Member story: Shanita McLean, Treasury Manager – EMEA, Kohler EMEA Corporate Services

1. Briefly describe your career to date.

I was not sure what career path I wanted to take so I took the scenic route, starting in retail and hospitality. I went on to hold various roles in recruitment, HR, procurement and sales, across several types of organisations; pharmaceutical, facilities management, fleet, research council, mobile network provider, retail security and a building society.

I took a sales role in a small company and got actively involved in different areas; from picking goods in the warehouse all the way through to credit control. This gave me a great understanding of business functions and how they interlink to ensure the viability of a strong and successful company. This is where I uncovered my passion and aptitude in finance.

I applied for an accounts payable position at Dyson and after being in role for a year, I was approached about an internal role within treasury. I had no idea what treasury did but I was intrigued. I am very grateful to Martyn Smith and Mark Williams for taking that chance on me. I started as a treasury accounts assistant in Back Office and moved to a treasury analyst position, leading and supporting projects and covering treasury dealer responsibilities.

The experience I gained was invaluable and helped me shape the Front Office team at Kohler when I accepted the role as Treasury Operations Supervisor. I was promoted to Associate Treasury Manager and then to Treasury Manager - EMEA on completing the AMCT qualification.

2. What do you like about working in treasury?

I love the variety and creative opportunity it brings. Treasury connects with many business functions and operates within an ever-changing environment, there is always something new to learn.

3. How has the current pandemic affected your working environment?

Where and how we work has changed significantly! Thanks to business continuity planning moving the team to complete remote working wasn’t difficult and we now have fully digital processes. Since March, I am seeing more of our stakeholders proactively seek guidance or involvement from treasury and as a result I think the team appear to be viewed more prominently within the business.

4. What has been the best/most exciting project you have worked on and why?

The most rewarding project has been obtaining executive approval and then leading the project to implement intercompany netting with SWIFT and SAP automation. It has been great working with finance and IT colleagues in Europe, America, Asia-Pacific and India to setup a truly global solution.

5. What would you say to someone thinking of taking the ACT’s qualifications?

Go for it! I found the courses relevant and very useful throughout the roles I have held. If you are unsure, there are plenty of introductory courses so you can find out a little more before you take the plunge.

6. What member benefit do you use the most?

I use the knowledge hub, and there are a wealth of webinars and articles. I also attend as many events as I can, as networking is extremely beneficial to me.

7. What gadget could you not do without?

I hate to say it but my smart phone. I know but it is so versatile, I use it to keep in touch with friends and family, stay up to date with current affairs, listen to music or audiobooks, learn Spanish and try new recipes.

8. What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?

Never give up. Persistence and resilience are key attributes for a career in treasury. Things rarely go as planned and there is not always a wrong or right answer so try, try and try again.

9. What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Honest, inquisitive, passionate.

10. What book are your reading at the moment?

Whilst I don't have any upcoming exams, I have rekindled my love of reading for leisure. I am reading The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle and Becoming, the memoir of Michelle Obama.