Part of our Treasury Snapshot series: a collection of quickfire interviews with corporate treasurers.
In this Treasury Snapshot Marie-Astrid Dubois, Assistant Treasurer, Honeywell, gives TMI a hint as to what’s on her professional wish list for 2019, offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into her department – and reveals the motivational motto she uses to drive her team forwards.
What is on your top treasury ‘to do’ list right now and why?
Honeywell has just completed two large spin-offs and an acquisition, both of which diverted all our efforts in 2018. I now need to focus on managing the team for the future, making sure we think forward, anticipate requirements, invest in new technology to continue driving business performance. No doubt Honeywell will also continue conducting M&A in 2019 and beyond.
How do you see the role of your treasury evolving in the future? – and what does this mean for your personal role?
We will continue to be a business partner, a trusted advisor with strong technical expertise. We should also be a catalyst for the use of new technology, for example data analytics in fraud prevention.
Is there one tool (apart from a crystal ball) that would make your job that bit easier?
Robotic process automation [software that can be easily programmed to carry out basic tasks usually completed by humans].
Looking at the new technology emerging in treasury, what do you think could have the biggest impact and why?
Leveraging technology, process re-engineering is a key driver at Honeywell Treasury, in EMEA, we have started small steps towards using robotics and artificial intelligence to streamline and automate processes. This increases our efficiency by harnessing better-quality and more consistent data. We intend to make some big strides in 2019. In my mind, RPA is not about implementing robots, it’s about removing the ‘robotic’ elements of the job that humans must repeat time and again, such as creating a recurring spreadsheet. That way, the Treasury team can focus on analytics and business partnering.
How do you like to spend your time when you’re not at work?
Golf, yoga and skiing to de-stress.
What is the best piece of career advice and/or life advice you have ever been given?
‘You cannot manage something you don’t measure,’ – it’s a motto I still frequently use with my team.
When you were a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
Help people and be happy!
