Key questions to ask when interviewing potential treasury hires

Hiring the right treasury professional is crucial for any business, as they play a significant role in managing liquidity, mitigating financial risk, and providing strategic insight into cash flow and funding decisions.

To make an informed hiring decision, it’s important to ask the right interview questions during the process.

Background and experience

Most treasury professionals begin their careers with a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or accounting. This foundational education provides a comprehensive understanding of financial principles, cash management, and risk analysis. Key courses often include corporate finance, financial markets, treasury operations, and financial modelling. Many programs also emphasise technology, including proficiency in Excel, treasury management systems (TMS), and data analytics tools.

Professional certifications such as the ACT’s CertTF or AMCT, CFA, or CTP are highly regarded and often preferred by employers. These designations signify a high level of technical expertise and commitment to the treasury profession.

Proficiency in treasury systems is essential for efficiency and accuracy. Familiarity with platforms such as Kyriba, SAP, Quantum, and Excel is crucial. With the growing reliance on technology, many treasury professionals are also skilled in data analytics and workflow automation using tools like Alteryx, which are increasingly in demand across the industry.

Key interview questions: background and experience

Q: Can you tell us about your background and experience in treasury, including areas of specialisation?

Understanding the candidate’s background and experience is fundamental. Look for details about their education, certifications, and professional journey. This question helps gauge their depth of knowledge and practical experience in treasury operations and aligns with the job description.

Q: What types of organisations have you worked with in the past?

This is a great question if the candidate has experience in professional services or large corporates. It helps determine if they have worked in environments similar to yours, whether multinational, PE-backed, or mid-market. Different sectors have unique treasury challenges, and relevant experience can be a significant advantage for hiring managers.

Technical skills and knowledge

Q: What treasury systems or tools are you proficient in?

Proficiency in treasury technology is essential. Ensure the candidate is familiar with the systems your organisation uses or is willing to learn them quickly. This demonstrates their technical skills and initiative.

Q: Can you explain the difference between cash forecasting and liquidity planning?

This question tests the candidate’s understanding of core treasury functions. Look for clarity in how they distinguish between short-term operational forecasting and strategic liquidity management.

Q: How do you stay informed about market developments, regulatory changes, and treasury best practices?

This assesses the candidate’s commitment to staying current with market trends and their ability to adapt to evolving financial environments. It also evaluates their strategies for ensuring compliance and operational excellence.

Compliance and risk management

Q: How do you ensure compliance with treasury policies and financial regulations?

Compliance is a critical aspect of treasury. Look for systematic approaches such as internal controls, regular reviews, and staying informed about financial regulations.

Q: Can you describe a time when you identified a financial risk and how you mitigated it?

This question assesses the candidate’s ability to identify and manage risk management issues, such as FX exposure, interest rate volatility, or counterparty risk.

Q: How do you handle audits and interactions with internal or external stakeholders?

Experience with treasury audits and stakeholder engagement is valuable. Look for candidates who can demonstrate confidence and competence in these situations.

Strategic thinking and advisory skills

Q: How do you approach treasury strategy and planning for a business, ensuring accurate forecasting and optimal liquidity management?

This assesses the candidate’s ability to develop strategies that go beyond operational tasks. It evaluates their skills in forecasting, funding, and providing strategic advice to support business growth and decision-making.

Q: How do you integrate financial statement analysis into your treasury planning and decision-making?

This evaluates the candidate’s ability to use financial data to inform treasury decisions, such as debt structuring or investment planning. Strong analytical skills are key here.

Q: How do you balance short-term liquidity needs with long-term financial goals?

Strategic thinking involves balancing immediate cash requirements with broader financial objectives. Look for candidates who understand this balance and can provide holistic advice.

Soft skills and cultural fit

Q: Can you describe a time when you had to explain a complex treasury issue to a non-expert?

Communication skills are vital. Treasury professionals often need to explain complex concepts to stakeholders across the business. Look for clarity and the ability to simplify technical information, demonstrating soft skills.

Q: How do you prioritise your tasks and manage your workload, especially during peak reporting periods or major transactions?

This assesses the candidate’s ability to handle pressure and deadlines, and their strategies for maintaining accuracy and efficiency. Problem-solving and metrics are important here.

Ethics and integrity

Q: How do you handle situations where a stakeholder asks you to do something that conflicts with treasury policy or ethical standards?

Ethics and integrity are non-negotiable. Look for candidates who have a strong ethical compass and can stand firm against inappropriate practices.

Q: Can you describe a time when you collaborated with a team to solve a complex treasury issue? How did you contribute to the team’s success?

This assesses the candidate’s ability to work effectively within a team and contribute to resolving challenges collaboratively with team members.

Q: Can you provide an example of a time when you encountered discrepancies in cash reporting and had to make an ethical decision?

This seeks real-life examples of integrity in action. Look for candidates who prioritise transparency and accuracy in cash flow reporting.

Future goals and professional development

Q: What are your long-term career goals in treasury?

Understanding the candidate’s aspirations helps assess alignment with your organisation’s growth and development opportunities and their job title progression.

Q: How do you plan to continue your professional development?

Continuous learning is essential in the evolving field of treasury. Look for candidates who are proactive about their growth and building partnerships.

How Brewer Morris can help you find your next treasury professional

Hiring the right treasury professional requires a thorough understanding of their technical skills, experience, and ethical standards. By asking these key interview questions, you can gain valuable insights into the candidate’s capabilities and determine if they are the right fit for your organisation. The ideal candidate should not only possess strong technical knowledge but also demonstrate strategic thinking, effective communication, and unwavering integrity.

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Alternatively, if you are looking for a new treasury role, check out our latest opportunities.