This final lesson examines the importance of commercial awareness and the role of treasury as a strategic business partner .

8.1. Commercial Awareness in Treasury

Commercial awareness is the ability to view situations from a commercial or business perspective, understanding existing and potential markets, customers, and competition . The ACT Diploma covers “building commercial acumen within the treasury team” . This skill is essential for:

  • Supporting Strategic Decision-Making: Treasury professionals must understand how their work impacts the broader business .

  • Aligning Treasury with Corporate Objectives: Treasury must support the achievement of organisational objectives through its activities .

  • Communicating with Other Business Functions: Treasury professionals must relate to other business functions using terminology they understand .

8.2. Treasury as a Strategic Business Partner

The role of treasury has evolved from a back-office function to a strategic business partner . Treasuries that cultivate strong leaders consistently outperform, optimising working capital, anticipating risks earlier, and deploying liquidity to fuel business growth . The ACT Diploma is designed to help professionals “support the business when making investment decisions and to manage financial risks” .

8.3. Commercial Acumen in Practice

Commercial acumen involves:

  • Identifying Opportunities for Business Growth: Developing, managing, and implementing ideas to improve treasury and business-wide processes .

  • Championing Solutions: Identifying issues and opportunities and championing solutions that meet organisational objectives .

  • Viewing Situations from a Commercial Perspective: Assessing proposals from a commercial or business perspective including existing and potential markets, customers, and competition

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