VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE
James Barrett, Treasury Analyst at Collinson Group tells us about the diversity of finance tasks a role in treasury entails and how it opens doors to exciting new opportunities.
What does your current role entail?
As a Treasury Analyst, a big part of my job is cash management.
The most fundamental part of this, is ensuring various different entities in the group have the cash they need at the right time and in the right currency. Our organisation operates as an in-house bank so all funding, FX, investing and borrowing requests come through the treasury department where I manage a wide variety of products and requests.
How did you end up in a career in treasury/finance?
Initially I started a career in investment banking before moving into the asset management world before finally settling on treasury.
I have settled/chosen the treasury field as I enjoy the variety of work it offers and the different industries and cultures you can work in.
Why did you take this ACT qualification? What was your main objective?
I was first introduced to the ACT qualification while working at Anglo American and many of my colleagues had spoken about the course.
I felt it was good qualification to have as a lot of people in the banking field also trained on the course.
When the offer came to take the course at Collinson Group, I jumped at the chance as I knew that having qualification would be hugely beneficial for my career progression.
Which specific areas of your job role will this qualification support?
The qualification has supported many aspects of my job role and it has enabled me to continue to develop professionally. As well as supporting my day to day tasks, it has been hugely beneficial to a global banking project I am currently working on.
The aim of this project is to cut the number of banks used internationally. From doing this, the aim is to give better visibility of funds, but also allow us to make better use of idle funds via pooling and concentration of cash where countries allow.
How was your experience studying through ACT Learning?
The format was great and very user friendly. The platform was easy to navigate and the study materials were easily accessible.
I enjoyed the pop quiz’s at the end of every unit and felt they were very useful. I can’t speak highly enough of the tutor on the course. She helped me with all my queries and was very patient and helpful.
Are there particular areas of treasury/finance that this qualification helped you understand even better?
This qualification has provided me with a greater insight in terms of the relationship between the banking and corporate worlds.
It has given me a deeper level of understanding to how the bank views the relationship with the corporate and where the bank look to benefit from this relationship and vice versa.
What are the benefits of having professional qualifications to add to your CV/résumé?
Having a professional qualification on your CV shows you are a specialist in your field and puts you ahead of the pack.
I feel the Certificate in International Cash Management (CertICM) is held in high regard as it is a difficult qualification to pass and in addition, requires a lot of hard work and dedication. I feel that having this qualification shows an employer that you are conscientious candidate and competent in the field of treasury.
What happens next in your career and how has this qualification helped?
I feel a lot more confident in taking on more difficult tasks and projects due to the knowledge gained from this qualification. I now feel lot more confident to push and suggest ideas to my team with regards to cash management and how to best invest idle funds and borrow most effectively.
Going forward, I hope to continue to progress along my career and to be given the responsibility to undertake bigger projects and tasks within my organisation.
How has your ACT membership been of benefit to you?
I enjoy the magazines and seeing the most up to date news on treasury. The articles are interesting and informative with regards to sharing various organisations projects as well as the challenges and solutions they faced.
I have also recently started speaking to a mentor on the mentoring programme who I hope can provide some advice and guidance on my next step in treasury.