Treasury is at the heart of business

All businesses need treasury and corporate finance skills. Some raise funds to build huge infrastructures, such as mobile telephone networks, while others, such as pensions providers, have to understand complex financial market structures so that they can invest funds globally.

Without treasury and corporate finance, most of the world as we know it would not function. Treasurers forecast, negotiate and implement financings that are essential to all business development.

Organisations constantly place emphasis on treasury. In difficult times, liquidity and funding is critical. During successful periods, companies must be assured that they are getting the most from their money. Do you want to be involved in projects that will finance new mobile phone technology, or ensure that our pensions are safe? Can you imagine yourself negotiating with bankers and investors to fund new world-class products?

What do treasurers do?

The role is constantly changing and developing, but is always at the forefront of financial and strategic thinking. Treasurers are at the centre of any enterprise: managing financial risk, cash flows and liquidity, raising debt and investing surplus cash, and managing relationships with banks. New entrants are likely to find themselves investing cash, dealing with foreign exchange and developing strategic financial models. The ACT does not directly recruit graduates, but provides qualifications and advice to those interested in a treasury career.

“Treasury benefits from having a broad view of the company and touches on all areas and aspects of finance, so the skills you learn are always in use.”
Dominic Jaques, Finance Director, Krispy Kreme UK

Training and qualifications

The ACT’s professional training program is based on distance learning, supplemented by a dedicated e-learning website and structured face-to-face tuition and revision courses. The qualifications give candidates a thorough understanding of the way to manage the risks any business takes to raise finance and maintain profiles and cash flows. There are three levels of professional qualifications: Certificate papers, Diploma and Advanced Diploma. Certificate papers are specialised , practical qualifications focusing on a specific area and taking six months to complete. There are three Certificate papers: International Cash Management, Pensions Risk Management and Financial Risk Mathematics. The Diploma leads to Associate Membership (AMCT) and provides basic understanding of key treasury areas. It comprises seven papers split into four Foundation Papers and three Associate Papers. There is a degree of choice at the Associate Papers level, enabling the qualification to be tailored to specific needs. The Advanced Diploma leads to Membership (MCT) and provides the highest level of understanding in treasury, corporate finance and risk management. It incorporates innovative delivery mechanisms, a flexible study programme and continuous assessment through examination, a case study and an individual project.

“When I recruit into my department, I look for someone who has or is prepared to invest in an ACT treasury qualification.”
Andy Longden FCT, Group Treasurer, Shell International Ltd

The opportunities

A treasury education is an excellent preparation for hard-working, able individuals to reach the most senior positions in finance and industry. Graduates entering corporate treasury can expect a starting salary of at least £25,000 (other benefits often include good bonuses and share options).

Qualified treasurers with experience in business, banking or accountancy can expect to earn salaries in excess of £50,000. For further details on the ACT or a career in treasury, visit our website www.treasurers.org.