Treasury Professional
Job Description:Treasury professionals manage the money and financial risk of a business
Job Category:What you will do:
Treasury professionals manage the money and financial risks of a business. This includes:
- making sure the business has enough capital (money) to manage its business obligations
- helping the business to develop its long-term financial strategy
- making decisions about how the business should spend money in order to achieve its goals
- identifying, assessing and managing any financial risks
- identifying any new financial opportunities that could benefit the business
You might specialise in one of these roles:
- treasury analyst
- treasury dealer
- treasury accountant
- risk manager
- company secretary
Skills:
You’ll need:
- knowledge of economics and accounting
- business management skills
- maths knowledge
- financial management skills
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- analytical thinking skills
- leadership skills
- the ability to use your initiative (drive)
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
Entry Requirements:
To become a Treasury Professional, you typically need to pursue a degree and professional qualifications in finance or related fields rather than specific subjects. However, certain subjects can lay a foundation for your future studies and career in finance. Treasury Professionals are responsible for managing an organisation’s finances, investments, and liquidity. Here are some useful subjects:
- Mathematics: Mathematics is crucial for a career in finance. You should have a strong foundation in mathematical concepts, as you’ll be dealing with complex financial calculations, risk assessment, and investment analysis.
- English: Good communication skills are essential in the finance industry. You’ll need to write reports, communicate financial information, and interact with colleagues and clients effectively.
- Business Studies or Economics: These subjects can provide you with valuable insights into economic principles, financial markets, and business operations.
- ICT (Information and Communication Technology): Proficiency in using financial software and spreadsheets is highly beneficial for financial analysis and reporting.
Post School
This area of work is open to graduates from most academic backgrounds, but business or finance-related degrees are most relevant. The following degree subjects might be useful:
- accountancy
- business studies
- economics
- finance
- mathematics
Entry with an Higher National Diploma or foundation degree alone is highly unlikely.
A Masters in a financial or management-related subject would give you an insight into areas such as treasury, and may give you an edge over other candidates.
Entry tends to be competitive due to the limited number of direct-entry graduate training roles.
Working Hours and Environment:
You might work for a small business, such as a start-up, or a large one. If you work for a small business, you’re likely to have a more general role and have additional responsibilities related to finance. If you work for a large business, you’re likely to be part of a team of treasury professionals across multiple regions and countries.
Work is generally Monday to Friday with standard office hours, though these are often subject to extension during busy periods for meeting project deadlines and attending meetings.
Part-time roles are extremely rare.
Career Path & Progression:
Career development is very much your own responsibility. Treasurers liaise with many departments in and outside of their own companies, so there is potential to branch out into other financial areas.
From more junior roles as a treasury assistant or analyst, treasury professionals may progress to more specialised roles, perhaps as treasury manager in:
- corporate finance
- liquidity management
- risk management
With sufficient experience and qualifications, you may be able to progress to the position of group treasurer and even very senior roles such as director of finance or chief financial officer (CFO).