Advanced Diploma in Treasury Management

The finance world is ever-changing, presenting new challenges and opportunities. Corporate treasurers now play a key role in managing cash flow and advising on financial strategies. The Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT) plays an important role in this change, offering education and support to professionals in this crucial field.

This article examines the Advanced Diploma in Treasury Management, ACT’s highest qualification. It suits professionals with a strong background in treasury, aiming to advance their expertise further. You’ll learn about the program’s framework, requirements, and its significant impact on your career. We will also explore the course content, the educational experience, and its role in preparing you for strategic finance positions.

If you’re an experienced treasurer, an aspiring CFO, or a finance professional looking to expand your skills, this article will show how the Advanced Diploma in Treasury Management can significantly influence your career path.

The Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT)

The Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT) is a key player in the finance sector. As a prominent professional organization, ACT enhances treasury, risk, and corporate finance. It supports and develops those in the treasury profession. ACT sets high standards in treasury management through extensive training programs, qualifications, and thought leadership.

ACT provides a range of treasury qualifications for professionals at various career stages. These include fundamental courses and advanced diplomas, all aimed at improving skills and knowledge in treasury management.

“The Certificate in Treasury Fundamentals” is the starting point, introducing essential concepts and terms. “The Certificate in Treasury” expands on these basics, offering a broader understanding of treasury concepts and terms. The “Diploma in Treasury Management” goes further, delving into the intricacies of managing treasury activities.

The “Advanced Diploma in Treasury Management” is their premier qualification. This high-level Diploma provides professionals with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills in treasury management. Recognized and respected, it opens doors to advanced career opportunities in finance.

After earning their qualification, individuals can join ACT, gaining designatory letters that reflect their professional success and pledge to uphold the highest treasury standards. This membership affirms their commitment to their treasury career and to continual professional growth.

What Is the Advanced Diploma in Treasury Management?

The Advanced Diploma in Treasury Management is a Master’s level credential, crucial for those aiming to reach the top in treasury management. It’s designed for individuals with a solid treasury management background looking to enhance their expertise to the utmost level.

This Level 7 specialist qualification is ideal for those in, or aiming for, senior treasury management or related roles. It spans at least 12 months and up to two years, providing flexibility for full-time workers.

Its innovative structure includes online learning, in-person masterclasses, and a compulsory 3-day residential school. This mix delivers practical and theoretical insights, ensuring a thorough grasp of complex treasury concepts and their real-world application.

Graduates are encouraged to become Fellows of the Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT), earning the esteemed ‘FCT’ designatory letters. This qualification showcases advanced technical and managerial treasury skills, marking a significant advancement from the Diploma in Treasury Management.

Who Should Consider the Advanced Diploma in Treasury Management?

The Advanced Diploma in Treasury Management is essential for professionals eager to elevate their careers to high-ranking positions like CFO or Group Treasurer. If you’re a corporate treasurer operating at a strategic level and looking to deepen your expertise and impact, this program is tailored for you.

It’s also incredibly valuable for accountants aiming to extend their skills beyond traditional accounting. The skills and knowledge you gain will enhance your understanding of corporate finance and risk management. Bankers or relationship managers will gain deeper insights into the needs and workings of corporate clients, improving your service capabilities.

This program is especially beneficial for financial analysts focusing on corporate finance, risk management, or treasury activities. It provides an in-depth understanding of modern treasury management’s financial tools and techniques and their practical application.

Furthermore, if you’ve completed the Diploma in Treasury Management (AMCT), the Advanced Diploma in Treasury Management is your logical next step. It enhances the knowledge from the Diploma, targeting commercial and financial challenges at a strategic level. The program teaches practical skills and offers a framework for applying these skills to current treasury management issues.

What to Anticipate Post-Advanced Diploma in Treasury Management?

Upon completing the Advanced Diploma in Treasury Management, you can expect to gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and strategies in treasury management at a strategic level. This senior-level qualification enhances your ability to critically analyse and evaluate complex situations involving strategic, financial, and risk management decisions.

Key Benefits and Opportunities:

1. Strategic Acumen: You’ll develop a practical understanding of treasury tools and techniques that support strategic thinking and robust decision-making in new, complex, and unpredictable situations.
2. Senior Role Preparation: The Diploma equips you for senior strategic roles within treasury and at the board level, preparing you to influence key business decisions.
3. In-Depth Analysis Skills: You will learn to research, analyse, and evaluate a range of issues impacting treasury management strategy, thereby influencing the overall performance of the organisation.
4. Application of Academic and Theoretical Tools: The program facilitates your application of academic and theoretical tools in solving real-world treasury management issues.
5. Interdisciplinary Understanding: You’ll gain insights into the inter-relationships between treasury, risk management, and decision-making across different organisational and global contexts.
6. Ethical Standards and Practice: The course emphasises ethical behaviour and practice in treasury management, encouraging reflection on these standards and their implications.
7. Critical Skills Development: The program hones your skills in information gathering, analysis, and evaluation, supporting your self-directed learning and professional development.

Learning Outcomes:

• Knowledge: You’ll demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of core treasury management areas, understanding their relevance in a modern context.
• Skills: You will develop strong numerical, analytical, and statistical skills, crucial for effective decision-making in complex situations.
• Behaviours/Values: The program fosters the ability to plan, organise, lead, and engage effectively with various stakeholders, shaping you into an ethical and responsible treasury professional.

In essence, this qualification does not just enhance your technical and analytical capabilities but also prepares you for leadership roles in treasury management. It paves the way for you to inspire and lead treasury teams, influence stakeholders, and make impactful decisions that steer organisations towards success.

Entry Requirements and Fees for Advanced Diploma in Treasury Management

To enrol in the Advanced Diploma in Treasury Management, certain prerequisites must be met:

1. Completion of Prior Courses: If you’ve completed the Diploma in Treasury Management or the AMCT Diploma, you’re eligible for direct entry. There is no need to provide evidence of qualifying experience, as your results are already on record.
2. Qualified Accountants: If you’re a qualified accountant with an IFAC body and have completed the Certificate in International Treasury Management with distinction, you’re eligible, too. Remember to provide a copy of your accounting qualification certificate when booking.
3. Graduates from Irish Association: Graduates of the Irish Association of Corporate Treasurers Graduate Certificate in Corporate Treasury also gain automatic entry. Ensure you provide your qualification certificate upon booking.

Fees:

The fees for the Advanced Diploma in Treasury Management encompass learning materials, membership, and assessment costs:

• Online Learning Materials and Membership: When you start studying, you’ll purchase your online learning materials and student membership concurrently.
• Assessment Fees:
  • Online Exam: GBP 600
  • Dissertation: GBP 600
  • Dissertation Presentation: GBP 250

Please note that these fees are subject to the local VAT rate where applicable.

How to Train for the Advanced Diploma in Treasury Management?

Training for the Advanced Diploma in Treasury Management involves a comprehensive and structured approach to ensure thorough preparation. The course consists of two main units, online learning, masterclasses, a residential school, assessments, and a dissertation.

Units Overview:

• Unit 1: Treasury Management Concepts focuses on organizational strategy, risk management, investor management, and external environmental evaluation. It develops your ability to critically evaluate strategic options and financial analysis tools in treasury management.
• Unit 2: Leading the Treasury Function builds upon Unit 1, covering capital structure, stakeholder management, treasury design, governance, and emerging technologies. It prepares you to manage and lead the treasury function effectively.

Course Structure:

1. Online Learning: The course is delivered online through the ACT Learning study site. Each unit requires approximately 325 hours of study, totalling 650 hours. You can complete this alongside your full-time job within 15 months.
2. Learning License: Upon purchasing your learning materials, you get 24-month access, giving you ample time to complete the program.
3. Learning Materials: These include core readings, downloadable content, and suggested further readings for independent study.
4. Support System: You can access an online discussion forum, connecting you with tutors, peers, and the program team, ensuring a collaborative and interactive learning experience.
5. Masterclasses and Residential School: Besides online learning, you attend masterclasses and a compulsory 2-day residential school, which enhance your understanding through practical and interactive sessions.

Assessments:

• Exam: A 240-minute online exam covering Units 1 and 2, consisting of a pre-seen case study question and four scenario-based questions.
• Dissertation: You choose a topic relevant to treasury, risk, corporate finance, or funding. This provides an opportunity to delve deeply into a subject of significance to you and your organisation.
• Presentation: After your dissertation, you present to a panel, including practising treasurers and ACT executives. This hones your skills for real-world board presentations.

Training for the Advanced Diploma in Treasury Management is a rigorous yet flexible journey, combining online learning, interactive sessions, and comprehensive assessments. This structured approach to training ensures you acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to excel in senior treasury roles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT) offers a robust pathway for professionals in treasury and finance. Its qualifications, especially the Advanced Diploma in Treasury Management, provide a deep dive into strategic treasury management.

This program equips you with advanced skills and knowledge, preparing you for senior roles in finance. It combines theoretical learning with practical application, ensuring a well-rounded understanding of treasury dynamics.

As a participant, you gain access to comprehensive resources, expert-led masterclasses, and a valuable network of professionals. Completing the program signifies a commitment to excellence and positions you for significant career advancement.

Joining ACT as a member further enhances your professional standing and opens doors to new opportunities. This journey with ACT not only broadens your expertise but also aligns you with the highest standards in the field, making you a valuable asset to any organisation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why choose the Advanced Diploma in Treasury Management?

The Advanced Diploma in Treasury Management equips you with in-depth knowledge through online learning, interactive sessions, and assessments. It’s designed to prepare you for senior roles and ensures you meet high industry standards.

How long does it take to complete the Advanced Diploma?

Completing the program typically takes at least 12 months and up to two years. This flexible schedule accommodates full-time professionals.

What are the entry requirements for the Advanced Diploma?

To enroll, you should have completed the Diploma in Treasury Management, be a qualified accountant with an IFAC body, or hold a Graduate Certificate in Corporate Treasury from the Irish Association of Corporate Treasurers.

What is the learning format for the program?

The program’s learning format includes online courses, in-person masterclasses, and a compulsory 3-day residential school, providing a comprehensive educational experience.

How is training structured for this program?

The training is divided into two units: Treasury Management Concepts and Leading the Treasury Function. It incorporates online courses, masterclasses, a residential school, and various assessments.