Back in 1984, a small cohort of keen treasurers studied for the very first ACT qualification – the MCT Advanced Diploma. The course was as challenging then as it is now, but this didn’t deter increasing numbers of treasurers from taking it on in the following years. As the MCT became established, a demand grew for treasury qualifications to suit those at different stages of their career, so the ACT introduced a qualifications pathway that offers development opportunities for all levels of treasurer. Now, 30 years on, we continue to develop qualifications options, curricula and assessment procedures to meet the changing needs of the treasury and finance communities.
Whether you’re starting out in a career in treasury or finance, or have decades of experience, the ACT qualifications pathway provides something for every level of learner
Skilled and qualified professionals in the field of corporate treasury are in demand more than ever – and the ACT remains committed to providing the industry-standard benchmark qualifications that support people in their careers and help them to progress. The year 2016 was a busy time of change for ACT qualifications. A series of initiatives emerged to provide our learners with even greater support. We introduced online assessments, improved learning resources through ACT Learning and, building on the successful launch of the Certificate in Treasury Fundamentals (CertTF) and Certificate in Treasury (CertT) qualifications in 2015, completed the transition to a new batch of courses at every level.
Whether you’re starting out in a career in treasury or finance, or have decades of experience, the ACT qualifications pathway provides something for every level of learner. CertTF is the perfect first step into treasury and corporate finance, while CertT enables learners to become relied upon for their technical know-how. Associate member status has long been a signifier of treasury management expertise and this continues to be achievable through the new Diploma in Treasury Management. Experienced treasurers are now also able to jump straight to the diploma via the Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) route, which was implemented last year. The MCT remains the ultimate course for senior treasury professionals and sits at the top of the ACT qualifications pathway.
Last year, we also enhanced our offering of cash management qualifications. The new Award in Cash Management Fundamentals provides a first step to understanding the essentials in cash management and working capital, before learners can move on to the Certificate in International Cash Management, which teaches best practice in domestic and international cash management for those in corporates who manage cash, and anyone in a bank or consultancy role who wants to advise clients more effectively. With the first full year of the new qualifications completed, we want to celebrate and share with you the success of all the individuals who have passed their respective ACT qualification. The hard work and accomplishments of all ACT students means that they will have the skills demanded by employers to support their own career development and, as a result, the success of the businesses in which they work. Congratulations to all ACT students from 2016.
Kaylie Edwards was encouraged by her employer to study towards the Certificate in Treasury Fundamentals (CertTF) to broaden her knowledge of treasury. She enjoyed the course so much that she’s already moved on to the next qualification, the Certificate in Treasury (CertT). Edwards cites her hunger for knowledge since studying for the CertTF as the driving factor towards her taking the next step on the qualifications pathway. In her role as treasury and transaction processing manager at EM&I Ltd, Edwards works on areas ranging from global credit management to trading currency, as well as liquidity and cash management. “My vast workload means I get to work with many influential people, such as CFOs, CCOs, CEOs and operations and projects teams,” she says. Speaking the language of all these stakeholders is vital and the CertTF covers, among other vital areas of treasury, exactly this. Her newly acquired skills and ability to communicate with individuals across all areas of the business represent a major fillip for Edwards. She is seeing the benefits of the designatory letters, CertTF, next to her name. “It’s like putting gold on your CV and a major selling point,” she adds. Now, halfway through the CertT, Edwards is secure that it is relevant for all areas of her current role. “It shows you how much knowledge and expertise you need to have to become an exceptional treasurer.”
While working as a cash management adviser at Nordea Bank AB, Stefanie Daube studied for the Certificate in International Cash Management (CertICM). Her reason for doing so: “to deepen my knowledge of cash management and support me in my role at the bank. I assisted corporate treasury departments with cash management questions and was involved in request for proposal processes, so the CertICM was the perfect qualification for upskilling in this area.” At Nordea, Daube says she was looking for a course that gave a good overview of the key cash management elements. “The CertICM helped me to understand the corporate side of this area and enabled me to provide a better service for my clients.” Since completing the CertICM in 2016, she has moved into a treasury-specific role. “CertICM piqued my interest in the corporate side of cash management, so much so that I have now moved to a position with Concardis GmbH as junior treasury manager.” The CertICM’s compulsory five-day tuition school is a great opportunity for learners to network. Daube’s experience was no different. “It was really helpful in learning the practical elements of the course,” she says. Of the course overall, her endorsement is clear: “I would recommend CertICM to everyone who wants to achieve a deep understanding of the corporate and bank side of cash management.”
Shaen Cullen initially started out in accountancy, but preferred the scope of treasury. Now, as senior treasury analyst with The Walt Disney Company, his role entails dealing with cash operations and investments, liquidity management, treasury tax planning and intercompany loans. He completed the Certificate in Treasury (CertT) in 2016 after his mentor recommended ACT qualifications to him. The course, says Cullen, “has given me the tools to expand upon my current responsibilities and take on more strategic operations, such as capital markets. I also feel I better understand international cash management since completing CertT.” With plans to start the Diploma in Treasury Management this year, Cullen sees the importance of continuing his qualifications journey. “It shows a commitment to learning and continuous professional development, plus ACT qualifications are instantly recognisable to anyone in the industry. The diploma will hopefully allow me to move into a treasury managerial position,” he says. Cullen studied for the CertT through ACT Learning. It offers maximum flexibility and delivers resources online through the latest learning management system. His experience of it was certainly a positive one: “It’s a great resource. The flexibility for participation, via forums, is ideal for professional workers who are otherwise restricted in their ability to attend classes,” he says.
Rory Edmunds is marketing assistant at the ACT See all the pass lists here.
This article was taken from the February 2017 issue of The Treasurer magazine. For more great insights, log in to view the full issue or sign up for eAffiliate membership