The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Director/VP of Treasury (Large Multinational)
5-10 years at this level before Group TreasurerSkills to master
- Leading a global function, managing multi-billion-pound credit facilities, presenting to executive committees, developing a strong talent pipeline, and navigating complex regulatory environments.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully led a major capital markets transaction (e.g., bond issuance, syndicated loan).
- Consistently delivered on strategic treasury objectives, demonstrating strong financial acumen.
- Built and led a high-performing team, with clear succession planning in place.
- Recognised as a trusted advisor to the CFO and other C-suite executives.
- 2
CFO of a Smaller/Mid-Sized Company
3-7 years as CFO before Group Treasurer of a larger firmSkills to master
- Broader financial oversight (accounting, tax, FP&A), investor relations, board interaction, and full P&L accountability, providing a holistic business perspective.
You're ready to move on when
- Demonstrated ability to manage all aspects of a company's financial operations.
- Successfully raised capital and managed investor relationships for a growing business.
- Proven track record of strategic financial leadership and value creation.
- Strong grasp of operational finance beyond pure treasury.
- 3
Head of Capital Markets / Financial Risk (Investment Bank/Large Corporation)
7-12 years at this level before Group TreasurerSkills to master
- Deep expertise in specific capital market instruments, advanced derivatives, quantitative risk modelling, and managing large trading books or investment portfolios. This path builds specialist depth.
You're ready to move on when
- Managed significant capital market transactions or complex hedging portfolios.
- Developed and implemented sophisticated financial risk models.
- Proven ability to navigate and profit from complex financial markets.
- Strong network within investment banking and capital markets.