Trump’s tariffs. Global uncertainty. Strategic finance matters.
If you’re an accountant wondering how to future-proof your career, the answer may lie in treasury—especially now.
Treasurers are problem solvers and already stepping in to support their business in a macroeconomic landscape without parallel. Whether it’s managing liquidity or assessing the new risks, boards are looking to their treasurers to deal with the crisis.
If you’re someone who follows global events, thinks strategically, and wants to shape financial decisions, treasury could be your next career move.
Unlike accountancy, which looks back and reports on the past, treasury looks ahead, managing risk, protecting liquidity, and supporting business strategy.
Accountancy vs. Treasury: the key difference
While accountancy focuses on recording and reporting financial activity, treasury takes a forward-looking role. Accountants are there to protect assets and ensure everything is accurately tracked and reported. Treasurers manage financing, assess risk, and safeguard the organisation’s overall financial health.
Where accounting helps explain what’s happened, treasury helps plan what happens next — moving cash, raising funds, and guiding financial strategy.
Both are essential, but they serve different purposes. Treasury complements accountancy by influencing the business decisions that accounting then reports on.
Why are accountants stepping into treasury?
The two careers are closer than many people think and more connected than ever. In fact, around 50% of ACT members are also qualified accountants. Many choose treasury to:
- apply their financial skills more strategically
- work closely with boards, banks, and financial institutions
- differentiate themselves from peers and deepen their impact to their business.
Treasury also offers stronger earning potential
According to the 2025 Hays Salary Guide…
- Treasury Accountants typically earn £95,000, compared to £65,000 for Financial Accountants. A £30,000 difference.
- Treasury Managers can earn up to £130,000, well above the £80,000 typical for Finance Managers.
- At the most senior level, Group Treasurers earn up to £250,000, rivalling CFO salaries in many organisations.
If you're looking for a career with strategic influence and strong financial progression, treasury offers both.
Is treasury right for you?
If any of this sounds like you, treasury might be your next step:
✅ you’re experienced in finance and ready to expand your skills
✅ you’re naturally curious about how global events affect business decisions
✅ you want a career that’s more forward-looking, strategic, and in demand.
Fast-track your move into treasury
If you’re a qualified accountant, our Diploma in Treasury Management – Fast Track for Accountants gives you direct entry to advanced learning.
Gain in-demand treasury skills, from managing liquidity and funding to leading financial strategy, and qualify faster with exemptions for ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW or ICAS qualified accountant.
➡️ Fast-track today: https://learning.treasurers.org/qualifications/diploma-treasury-management-accountants
Read more related articles:
· What qualifications do I need to be a treasurer
· Is a career in treasury right for you?