Deciding to take CTP 

Ten years into my finance career, I decided to study for the Certified Treasury Professional designation to ensure I have the technical skills to give me a professional edge in an international job market.

In 2001, I graduated from University of Manitoba with my Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in finance. Soon after, I started working as a financial analyst for a privately owned Manitoba window manufacturer with international distribution. In my first four years with the company, I received my CMA (Certified Managerial Accountant) designation, which is one of the three major Canadian accounting designations, the other two being the Chartered Accountant, and Certified General Accountant. A few years later, I was promoted to manager of treasury and accounting, a role which involved financial reporting, cash management including FX hedging, payments and forecasting, year end audits and cost accounting. I’m now employed in the New South Wales State government as a senior management accountant.

Reasons for taking the CTP 

The CFO of my previous company suggested the CTP to me a few years ago; he knew it would be useful because in my role at that time, I was responsible for treasury functions including cash management and foreign exchange. The CFO recommended the CTP because it is internationally recognised and well regarded.

I’d been thinking of ways to update my skills, especially because it’s been five years since I completed the CMA program. I considered doing an MBA, but I felt at this point it may not benefit my career sufficiently to offset the time and cost involved. The CTP seemed like a more suitable option, but finding the time to study was a challenge due to long work hours, commuting, my wedding and a new home, and so I waited to sign up.

Recently, though, my wife and I moved from Canada to Australia; she was accepted for a Masters program in Sydney. It took me three months to find a job here, which surprised me because I could have found employment easily in Canada, and the Australian economy was stronger at the time. During my time job searching, I became convinced that enhancing my qualifications could give me a professional advantage.

Because finding a job overseas is more challenging, I need to take opportunities to make my resume stand out, but also have an internationally recognised qualification that will be applicable upon return to Canada or elsewhere. The timing has worked out well, as I will be able to create space in my daily routines for studying. My current job has a short commute and limited overtime; my wife and I have fewer commitments in Sydney; as well, my wife and I don’t have kids, so we have the benefit of predictable routines and stability. While I’m studying, a good side benefit is that my study time will go toward my CMA professional development hours.

At this point, my career path could go in a few different directions, but I feel the CTP is an excellent choice to give me greater options for the future.