The Roadmap To Group Treasurer

Published: February 20, 2025

The career path towards becoming a group treasurer has changed almost beyond recognition over the past two decades. Whereas many of those featured in TMI’s My Life In Treasury will admit to having arrived at the peak of their careers via circuitous routes and through chance chats with the ‘right person at the right time’, younger members of the profession are faced with a completely different landscape.

Degrees, membership of their national Association of Corporate Treasurers and related diplomas and certificates coupled with fierce competition means that those pursuing that name plate today have to be ahead of the curve. Here, for those who are newer to the profession or contemplating it, Guy Middleton, Associate Director – Treasury (Harvey John), outlines the more common route to group treasurer and the skills that are expected.

In the finance world, few positions carry as much influence and responsibility as that of group treasurer. But many outside the profession have little idea as to what the job entails. In short, they’re entrusted with safeguarding an organisation’s financial wellbeing.

In practice, group treasurers oversee critical aspects of business operations, including cash management of cash, liquidity, risk, and debt financing. The responsibilities of the group treasurer have expanded to align with wider business objectives and are topics high on every C-suite agenda. As a result, group treasurers wield considerable influence, partnering with executive management to shape their organisations’ financial strategy and navigate complex commercial landscapes.

While a considerable number may stumble into treasury through other routes and without prior intention, reaching the zenith of the profession today requires deliberate planning and dedication, as these positions are both rare and highly sought after.

What’s in the in-tray?

Management of cash and debt, funding, and risk management are primary areas of focus for group treasury, and it’s expected that you have experience and can show competency in most, if not all, of these areas before applying for such a position. The career paths towards the role and its responsibilities can differ depending on company size and complexity. Larger corporations typically have structured treasury teams and specific job roles. Smaller organisations may lack a dedicated treasury function, resulting in broader group treasurer duties covering various areas of financial management.

Navigating the route to group treasurer

The journey towards the title of group treasurer demands foresight and strategic planning. Traditionally, treasury professionals often find their way into treasury through audit or other finance roles, and gradually progress through the ranks via different routes over several years.

There is no standardised career path or fast-track option.

Senior treasury professionals may have started in entry-level analyst positions, while others may come from management roles in different finance disciplines, leveraging their skill sets to transition into treasury.

Each stage of advancement brings increased responsibilities, from tactical, more transaction-focused tasks at junior levels to more strategic decision-making and leadership the higher you climb. Salaries for treasury roles vary based on experience, qualifications, company size and complexity. Entry-level positions, such as treasury analysts, may offer modest salaries, while group treasurers in multinational corporations earn lucrative compensation packages.

More specific information on salaries and benefits paid to treasury professionals is included in our recently published Treasury Salary Guide.

Larger corporations with complex treasury activities frequently require their treasury team members to work in more specific roles but offer more vertical mobility over time. Professional qualifications, such as Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT) certificates and diplomas, have become increasingly important for advancement, with further education including a master’s degree or Master of Business Administration (MBA) also providing professionals with a competitive edge.

Blending technical know-how with soft skills

As already highlighted, the treasurer’s role has many different facets. These involve activities such as implementing and improving operational processes, building trusted bank relationships, and long-term financing and strategic planning.

As treasurers progress their careers, they should strive to develop a blend of technical expertise and softer skills such as leadership and communication. Advancement often takes time due to the retention levels of more senior staff, and the breadth and depth of knowledge and experience required to operate at those higher levels. Continually striving to acquire and develop this experience is essential, and although this can sometimes be achieved within a single company, the mix of experience that can be gained from working within multiple environments is invaluable.

With an ever-increasing number of companies realising the value of effective treasury management for both financial stability and growth, treasury professionals have a range of diverse and rewarding career options. For those reasons, the path to becoming a group treasurer in a corporate firm requires dedication, commitment, and strategic direction.