Over the course of nearly two decades, Emilie Helps has had the opportunity to work in many different sectors and countries but has still found time to give back to a profession that she continues to find exciting. Here, she tells The Treasurer about her experiences, the challenges and opportunities and how a focus on the fundamentals will help treasurers navigate these turbulent times.
I started my treasury career straight after graduating from my MBA degree in Canada. I suspect that like many other treasurers, I came into the profession by chance, but can honestly say I’ve never looked back. Over the last 17 years, I have worked my way up the ranks from analyst to my current position of global head of treasury at AMS, a leading provider of talent acquisition and management solutions.
During this time, I have worked in a number of different countries, including France, Germany, Canada and now the UK, across a range of industries (biotech, infrastructure and professional services), from FTSE-listed multinationals and private equity firms to not-for-profits.
We have more than 11,000 employees at AMS, delivering solutions to more than 200 mostly blue-chip clients, in 120-plus countries. It is an exciting time to be with the company, which has been an industry innovator and disruptor for more than two decades.
It is also an exciting time to be in treasury. I love its diversity – every day is different, there is never a dull moment! Also, recent failures at high-profile banks highlight the importance of treasury’s key role in the context of financial risk management.
There is a sense of caution amid the macroeconomic uncertainties, but with the challenges come opportunity and optimism. We are witnessing an increasing role for automation, use of APIs and AI technologies in company-wide processes that will reinforce treasury as a strategic partner within the business. On the softer side, embracing new ways of working and enhancing a treasurer’s skill set can only be a good thing.
But my view is also that at times like these, is it important to go back to basics and focus on treasury fundamentals:
I love treasury's diversity – every day is different, there is never a dull moment!
The ACT and its qualifications are here to equip treasurers with the tools they need to face these challenges. I have been involved with the ACT ever since I gained my AMCT 10 years ago. I chaired the Future Leaders in Treasury group for three years, and I now chair the Membership Advisory Panel. Armed with this knowledge, together with my well-rounded corporate treasury background, I decided I wanted to contribute further to the association – hence successfully standing in the elections to ACT Council this year.
As a younger international female treasurer, I think I am closer to the next generation’s aspirations, as well as trends that will shape the future of the profession. My goals are to help the ACT’s executive and senior leadership team, by ensuring the association consolidates its financial recovery post-pandemic, grows by increasing its membership base and revenue from events, remains relevant and attractive in its offering, stimulates interaction with members and continues to augment membership benefits.
The ACT has certainly helped my career – through its network of young and seasoned treasurers who I’ve met at events and through its guidance on technical topics. And I must not forget the advice I have had in my career progression, some of which was instrumental in an internal promotion. So, the time feels right to give back to a profession that has given me so much over these last 17 years.
Emilie Helps is the global head of treasury at AMS, a leading global provider of talent acquisition and management solutions
