Member story: Jill Harrison, Group Treasurer, Spectris

1. You sat on the panel at the ‘Redefining bank relationship’ session at the ACT’s Annual Conference. Picking up from this session how do you think treasurers’ maintain strategic long-term banking partners?

It is important to build a banking group that is sufficiently diversified and aligned with the needs of the business, both geographically and in terms of their product offering. The bank must understand the business, which requires a commitment on both sides to regular and open communication. A strong and proactive relationship manager is key – someone I can pick the phone up to and will know who in their organisation will be able to advise on any given query. From the treasurer’s perspective, an understanding of the strengths and limitations of each bank is important; the bank needs to make a profit too, so it is important that the treasurer understand each bank’s key drivers to ensure the relationship is mutually beneficial.

2. What were the top three learning points you gained from attending the Annual Conference?

There was a big focus on uncertainty as representing opportunity, i.e. not always to be seen purely as a negative, which was an interesting perspective for risk-averse treasurers whose natural mindset is to manage risk away. The transformative impact of financial technology solutions was a key theme throughout the conference and something we should all be challenging ourselves to think about so as not to be left behind. Finally I’d say that the change in the regulatory landscape is something we need to be mindful of and prepared for, both in terms of direct impact on corporates but also in relation to the effect it will have on our lenders.

3. What is the one thing you love most about working in treasury?

I love the diversity of my job. It may be a cliche, but it is true that no two days are the same in treasury, and I enjoy dealing with the variety of challenges that come along and the interaction with people all across the business and externally.

4. What advice would you give to someone wanting to start a career in treasury?

Don’t look back! It’s a hugely diverse and rewarding career which provides plenty of intellectual challenge and opportunity for development. I would strongly recommend the qualifications offered by the ACT as a starting point; they cover all aspects of treasury and risk management and are a great underpinning for the practical experience you get through your day job.

5. A theme at the conference was ‘looking out of your window to see the issues in front of you’. What are the challenges facing you if you look out of the window?

The biggest challenge right now is the uncertainty in the global political landscape, and understanding how we might be affected, as businesses and as individuals. Agility and flexibility to cope with change will be key attributes.

6. What are your plans for the future?

Actually I’m quite happy with what I’m doing now! I joined Whitbread in February, haven taken some time off to have children. It’s a great company to work for (particularly for someone who loves coffee!) and I’m looking forward to consolidating and developing my treasury experience while helping the business achieve its objectives.

7. What are you reading at the moment?

Do audio books count as reading? If so, I’m “reading” Ulysses by James Joyce on my daily commute (I’m on a mission to get through a list of the classics before my next big birthday!). I’m also reading Enid Blyton with my children, which is a great antidote to busy days.

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

Never be afraid to ask a question.

9. Who is your career hero?

I’d say Whitbread’s CEO, Alison Brittain, who was recently named as Veuve Clicquot’s Business Woman of 2017. She is also a very approachable and inclusive leader, and it is hugely inspiring, as a woman in business, to see women in senior board positions.

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

Adaptable. Curious. Conscientious.