Case Study Profile: John Baptist Tumwine

John Baptist Tumwine, Business Development Manager, Fixed Income and Treasury, National Social Security Fund, Uganda

Why finance?

Investment has always fascinated me. As soon as I joined the treasury function in the Standard Chartered Bank, Uganda, I never looked back. It was this passion that drove me to take on my current role of developing the treasury function.

To make a success of this role, you need technical skills; making sense out of financial information and market data, and communication skills to put across clear and succinct recommendations. You also need soft skills in managing relationships in the organisation structure, as well as with external clients.

Describe your role

My current responsibility is to oversee the treasury unit in my organisation, as well as develop the fixed income portfolio. Within fixed income we look to structure transactions that fit the risk appetite of a pension fund within the public sector framework in which we operate. The treasurer develops the framework (policy, processes, procedures, and structure) and manages liquidity and market risk while proposing strategies to develop non-funded income within the public sector framework.

Why CertFin?

In April 2011 I took the Certificate in Financial Fundamentals for Business (CertFin). At this point, my career was still growing but I had had an exposure in the emerging market treasury function for 9 years in Standard Chartered Bank. I needed to hone my technical competences in order to launch myself into new terrain in the treasury management world.

I needed to improve so I could “swim in the ocean with the sharks” - take on bigger challenges, in bigger treasuries, in bigger markets. I also wanted to absorb information from the best in the world; seasoned professionals such as those involved in the ACT.

Benefits

CertFin gives a very sound background that anyone working in treasury needs. I found the economics and statistical analysis module very interesting considering that I always have to make decisions or recommendations based on appropriate analysis. I have also developed quicker ways of creating different investment scenarios, and improved on modelling skills.

Why ACT qualifications?

If you work in treasury, risk or finance you need to grasp the fundamentals and the in-depth knowledge of treasury issues; such is available from ACT qualifications just like the accountants will find it in ACCA. In fact, I encourage one not to take exemptions even if one believes they qualify for one. Assume nothing; come with an open mind, and you will appreciate new perspectives of treasury, risk and corporate finance.
After taking CertFin I have continued on the AMCT Diploma as a route to MCT. I am aiming for the top, and I will get there!