Council is the governing body of The Association of Corporate Treasurers (‘ACT’). It is ultimately responsible for the stewardship and strategic direction of the ACT and accountable to the members. Day-to-day management is delegated to the Chief Executive and, through the Chief Executive to the Executive team. Visit the ACT Council pages for further information.
There were three vacancies on Council for the term commencing 1 May 2022 and we are delighted to welcome the following members to Council:
We have asked our new council members to provide some information on their career history and why they have become involved with the ACT. Read their profiles below.
Not-for-profit housing association treasurer with early career in private sector audit and corporate banking. Other roles included magistracy, charity trusteeships and board memberships.
Thinking ahead. Numbers combining with strategy to deliver the organisation’s mission.
Measurable targets. Stretching corporate and personal goals.
Professional relationships. Succeeding through others.
ACT professional exams, formal learning and informal peer group networking are a great way to keep up with the complexity and challenge of treasury and corporate financing profession.
Curious*
Hopeful
Grounded
*in a good way
Try again.
With Pakistani heritage, UAE upbringing and grown up time in London, I have three distinct social circles.
After completing my degree in Engineering, Economics and Management, I entered the City as an investment analyst covering the food manufacturing sector. Although I thought I’d done my research to discover my dream job, the reality proved me wildly wrong. Slightly disillusioned, I applied for a job as a foreign exchange dealer at a corporate just to get out of the City. Much to my surprise, I actually enjoyed it and that was the start of my career in treasury. After three years I left to join George Wimpey PLC as Assistant Treasurer and then five years later Meggitt PLC, initially as Group Treasurer and finally as Head of Treasury & Tax.
Many aspects – the variety of the work, being at the centre of the organisation with the ability to have a real impact, and interacting with like-minded professionals both internally and externally.
It uniquely represents the profession and therefore involvement is a prerequisite for anyone wishing to make a career within treasury.
Thoughtful, intelligent, pragmatic.
You don’t really know what a job is like until you’ve done it – sadly learnt from bitter experience rather than advice.
Was born stateless.
I was fortunate to land a role in treasury immediately after graduating from University. I joined the Corporate Treasury team at Heathrow Airport when it was going through a large refinancing and securitisation project which meant I was in at the deep end right from the beginning. It was here I studied for my ACT qualifications. I then joined National Grid and have just celebrated my 10-year anniversary at the company. Although I have spent most of my career working in the funding and derivatives aspect of treasury, I have also focussed on core risk and operations.
Treasury is so fundamental to any business which allows you to see the direct impact of your own work, and it is very satisfying to know you are making a difference.
The ACT can offer so much. There is endless learning available, and on top of that there is such a broad range of people that you can meet in treasury across all industries. The networking can be endless.
Honest, approachable and diligent.
Be patient, and always take time to take a step back. Instant reactions are often not thought through, and whatever the situation whether you take 5 mins, a day or a week, it can make a difference.
I had a talent for gymnastics when I was younger, and not only did it help teach me to be disciplined, resilient and a team player but I was also lucky to be able to travel around Europe and America at such a young age.