The current economic environment means that the job market is becoming increasingly competitive across the board, from the junior ranks to senior treasurers, to FDs and CEOs. If you are in a job, you can’t afford to rest on your laurels. If you are ‘on sabbatical’, not only do you need to keep up with the game, you must also make sure you are increasing your marketabillity.
The recognition of a need for self-improvement has been shown by a significant increase in numbers taking the AMCT exams in particular. As those of you who have done the exams will know, they require a major commitment and a pass is by no means guaranteed. The reward comes in the form of a highly-respected qualification which will stand you in good stead in your next job/application. And if you have taken the AMCT, it is well worth considering the next step up to MCT.
If you have had enough of exams to last several lifetimes, there are other things you can do to educate yourself and broaden your treasury horizons; some of the highlights offered by the ACT are:
Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
The ACT’s CPD programme, sponsored by Standard & Poor’s, is available online at www.treasurers.org/cpd and offers you the chance to assess your competence across core treasury topics and specific areas of expertise. All tests are free and your personal scores are fully confidential – we don’t track your results!
UK Treasurers’ conference (UKT). UKT, organised in association with EuroFinance Conferences, is an ideal opportunity to meet up with your peers and find out about the latest best practice in core areas of treasury. UKT will be held in Brighton this year, from Tuesday 29 April to lunchtime on 1 May.You can find out more at www.uktreasurers.com (book before 21 February to qualify for a discount).
The ACT Essential Treasury Training programme. Another way of learning about the best and most effective ways of carrying out treasury functions; some courses are held in conjunction with other professional bodies, including CIMA and IIA, providing the opportunity to consider areas not traditionally associated with treasury.You can find out more at www.treasurers.org/training.
The Treasurer and The Treasurer’s Handbook. This magazine aims to keep readers up-to-date, both on the theoretical and on the practical side of things. It may not cover all your areas of interest every month, but should provide something for everyone. The 2003 edition of the Handbook, published at the end of this month, provides a vital reference source for areas of treasury where you may need to brush up on some of the fundamentals of treasury practice, as well as identifying the key treasury issues in over 40 countries of the world.
Enough of the hard sell. There are plenty of opportunities for members and non-members to keep themselves informed and educated. As always, we welcome members’ views on improving our technical and educational services – and, of course, willing volunteers!
MIKE HENIGAN
Managing Editor