After completing my master’s degree in Spain, like many new graduates, I was uncertain about my career path. I applied to DuPont's Finance Shared Service Center in Asturias (North Spain) and they hired me as treasury analyst. Years later, I remain dedicated to this profession, having held several roles in different corporates spanning various industries including Cisco and Eaton, leading to my current role now in a non-profit organisation. Through my career I have gained extensive experience in multiple areas of the treasury world such as bank account management, cash management, risk management, FX management, treasury systems, accounting and reporting. This diverse exposure has kept my work engaging and fulfilling.
I am passionate about working in treasury because it develops a set of core skills that are incredibly valuable across any industry or location. To start with, the ability to understand and manage financial risk is crucial, and I find it deeply rewarding to navigate and mitigate these risks to ensure financial stability. Secondly, treasury work requires strong collaboration and influence, as I often work with a wide variety of colleagues and external partners. We often find ourselves working in a niche area, but if you enjoy it, I don’t see it as a disadvantage.
The most rewarding aspect about being part of a non-profit organisation is the opportunity to contribute to a greater good. While it may be the expected answer, it is genuinely fulfilling to know that our financial strategies and management directly support impactful programs and initiatives. Working at the Global Fund is also challenging, exciting, rewarding and unique. Our work environment in Geneva, Switzerland, is dynamic, innovative, results oriented, fast moving and vibrant. It provides a fully international experience, with staff representing more than 110 nationalities from a wide variety of professional backgrounds.
I could mention regulatory changes, volatile markets, or economic instability, but what truly stands out to me is automation. There's a clear and concerted effort from organisations to shift towards value-added tasks and eliminate repetitive ones. Advancements in predictive analytics for forecasting and the ability to uncover hidden patterns and correlations are becoming a reality. Many existing TMS providers are integrating these improvements into their services, making these advanced capabilities more accessible and practical for corporate treasury functions.
I once had the opportunity to work on the implementation of a new treasury system for an organisation that I won't name. The experience was incredibly valuable and taught me a great deal about project management, collaboration, and problem-solving. In an unexpected turn, the organisation ultimately decided to move forward without the system. This journey was a significant learning experience, particularly in dealing with internal stakeholders, external partners, and vendors, as well as in setting realistic expectations. Overall, it was a valuable experience that enhanced my skills and resilience.
Don’t compare yourself. We never fully know the backgrounds, struggles, or journeys of other people, and making comparisons can be misleading and unproductive.
Communication skills, strategic thinking and adaptability!
The Knowledge Hub and the different training resources such as webinars, podcasts and articles which help me to keep up to date with the profession.
Obviously ... my phone!
Radical Candor by Kim Scott. It's a game-changer for anyone striving to lead with authenticity: it teaches how to create a culture of honest communication proving even tough feedback can be delivered with empathy, fostering both personal growth and team success.