The Changing Face of Treasury Recruitment: What’s Really Driving Hiring Decisions?

Hello everyone, and welcome to this week’s edition of The Treasury Market Playbook!

Let’s clear something up right from the start: when I say “the changing face of treasury recruitment,” I’m not referring to recruiters switching faces at different organisations (though, let’s be honest, that would make for a drama-filled article all on its own!).

Today, we’re focusing on something a little more serious, how the criteria for hiring treasury professionals are shifting in real time.

Over the past few months, I’ve had the privilege of speaking with many of you, corporate treasury professionals and hiring managers alike, about what’s driving these changes. From technical expertise to soft skills and cultural fit, to the increasing influence of technology, there’s a lot to unpack.

Whether you’re actively job hunting coming into 2025 or just curious about what’s shaping today’s market, these insights will help you better understand how to navigate the evolving landscape of treasury recruitment.

Let’s dive in.

The Traditional Focus: Technical Expertise, is It Still the Top Priority?

In the past, when it came to hiring for treasury roles, companies would often focus almost exclusively on technical skills. Think about it: treasury has always been a highly specialised field, with professionals managing everything from cash flow and liquidity to complex financial risks and foreign exchange operations.

For years, the hiring process revolved around hard skills, things like financial modelling, debt management, proficiency with treasury management systems (TMS), and solid qualifications in finance or accounting. Whether you were applying for a Treasury Analyst role or a senior treasurer position, the assumption was that technical expertise was the bedrock of success in the role.

As a recruiter, I used to look for clear evidence that candidates had mastered these technical areas. If you had the qualifications and experience, you were in a good spot. But here’s the thing: the job market has changed, and so has the role of treasury professionals.

The Rise of Soft Skills: Are They Now Just as Important as Technical Skills?

Here’s where things get interesting. In the past few years, I’ve noticed a major shift in what hiring managers are prioritising, and it’s not just about the numbers and systems anymore.

Now, more and more companies are recognising that technical skills alone don’t cut it. Treasury roles are no longer isolated functions. Today’s treasury professionals are expected to collaborate closely with other departments, whether it’s IT, operations, legal, or the broader finance team. And with treasury becoming a more strategic part of the business, you’re expected to think beyond just the mechanics of cash management.

That’s why soft skills are now taking centre stage. So, what soft skills are most important? Let’s break it down.

1. Communication and Collaboration Skills:

Being a treasury professional today is as much about being a communicator as it is about being a number-cruncher. Think about it: you’re regularly dealing with senior management, external advisors, and sometimes even global banks. To be effective, you need to be able to clearly explain complex financial concepts in a way that everyone, no matter their background, can understand.

It’s no longer just about presenting reports; you’re expected to be a partner in strategic decision-making. The better you can collaborate and communicate, the more likely you are to influence positive change in your company.

I’ve found that clients increasingly value candidates who can bridge the gap between the technical side of treasury and the broader business objectives. You need to explain how your decisions affect cash flow, risk management, or even the company’s overall growth plans. Strong communication skills make you more valuable, no question.

2. Problem-Solving and Adaptability:

Treasury is a fast-paced environment, and the need to make decisions quickly is constant. Whether it’s navigating a sudden market shift or handling a liquidity crunch, treasury professionals have to be nimble. I’m hearing more and more from hiring managers that they want candidates who don’t just execute processes but also think on their feet, analyse complex situations, and come up with creative solutions.

With global economic conditions constantly changing, adaptability is key. The ability to pivot when new challenges arise is becoming a deciding factor in many hiring decisions. If you can demonstrate that you’ve handled ambiguity and overcome challenges in the past, you’ll stand out.

3. Leadership and Strategic Thinking:

Now, let’s talk about leadership. You don’t have to be in a senior treasury role to show leadership potential. Even in mid-level roles, employers are looking for candidates who can think strategically about how treasury impacts the business beyond just managing cash flow. Treasury is no longer just a back-office function, it’s integral to overall business strategy.

Think about the broader picture: treasury professionals are involved in everything from risk management to financing decisions. Companies want professionals who can not only manage the day-to-day tasks but also contribute to the bigger, long-term vision of the company. Leadership qualities like decision-making, strategic thinking, and the ability to inspire a team are becoming essential for roles at every level.

How Technology is Shaping the Modern Treasury Role

Let’s take a step back for a moment and talk about something that’s really changing the game: technology.

Treasury has always been at the forefront of financial technology adoption, and over the past few years, there’s been a massive push toward digitalisation. I can’t tell you how often I hear about the growing importance of Treasury Management Systems (TMS), data analytics, and even AI in the treasury space.

TMS Expertise

We’ve all seen it, Treasury Management Systems (TMS) are transforming the way treasury teams operate. These platforms are becoming indispensable for streamlining cash management, liquidity forecasting, and risk reporting. It’s no surprise that hiring managers are actively seeking candidates who can not only use these systems but also leverage them to improve efficiency, forecast more accurately, and even reduce risk.

If you’re familiar with leading TMS platforms (like Kyriba, SAP, or any other), you’re already ahead of the curve. But it’s not just about knowing the system, it’s about understanding how to use that knowledge to add value to the business. Companies are looking for treasury professionals who can analyse data, spot trends, and make recommendations that influence corporate strategy.

The Importance of Data and AI

Beyond just using a TMS, there’s a growing demand for treasury professionals who can analyse and interpret large sets of financial data. AI-powered tools, for example, are now being used for everything from cash flow forecasting to fraud detection. Those with the skills to understand and apply these technologies are in high demand.

I’m noticing that many companies now see AI as a tool that can enhance treasury operations, not replace them. Whether it’s using AI to predict liquidity gaps or applying machine learning to optimise cash management, tech-savvy treasury professionals are becoming indispensable.

The Cultural Fit Factor: More Than Just a Buzzword

Here’s the final shift I want to talk about, the idea of cultural fit.

Now, I know many of you might be thinking, “What does cultural fit have to do with treasury?” Well, it turns out, quite a bit. As businesses grow and evolve, especially in the age of hybrid work, cultural alignment is becoming just as important as technical proficiency. If you’re a senior treasury professional working remotely, are you able to communicate effectively with your team? Do you align with your company’s values around innovation, diversity, and inclusion? Can you fit into a hybrid work environment?

Hiring managers are increasingly looking for professionals who are not only skilled but also align with the company’s culture. Whether it’s aligning with a focus on sustainability or embracing a more collaborative working style, candidates who mesh well with the corporate culture are likely to stay longer, perform better, and integrate more seamlessly into teams.

What This Means for You

So, what does all of this mean for you, whether you’re actively job-hunting or just keeping an eye on the market?

The key takeaway is this: While technical expertise is still incredibly important, there is now a much broader set of qualities that hiring managers are looking for. If you’re in treasury, you need to be adaptable, an excellent communicator, and a strategic thinker. Don’t forget that technology is at the heart of many treasury operations today, and proficiency in tools like TMS and data analytics is becoming increasingly important.

Ultimately, the role of a treasury professional is more dynamic than ever. It's about bringing together the best of both worlds, strong technical skills and the ability to work effectively within a collaborative, tech-driven environment. The more well-rounded you are, the more likely you are to land the right opportunities and thrive in the ever-evolving world of treasury.

That’s it for this week’s edition. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this evolving landscape, whether you’re a hiring manager or a treasury professional looking to stay ahead of the curve.

Drop me a message anytime, and I’ll catch you in the next edition!

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Author – Craig Ryan Perkins

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