Interview | 3 questions for Hanan Peerun, Senior Treasury Consultant

INTERVIEW

1. What initially drew you to a career in treasury, and how has your passion for the field evolved over the years?

My journey into a career in treasury was a fortunate outcome rather than the result of a carefully planned roadmap. My father gave me the initial guidance, suggesting a career in finance. He recommended that I pursue a financial path, and I followed his advice, earning a bachelor’s degree in Banking and Finance.

The financial sector is vast, and my career direction wasn’t yet clearly defined. While job hunting, I came across an internship opportunity, which seemed perfect for someone eager to learn and gain practical experience. I was thrilled to join the company, and from there, I began my journey into the world of treasury, ultimately earning the role of Treasury Operations Specialist.

Although luck played a role in my initial path, my innate curiosity and desire for knowledge fueled my passion for treasury. The ever-changing economic landscape and the intricate challenges it presents further ignited my enthusiasm and solidified my commitment to the profession. In treasury, no two days are alike, requiring constant adaptation and growth.

2. Can you provide an overview of your career journey in treasury, highlighting key milestones and experiences that have shaped your path?

Covid-19 reshaped the landscape of treasury management and highlighted the critical role of a Treasurer. The pandemic caused an unprecedented liquidity crisis in emerging market currencies. As I navigated the challenges of the pandemic, I believe my skill set grew significantly. The unpredictability of cash flows required advanced forecasting and scenario planning. A primary challenge for the company was repatriating cash, which led to frequent interactions with bankers and other financial institutions, allowing me to refine my ability to build and maintain effective partnerships.

A more recent milestone in my career is my move to Belgium, driven by a quest for international exposure. Joining the consulting world at EY was a deliberate choice, driven by my desire to explore different treasury topics. Consulting provides the opportunity to work alongside various companies across different sectors. I am currently diving deeper into the treasury technology aspect through Treasury Management System (TMS) implementation projects.

The diverse range of client engagements offers a depth of perspective and experience. Treasury encompasses multiple pillars, each adding to the richness and complexity of the profession. This variety fuels my enthusiasm to delve deeper into my career.

3. In your opinion, what are the most critical skills and qualities that a successful treasurer should possess?

The dynamic treasury landscape requires curiosity, innovative thinking, and adaptability. Curiosity drives a treasurer to challenge conventional practices, actively seek new insights, and understand emerging trends. Innovative thinking enables the development of unique solutions that optimize cash management, risk mitigation, and financial strategy, providing a competitive edge. Adaptability is essential for navigating fluctuating markets, evolving regulations, and technological advancements.

Additionally, ethical integrity is crucial as it lays the foundation of trust between the company, its stakeholders, and financial institutions. This ensures that financial decision-making is conducted with transparency, accountability, and compliance.

Robust interpersonal skills are also essential for treasurers to build strong relationships with stakeholders. It’s vital to effectively communicate financial concepts with clarity and collaborate with colleagues from various departments within the company.