Member story: Keith Strachan, Partner, Treasury Technology Associates

1. Please provide a brief overview of your career to date.

I trained as a Chartered Accountant (a long time ago!) then left the profession for a manufacturing business. It was here that I got the chance to get into treasury (after some time in internal audit). That was 23 years ago.

After 2 years in PwC’s treasury practice I joined Kingfisher as Assistant Treasurer. This was a fascinating time of change for the company – I learnt a lot.

The last two jobs I have been involved with included helping build the treasury consulting practices at Deloitte and then EY. Again this was great experience and built both good contacts and some good friends. Finally I am now part owner in Treasury Technology Associates – yes, I have gone independent!

2. What attracted you to your current role?

My business partner Dimos and I had kicked around the idea for some years. Building your own business is both a challenge and very exciting. I think a big relevant word for me here is resilience. Stick to it and have belief!

3. What is your stand-out career moment?

A really big thing I take with me is the time I was seconded as the treasurer of Ulster Bank. I had the support of a great team in Ireland and in London with RBS. Tough but great experience.

4. You have worked as a consultant and as a career treasurer. What advice would you give to someone thinking of moving from a consultancy to a treasury department? And in the other direction?

I went from Treasury to Consulting first so will also look at this first:

Don’t underestimate how demanding the job is – you are expected to understand so many things. The fact that most days are different is both attractive and scary. Don’t be too stressed about doing non-treasury projects – you would be surprised what you can learn that then proves helpful in the ‘core’ subject.

Moving from Consulting to Treasury:

Depending on the level of the role, remember to take the long view and have a strategy for developing the team and prepare the way. For a more junior role – have your eyes wide open before taking on the role – where is the development and what is next?

5. What are your top tips for keeping up-to-date with treasury issues?

Two main things: network and read a lot. Attend conferences and network with other treasurers and peers. Read publications and be inquisitive about treasury and connected subjects.

6. You are a Fellow of the ACT. What member benefits do you use most?

Knowledge and networking:

• Knowledge – using the ACT’s knowledge base such as the website and magazine, and also attending events.

• Networking – you find out so much by talking to people and simply getting out there. Networking is also the best way to get you / your brand known.

7. What are your plans for the future?

My real focus is to build the business and get it well known. I want to get to the stage where treasurers know who we are and what we are good at.

8. What gadget could you not do without?

My phone – I use it for so much and for so many different things! As well as using it to keep in contact (obvious I know!) there is email, surfing the net and entertainment too.

9. What has been the best piece of advice you have been given?

Get the key things in life sorted then work can follow. By that I mean family and health first. I can’t say I have been too successful at following this advice – but it is nevertheless good advice.

10. Who is your career hero?

I don’t go with ‘heros’ as such but I admire some inspirational people. To stick with your goals despite severe difficulties - Mahatma Gandhi / Nelson Mandela are great examples.