A career in treasury?

Treasury is the area responsible for the financial health of an organisation. Its primary aim has traditionally been to preserve existing cash funds and financial assets by:

• Ensuring liquidity to meet all current and future liabilities
• Ensuring that business activities are funded in the most appropriate and cost effective manner
• Identifying and mitigating against financial risks which could erode financial strength

Treasury opportunities exist either in financial institutions (which tend to have large treasury departments with many specialist staff in the corporate sector), or in the public sector.

The ultimate career goal for newly qualified accountants entering treasury is to become treasurer of the company.

What does the area involve and what roles can you do?

Cash is the life-blood of any business. A career in treasury is an opportunity to work at the heart of an organisation providing valuable support to all key functions of an enterprise.

The role of the treasury professional is extremely varied, incorporating a range of professional disciplines including money management, accounting, corporate finance, risk management, ALM (asset and liability management), debt capital markets and corporate governance.

At the newly qualified level, treasury opportunities can offer a chance to get to grips with hands-on financial activities at an earlier stage. For example, analysis on live data, capital market dealing and liaising with relationship banks. In addition, the treasury department is usually small (except in financial services institutions and very large Corporates), allowing new staff to work closely with a senior treasurer. This can provide a steep but challenging learning curve for the enthusiastic new joiner.

Career progression

The ultimate career goal for newly qualified accountants entering treasury is to become treasurer of the company. There is a strong possibility of a good treasurer being offered a CFO/ Financial Director role to broaden their responsibilities and skill set.

Looking for a new opportunity? Take a look at the latest accounting and finance jobs in Ireland here.