What makes this crop of prizewinners even more poignant is that 2016 was the first year’s cohort to have studied on the new and improved Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT) qualifications pathway. The ACT updated all qualifications provisions to better support treasury and finance professionals, wherever they are in their career path.
With the MCT remaining at the pinnacle of treasury qualifications, the previous AMCT certificates have been replaced by the Diploma in Treasury Management, although those who complete the course still have the designatory letters ‘AMCT’ after their name.
The Certificate in Treasury (CertT) has replaced the Certificate in International Treasury Management (CertITM), while the Certificate in Treasury Fundamentals (CertTF) replaced the Certificate in Financial Fundamentals (CertFIN).
Student response to the new qualifications provision has been extremely positive
The Certificate in International Cash Management (CertICM) remains the global, definitive qualification in cash management for corporate and financial institutions, but learners can also now choose to get accredited in the essentials of cash management and working capital by completing the Award in Cash Management Fundamentals.
Student response to the new qualifications provision has been extremely positive and it’s great to see such levels of success from so many committed professionals.
Congratulations to all who have completed their qualification and well done in particular to the 2016 qualifications prizewinners.
We would also like to thank the prize sponsors for their support of ACT students.
“For any aspiring senior treasury professional with eyes on the top job, the MCT is a significant stepping stone towards achieving their ambitions.
“The MCT takes the theory learned in the AMCT a step further and applies this understanding to practical, real-world scenarios using different companies operating in various industries.
“Judgement, reasoning and well-thought-through arguments based on a sound understanding of the theory are some of the main skills students learn doing the MCT. Applying these skills to one’s own company is a valued ability in today’s complex and uncertain business environment.
“As treasurers become more involved in business strategy, so the MCT becomes more important to hold, as it focuses on many of the strategic aspects of treasury and of finance. It also shows full commitment to the treasury profession and to one’s own development.
“I would encourage any treasurer, including those who have been around a while, to do the MCT.”
The ACT is very pleased to have the continued support and sponsorship from Shell for the Student of the Year prize.
“Shell is delighted to continue its sponsorship of the Student of the Year prize for the student with the best result in the MCT. Excellence in treasury management is an important source of value for us and we place great emphasis on applying world-class standards in our global treasury operations. Professional training and accreditation is an essential component of this. Congratulations to this year’s winner, Joe Scattergood.”
“Everywhere I have worked has valued ACT qualifications, so taking the Diploma in Treasury Management was an obvious step. It’s a credible and recognised qualification in the treasury and finance industry.
“Having the AMCT has differentiated me as a candidate and enabled me to progress to become acting assistant treasurer at Informa. It has helped me apply the theory I learnt in class to use in practice in the workplace and thus prepared me for a more strategic role.
“I am delighted all my weekends of studying and increased caffeine intake has paid off! This prize is a great achievement to add to my CV and it has given me the confidence to progress on to the MCT qualification.”
The ACT is delighted to have PwC as sponsor for the Diploma in Treasury Management prize.
“PwC is proud to be working with the ACT to develop treasury talent of the future, and sponsor the Diploma in Treasury Management award. With more than 600 treasury professionals from a variety of backgrounds across 150 countries working as one global team, our people drive the development and implementation of innovative yet practical treasury solutions. Congratulations to this year’s winner, Heather Nisbet. We wish her every future success.”
“I wanted an opportunity to increase both the depth and breadth of my knowledge across all areas of treasury in parallel to my role at IKEA. ACT qualifications, with their updated syllabi and various learning resources, are an ideal way to learn new theoretical concepts combined with practical examples from the industry.
“My role in treasury is very broad and I am constantly exposed to new challenges. Having a solid understanding of the concepts covered in the ACT qualifications gives me the confidence to suggest ideas and solutions on a wide range of issues. This is particularly important as I work in a small team covering a diverse region like Asia-Pacific.
“Being able to stay on top of the latest industry trends through The Treasurer magazine, and by attending ACT events and webinars, is also very helpful.
“The Certificate in Treasury [CertT] also encourages me to continue my professional development, which I am sure will open doors to even more interesting roles and opportunities in the future.”
The ACT would like to thank National Grid for its continued support in sponsoring ACT qualifications prizes.
“At National Grid, our treasury plays a vital role in supporting, creating and sustaining value in our business. In February, we were delighted to receive the ACT’s 2016 UK Large Treasury Team of the Year Award. A successful treasury needs a talented team. Effective treasury management is a critical skill and, in our view, one of the best indicators of this is the ACT professional qualifications. That is why we are proud to sponsor the prize for the CertT. We congratulate this year’s winner of the Certificate in Treasury prize, Filip Sjoestrand.”
The ACT is pleased to announce Kunal Sukthankar as this year’s Certificate in International Cash Management (CertICM) prizewinner.
This globally recognised qualification enables learners from all areas, whether with a cash management remit or a treasury focus, to become trusted experts who can provide solutions and deliver best practice in domestic and international markets.
The ACT would like to welcome HSBC as a sponsor for the qualifications prizes and we thank the bank for its support.
“HSBC is thrilled and very proud to have the opportunity to support the ACT in its excellent work in developing future finance and treasury professionals. Passing the CertICM takes a considerable amount of time and personal investment, and winning this award is a significant achievement. HSBC congratulates the winner.”
The ACT Educational Trust provides bursaries for students in developing countries. The highest-scoring Certificate in Treasury Fundamentals (CertTF) student studying under the bursary scheme is awarded the Gay Pierpoint prize, in honour of former ACT education secretary and ACT advocate Gay Pierpoint.
“I wanted to build my technical expertise in treasury, my chosen career path, and looked no further than the ACT qualifications,” said Akakpo.
“Apart from arming myself with a strong knowledge in corporate governance, both my ACT qualifications (Certificate in Treasury Fundamentals and Certificate in Treasury) have equipped me with crucial skills in liquidity forecasting, cash management and corporate finance, among others.
“Winning the Gay Pierpoint Award for Bursary Student of the Year is an incredible honour. I am humbled and very grateful.”
“We are pleased to award Wisdom Akakpo with the Gay Pierpoint Award. To date, more than 75 students have progressed through the bursary scheme and we are delighted that we are able to assist students from developing countries who are unable to fund or gain sponsorship for their studies.”
Rory Edmunds is marketing assistant at the ACT.
This article was taken from the Sep/Oct 2017 issue of The Treasurer magazine. For more great insights, log in to view the full issue or sign up for eAffiliate membership