The path to a career in business valuation (BV) is as diverse as the professionals who practice it. While many start with a foundation in accounting or finance, some business valuation professionals come from entirely different fields before finding their way into this rewarding career. The versatility and demand for business valuation expertise in various sectors have attracted professionals with diverse experiences and skill sets.
To inspire those considering a career in business valuation, we reached out to several members of our community to hear about how they broke into the field. Here are a few of their stories:
From Accounting to Business Valuation
Ms. Yen Dang, a partner at Aspen Valuations Inc., shared her journey from accounting to becoming a co-founder of a boutique valuation firm. Yen began her career in accounting and tax at two Big 4 firms before transitioning into a role at Kraft Foods in the finance department, where she managed aspects of Kraft’s pension plan. This position offered experience in financial reporting, managing pension investments, and preparing financial documents for audits.
However, after a year, Yen realized that her passion lay in the professional services sector rather than industry finance. She transitioned into a boutique valuation firm in her city, diving into the world of business valuation. Now, 18 years later, she is a partner at Aspen Valuations, a firm she founded in 2017. Her journey underscores the flexibility in transitioning from accounting or finance into the more specialized world of valuation.
From Engineering to Business Valuation
Mr. Smith (name changed for privacy) provides another unique perspective on how professionals from non-financial backgrounds can transition into the field. Initially trained as an engineer, Mr. Smith began his career in the engineering field but found himself intrigued by business transactions. He was eventually recruited by an M&A advisory firm to work on deals involving engineering companies, leveraging his technical knowledge.
After several years advising on M&A deals, Mr. Smith discovered that he was more passionate about the valuation side of the transactions. He transitioned fully into business valuation and is now a partner in the valuation practice at a Big 10 firm in Houston, TX. His story highlights how specialized knowledge from other industries can be a valuable asset when moving into business valuation.
Straight to Business Valuation: Internships and Investment Banking
Not all professionals take a winding path to business valuation. Several colleagues we spoke with started their valuation careers right out of university. After completing internships at Big 4 firms, they transitioned into full-time roles in business valuation. This route is common for those who have a clear vision of their career early on.
In addition, a number of business valuation professionals we know came into the field from investment banking. Their experience in analyzing businesses for mergers and acquisitions provided a strong foundation for transitioning into business valuation, where they could apply their financial and analytical expertise.
Share Your Story!
The world of business valuation welcomes professionals from a wide variety of backgrounds, from accounting to engineering and even investment banking. If you’re considering a career in business valuation, know that there’s no single path to success—your journey may be as unique as you are.
What about you? We’d love to hear how you got started in the business valuation field. Share your story in the comments below and connect with others in our community who have taken different paths to this rewarding profession.
