Virtual classroom - Advanced valuation techniques
Refine your valuation expertise to handle complex SME and private business cases with confidence and precision.

WHY TAKE THIS COURSE?
As valuation assignments become more sophisticated and the scrutiny on professional judgement increases, senior practitioners must be equipped to navigate complex valuation scenarios confidently. This advanced-level course goes beyond basic computation to focus on critical decision-making, assumptions, and interpretation. Through expert-led discussion, practical models, and high-level analysis, you’ll deepen your ability to apply and defend valuation approaches across a range of challenging contexts - from start-ups and distressed firms to complex capital structures.

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Select and justify appropriate valuation bases and approaches for different assignments.
• Assess the impact of leverage and capital structure assumptions.
• Address complex elements in cash flows, including tax and capital expenditure.
• Research and benchmark SME valuation inputs such as multiples, betas, and alphas.
• Identify, quantify, and justify common valuation discounts and premiums.
• Value SMEs across their life cycle — from start-ups and intangible-heavy firms to distressed businesses.
• Handle complex ownership structures including preference shares, options, and growth shares.

WHO IS THIS COURSE FOR?
Senior analysts, valuation specialists, corporate finance advisors, forensic accountants, mediators, and business leaders involved in SME or private company valuations.

WHY CHOOSE ICAEW?
• Trusted heritage: For over 145 years, ICAEW has trained and supported the world’s leading finance professionals, setting the global benchmark for quality.
• Expert-led learning: Our courses are designed and delivered by subject matter experts, combining professional insight with real-world experience.
• Connected and relevant: With close links to government, regulators, and industry, our training reflects the latest challenges and opportunities in business and finance.
• Practical and interactive: Live, small-group learning with peer exchange ensures every programme delivers immediate workplace impact – and counts as verifiable CPD.

CPD HOURS
ICAEW's revised Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Regulations bring in new CPD requirements. This includes a minimum number of hours and an ethics requirement. Attending this course could contribute up to 7hrs of verifiable CPD, providing you can demonstrate that the content is relevant to your role.

A copy of the course booking confirmation email is accepted as evidence of verifiable CPD. You will need to save the email as a JPEG or PDF before uploading it to your record. Click here to use ICAEW’s self-assessment tool to help you work out how much CPD you will need to fulfil each year.

Course Enquiries
Contact: Event information team

• Webchat
• Email
• Telephone

More from ICAEW Academy

• CPD Catalogue
• To discuss in-house training for your business please email academy@icaew.com or contact us through our enquiry form

ICAEW's terms and conditions for events

• Event terms and conditions and privacy notice

Legal Disclaimer
The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) does not endorse or recommend any third-party products, services, or companies mentioned during this event or in related materials. References to any such products, services, or companies are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by ICAEW.

The views and opinions expressed by third-party speakers are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views, positions, or policies of ICAEW. ICAEW does not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, completeness, or legality of the content presented by third-party speakers.

For further information or clarification, please contact ICAEW directly.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Delivered over two 3½-hour live virtual classroom sessions, this 7-hour course combines expert instruction, peer discussion, and detailed modelling, ensuring participants can immediately apply the learning to real-world valuation challenges.

Session 1 – Valuation Fundamentals in Practice
• SME valuation principles.
• Fair value, investment value, and equitable value.
• Leverage assumptions and implications.
• Selecting valuation approaches and models.
• Integrating cash flow assumptions and tax effects.
• Forecasting capital expenditure.
• Extracting and interpreting multiples and betas.

Session 2 – Advanced Issues and Complex Structures
• Discounts and premiums (control, functional, and marketability).
• Valuing early-stage, loss-making, and distressed firms.
• Applying private equity valuation approaches.
• Managing complex capital structures – preference shares, options, and growth shares.

Early Bird Pricing
15% discount automatically applied on bookings made up until 6 weeks before the course date

How are the courses delivered?

All Virtual Classrooms are run by live on Zoom. These are interactive and not recorded, interaction and delegate involvement is encouraged.

When will I receive joining instructions?

You will receive a email with joining instructions after enrolling. Materials and any other resources for the course will be sent to you shortly before the course start date.

Are there breaks?

Yes, no fixed timings - will depend on the length of the course.

How do I access the course slide deck?

Depending on the course you will either be sent in the lead up to the course or after.

What if I miss the live date?

The Virtual Classrooms are not recorded so we recommend you attend all sessions.

What if I am going to be 15 minutes late?

This is not a problem, the classroom starts at the start time, but you will be let in if you are delayed for any reason. Trainers do their best to accommodate catch-up, but this is not guaranteed. Where possible please let us know of any delays so we are aware when doing role call the beginning of the session.

Can I have my colleague with me in the live course?

Yes, if you purchase a second place. Each booking is valid for one person only.

Can I record the training?

No, virtual classrooms are not recorded.

Do the courses on this programme count as verifiable CPD?

Yes, these courses contribute verifiable CPD, so long as you can demonstrate that the content is relevant to your role. Additional information about CPD can be found here: Your guide to CPD.

How many people will be on the course?

Virtual Classrooms are designed to resemble a real classroom. Therefore, group sizes vary between 6 – 22 delegates per course.