the next generation of finance professionals, he remains a trusted mentor and thought leader in the field.
*Where courses have been offered multiple times, the “# Students” includes all students who have enrolled. The “%Recommended” shown is also based on this data.