Education
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Do I Become a Business Valuation Expert?

D. Nelson
D. Nelson

Business valuation is also known as business appraisal. This the act of determining how much a business is worth and includes estimates on equipment, shares, reputation, business models, clients, and inventory. A business valuation expert is a professional who specializes in determining the values of businesses and producing documents that explain which criteria were used in the process, especially for more abstract aspects of a business, such as reputation. To become a business valuation expert, it can first be helpful to earn the proper degree. It is then advisable to prepare a cover letter and resume that you should send out to business appraisal firms.

Most business owners hire valuation experts when they are planning to sell their business or merge with a larger organization. An expert prepares a document that illustrates the worth of a client business. The quality of a valuation report helps to determine how easy it is to find a buyer and how much money a client can get for a business.

Larger businesses may choose to hire business valuation experts.
Larger businesses may choose to hire business valuation experts.

In most cases, it is a good idea to earn accountant certification to become a business valuation expert. Accountants are experts at gathering and analyzing financial data. They are also trained to understand laws and regulations and can help a business to be compliant. Individuals who become accountants normally have undergraduate degrees in accountancy that also prepare them for certification. Graduate accounting degrees are not necessary in most cases, though a master's degree can make you a more desirable job candidate.

A professional with a background in accounting may also be able to write detailed and complex business appraisals that might be more convincing to potential buyers of businesses. They may use language that is technical and difficult to understand. Professionals who read appraisals, however, are normally trained to understand this kind of language and may be more attracted to appraisals that are written by experts.

To become a business valuation expert, it can also be helpful to compose a cover letter and resume. A cover letter is a brief introduction to your skills and experience. Many employers form their initial impressions of job candidates by reading their cover letters.

Resumes are detailed lists of your professional and education experience. Each listing should include time periods in which you worked or studied at an institution, as well as a list of skills acquired from these experiences. Publications and awards can be listed at the bottom.

You may want to open your own practice if you want to become a business valuation expert and are interested in owning your own small business. Professionals normally must work for firms for several years before reaching this step. By working for a firm, you can gain valuable experience and also develop a reputation that can make it easier for you to attract clients.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Larger businesses may choose to hire business valuation experts.
      By: pressmaster
      Larger businesses may choose to hire business valuation experts.