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! Many 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 had been a member of the ACT for several years and with over 10 years of treasury experience under my belt, I was looking for the right initiative to get involved in. Playing a more prominent role in the Future Leaders group seemed like a natural fit: it would allow me to share my experience with younger treasury professionals while at the same time maintaining my engagement with the ACT post-qualification and helping shape the future of the profession.
Providing a dynamic and interactive platform for members in the early stages of their careers to network, ie developing a community for young treasury professionals to gain support, encouragement and access to resources relevant to the treasury leaders of tomorrow.
It's hard to single out one aspect only... I always enjoyed our Committee calls during which members of our working group exchange their point of views and collaborate to come up with interesting ideas for our initiatives. Obviously also, being asked to become the Chairperson was very flattering and I enjoyed the experience in this role.
I believe that the ACT is a fantastic organisation and as a younger international female treasurer, I think I am closer to the next generation’s aspirations, as well as trends which 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 membership base and revenue from events, remains relevant/attractive in its offering, stimulates interaction with members and continues to augment membership benefits.
I had completed the first level of the CFA programme, but when I moved from Canada to the UK, it was made very clear to me (by professionals in the field) that if I wanted to progress my career in treasury, it was key to obtain an ACT qualification - I immediately signed up to study for my AMCT which I completed within three years back in 2013.
I try to attend as many member events as possible: the annual conference, the ACT forum, the breakfast briefings and obviously the Future Leaders initiatives count amongst my favourites!
My iPhone... very unoriginal I know, but sadly, I don't go anywhere without it.
Never procrastinate!
Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar. I have found yoga and mindfulness very valuable in both my personal and professional life.