Advisory panels provide support and input into important areas of the ACT, helping Council and the Executive team to deliver our strategic objectives through the expertise, market knowledge, contacts and enthusiasm of treasurers.
Current groups include:
For individuals, these groups provide a way to get involved, give something back to the profession, develop their own personal networks and participation is a rich source of CPD. They also provide a pipeline of talented members for potential future Council membership.
For the ACT, the most important function of these groups is their representative role, providing insight and understanding of the profession and a means to gather a range of views and feedback from the wider membership. Membership of these groups is drawn from across all levels, sectors and location and provides Council with a fair and transparent way of gathering member views, helping it make decisions in a considered and inclusive basis.
Minutes or notes of meetings of the standing panels are included with the pre-read papers for Council. The regular strategic updates provided to Council by management will, where relevant, draw upon the work of these panels and groups and the chair or other members of the panel may be invited to attend Council to support management with the strategic update.
Emilie Helps, AMCT Treasury & Corporate Finance Manager, Eversholt Rail
Chair: ACT Future Leaders in Treasury
Like many new grads, I had just completed a masters in Canada and wasn't sure what I wanted to do next. I applied for every job that appealed at the time, and just happened to stumble into treasury! Twelve years later, I'm still working in the same field, having held different roles (eg Analyst, Assistant Director and Manager) across a range of industries (eg non-profit, biotechnology, infrastructure). Over the course of this time, I have been lucky enough to get exposure to most aspects of the profession (ie DCM, risk, cash management, relationship management, treasury systems, accounting/reporting, etc.) which has kept things interesting for me.
I love the diverse nature of Treasury. Every day is different, so never a dull moment!
In my view, if your goal is to have a career in treasury, then an ACT qualification is a must, and taking on an active role in the ACT community will help build your professional network in the field.
Thinks too much!
Never procrastinate.
Although I come from a very small family, we could probably feature on the cover of a Benetton catalogue - I am half English/quarter French/quarter Italian, my husband is Canadian-Vietnamese and my sister-in-law is Senegalese.
Catherine Porter, FCT, EMEA Treasury Director, CBRE
Chair: Membership Advisory Panel
Matthew Hurn FCT, Chief Financial Officer, Alternative Investments & Infrastructure, Mubadala Investment Company
Chair: ACT Middle East Advisory Panel
I have over 25 years’ experience in treasury, corporate finance and risk management in both the public and private sector in the UK and Middle East. I was involved in the development and launch of the ACT’s initiatives in the Middle East and continue to be the Chair of the Middle East. I have been involved with various working groups, committees and groups over 15 years and am a Past President of the ACT.
Every day is different. The impact of the work you do has a tangible impact on the business. The ability to blend core finance and treasury principles to operational and commercial issues.
The role of the treasurer is constantly changing. Make sure you are part of the change and help shape and influence the industry.
Decisive, driven, unconventional.
Always challenge the norm. Ask the question why?
I am an endurance sports addict having run marathons and an ultra marathon (72km).
Alison Stevens, Deputy Group Treasurer, Phoenix Group
Chair: Policy & Technical Advisory Panel
I started my career in operational research, but have worked in treasury since 1993. I am a debt capital markets specialist working for British Gas, BG Group and National Grid before joining Phoenix as Deputy Group Treasurer in 2011.
Treasury is fundamental to a business and you can see the impact you have on its success. It is extremely varied through responding to changes in the external world – the economy, laws and regulation, and through preparing for and shaping changes to the business itself.
The ACT is the leading advocate of the profession, but relies on its members to make that happen. There are a wide range of areas where the ACT needs support and so there is likely to be something which interests you that you can be involved in and influence. It is also a great opportunity to network with other treasury professionals.
Enthusiastic, committed, considerate.
Think about what motivates others.
I had two birthdays in 1990 (one in Fiji and one in the Cook Islands) through crossing the international dateline on my birthday.
Paul Reynolds Hon FCT, Director of Investment and Business Development, Africa, Inchcape
Chair: East Africa Advisory Panel
I sent 30 years in investment banking in EMEA & India, mostly and latterly with Rothschild. I now work at BD in East Africa.
Treasurers tend to be at the strategic epicentre of most of companies, and to be analytical and results oriented. Also great fun. What’s not to like?!
Active engagement has been personally and professionally both challenging and rewarding - and definitely outlook enhancing. And the more we all get involved the bigger and better our Association becomes.
Thick, lazy and Welsh.
Don’t get measles as an adult – wish I’d followed it...
My favourite topic is pre-history.