Treasury Management Module (Intermediate) Interview Questions

Over the last few years, Treasury Management has changed dramatically. With the rise of cloud-based apps, not only has the regulatory and compliance landscape transformed but so has technology. In this case, the Treasury Management Module (Intermediate) certification is useful. It will confirm your knowledge of the field and offer you an advantage over other applicants.

However, it is not enough to pass the Treasury Management Module (Intermediate) exam. That is to say, to secure a suitable position in your ideal company, you will need to give multiple interviews. So, for your convenience, we’ve compiled a list of key questions that you might encounter during your interview. Let’s get started!Treasury Management Module (Intermediate) Interview Questions

You should be prepared to discuss your relevant strengths and weaknesses as well as explain why you think you’ll be a good fit for the organization. 

Advanced Interview Questions

What is Treasury Management and what are its objectives?

Treasury management refers to the process of managing an organization’s financial resources, including cash and investments, to meet the organization’s financial obligations and maximize its financial returns. It is the responsibility of the treasury department to manage an organization’s financial resources, including cash and investments, to meet the organization’s financial obligations and maximize its financial returns.

The objectives of Treasury Management are as follows:

1. Liquidity Management: Ensuring that the organization has enough cash available to meet its financial obligations, while avoiding excess cash that earns low returns.
2. Investment Management: Making investments in financial instruments to generate returns, while maintaining an acceptable level of risk.
3. Cash Flow Management: Forecasting future cash inflows and outflows and planning accordingly to ensure that the organization has sufficient funds available to meet its obligations.
4. Risk Management: Protecting the organization’s financial resources from potential risks, such as market volatility, interest rate changes, and currency fluctuations.
5. Compliance Management: Ensuring that the organization complies with all relevant financial regulations, such as banking laws and accounting standards.
6. Debt Management: Managing the organization’s debt obligations, including the timing and amount of debt payments and the issuance of new debt.

What are the different types of cash management systems and their differences?

Cash management is a crucial aspect of financial management in organizations as it involves the efficient handling of cash inflows and outflows to ensure adequate liquidity and stability of the organization. There are different types of cash management systems used by organizations to achieve their financial goals, which include:

1. Centralized Cash Management System: This system involves the centralization of cash management functions, where a single entity is responsible for managing the cash flows of the entire organization. This system is commonly used in large corporations where multiple branches and departments exist, and the centralization of cash management ensures that all transactions are recorded and monitored effectively.
2. Decentralized Cash Management System: This system involves delegating the responsibility of cash management to different departments or branches of an organization. Each department or branch is responsible for managing its own cash inflows and outflows, and the central entity is responsible for ensuring that the cash flows of each department are reconciled.
3. Automated Cash Management System: This system involves the use of technology to automate the cash management process, reducing the time and effort required to manage cash. Automated systems help to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and provide real-time information on cash positions and transactions.
4. Treasury Management System: This system is designed specifically for the treasury function within an organization, and is used to manage the organization’s financial risks and investments. The system provides a comprehensive view of an organization’s cash positions, liquidity, and investment portfolio, helping to optimize cash management strategies.
5. Online Cash Management System: This system involves the use of the internet to manage cash, making it easier for organizations to manage their cash positions, transfer funds, and make payments. This system is ideal for small businesses, as it eliminates the need for manual processing and reduces operational costs.

In conclusion, the different types of cash management systems are designed to meet the specific needs of organizations, and the choice of system will depend on the size, complexity, and specific requirements of an organization.

What is liquidity management and what are its key components?

Liquidity management refers to the process of ensuring that an organization has enough cash or assets that can be easily converted into cash to meet its short-term obligations. The main objective of liquidity management is to maintain an adequate level of cash or liquidity to ensure the smooth functioning of business operations, meet unexpected expenses and ensure the stability of the organization.

The key components of liquidity management are:

1. Cash forecasting: This involves projecting the organization’s future cash inflows and outflows based on its past performance and future plans. This helps organizations plan their cash balances and make arrangements to meet any potential cash shortages.
2. Working capital management: This involves managing the day-to-day operations of the organization to ensure that it has enough cash to meet its short-term obligations. This includes managing accounts payable, accounts receivable, and inventory levels to ensure the smooth functioning of business operations.
3. Short-term borrowing: Organizations may need to borrow funds in the short-term to meet their cash needs. This involves borrowing from banks or other financial institutions to ensure that the organization has the necessary liquidity.
4. Investment management: This involves managing the organization’s cash balances and investments to ensure that it has enough liquidity to meet its short-term obligations. Organizations can invest their excess cash in short-term securities such as Treasury bills, commercial papers or money market funds.
5. Risk management: This involves identifying, analyzing and mitigating the potential risks associated with liquidity management. This includes monitoring the interest rate environment, market conditions and the creditworthiness of counterparties to ensure that the organization is protected against potential liquidity risks.

In conclusion, liquidity management is an essential part of financial management, and its key components help organizations ensure that they have enough cash or assets that can be easily converted into cash to meet their short-term obligations. This helps organizations maintain stability, meet unexpected expenses and ensure the smooth functioning of their business operations.

Can you explain the concept of cash pooling?

Cash pooling is a treasury management technique that involves consolidating the cash balances of multiple bank accounts into a single, central account in order to achieve better cash management and optimize the utilization of cash resources. The main objective of cash pooling is to minimize the overall cost of cash management while maximizing the utilization of available funds.

Cash pooling can be divided into two main categories: internal cash pooling and external cash pooling. Internal cash pooling involves the consolidation of the cash balances of different entities within the same group or company. External cash pooling involves the consolidation of the cash balances of different entities in different countries or regions.

The benefits of cash pooling include improved cash management, lower cost of funds, improved return on surplus funds, reduced operational risk and improved visibility and control over the organization’s cash resources.

To achieve these benefits, cash pooling requires effective cash forecasting and efficient payment processes, as well as the ability to monitor and manage the central account and the underlying cash balances.

In conclusion, cash pooling is a valuable tool for organizations looking to improve their cash management and optimize the utilization of their cash resources. It requires a well-designed and properly executed strategy, as well as a sound understanding of the underlying cash management processes and the associated risks.

What is foreign exchange risk management and what are the different strategies to mitigate it?

Foreign exchange risk management refers to the practice of minimizing the potential impact of currency fluctuations on a company’s financial performance and cash flow. This type of risk arises when a company operates in multiple countries and deals in different currencies, making it vulnerable to changes in exchange rates. The fluctuations in exchange rates can cause an increase or decrease in the value of a company’s foreign-denominated assets or liabilities, which can negatively impact the company’s financial performance.

There are several strategies that companies can use to mitigate foreign exchange risk:

1. Hedging: This involves taking steps to reduce the impact of currency fluctuations by using financial instruments such as forwards, options, and swaps. Companies can enter into hedging contracts that lock in a specific exchange rate for a specific period of time, allowing them to minimize the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on their financial performance.
2. Diversification: By spreading their investments across a range of currencies, companies can reduce their exposure to any one currency and minimize the impact of fluctuations in that currency’s value.
3. Matching currencies: This involves aligning the currency of a company’s assets and liabilities to minimize the impact of exchange rate fluctuations. For example, a company with a large liability in one currency can offset it with an asset in the same currency to reduce the impact of exchange rate fluctuations.
4. Monitoring: Regularly monitoring exchange rates and making adjustments to a company’s financial positions can help to minimize the impact of currency fluctuations. Companies can also use financial forecasting tools to predict future exchange rates and adjust their positions accordingly.
5. Centralized treasury management: By centralizing the management of a company’s foreign exchange risk, companies can ensure that their risk management strategies are consistent across their operations and that they are in a better position to respond to changes in exchange rates.

In conclusion, foreign exchange risk management is an important aspect of managing a multinational company’s financial performance and cash flow. By using a combination of these strategies, companies can minimize the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on their financial performance and ensure stability and growth in their operations.

What are the benefits and risks associated with the use of derivatives in treasury management?

Derivatives are financial instruments that are derived from other underlying assets such as stocks, bonds, commodities, and currencies. They are used in various financial markets as a tool for managing risk and enhancing investment returns. In the context of treasury management, derivatives play a crucial role in mitigating risk and maximizing returns.

Benefits of using derivatives in treasury management include:

1. Risk Management: Derivatives are used to hedge against fluctuations in currency exchange rates, interest rates, and other financial market risks. This helps to reduce the overall exposure to risk and minimize the impact of unexpected events.
2. Cost-Effective: Derivatives allow for the transfer of risk to market participants who are more comfortable taking on that risk, reducing the cost of hedging for the treasury management function.
3. Improved Portfolio Returns: Derivatives can be used to increase returns through speculative strategies, allowing treasury managers to generate additional income from their portfolios.
4. Increased Flexibility: Derivatives provide a wide range of options for managing risk, including options, futures, swaps, and other financial instruments, which provide greater flexibility and choice in how to manage exposure to risk.

However, there are also risks associated with the use of derivatives in treasury management. These include:

1. Counterparty Risk: Counterparty risk refers to the risk that the counterparty to a derivative contract will not meet its obligations. This can result in significant financial losses if the counterparty defaults.
2. Market Risk: The value of derivatives is dependent on the underlying assets, and changes in market conditions can lead to significant losses.
3. Complexity: Derivatives are complex financial instruments, and there is a risk that treasury managers may not fully understand their underlying mechanisms, leading to potential losses.
4. Regulatory Risk: Derivatives are subject to increasing regulatory scrutiny, and there is a risk that regulatory changes may impact the value of derivatives and the ability to trade them effectively.

In conclusion, the use of derivatives in treasury management has the potential to offer significant benefits, but also carries a range of risks. Treasury managers must carefully assess these risks and benefits and implement effective risk management strategies to mitigate exposure to risk.

What is the purpose of financial forecasting and what factors influence the accuracy of forecasts?

Financial forecasting refers to the process of predicting future financial performance based on historical data and other relevant information. The purpose of financial forecasting is to help businesses, organizations, and individuals make informed decisions by providing a roadmap of what their future financial position might look like.

Financial forecasting provides organizations with a basis for making informed decisions, such as:

1. Investment decisions: By forecasting future cash flows and profitability, organizations can make informed decisions on how to allocate their resources and whether to invest in new projects or divest existing ones.
2. Budgeting and cost control: Financial forecasting is essential for creating accurate budgets and ensuring that organizations have enough resources to meet their obligations. It helps organizations plan their spending and minimize costs.
3. Risk management: By forecasting potential outcomes, organizations can identify potential risks and take steps to mitigate them. This includes identifying cash flow shortfalls, forecasting changes in market conditions, and predicting changes in demand for products and services.

The accuracy of financial forecasts is influenced by a variety of factors, including:

1. Historical data: The accuracy of financial forecasts depends on the quality and reliability of historical data. Data should be accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive to provide an accurate picture of past performance.
2. Economic conditions: The economy can have a significant impact on the accuracy of financial forecasts. For example, changes in interest rates, exchange rates, and inflation can affect an organization’s future financial performance.
3. Industry trends: Industry trends, such as changes in consumer behavior or technological advancements, can impact the accuracy of financial forecasts.
4. Market conditions: Market conditions, such as supply and demand, can also impact the accuracy of financial forecasts.
5. Forecasting method: The choice of forecasting method can impact the accuracy of financial forecasts. Some methods are more suited to short-term forecasting, while others are better suited to long-term forecasting.

In conclusion, financial forecasting is a crucial tool for organizations and individuals to make informed decisions. The accuracy of financial forecasts is influenced by a variety of factors, including historical data, economic conditions, industry trends, market conditions, and the choice of forecasting method.

What is the role of technology in treasury management and what are the most commonly used systems?

Technology plays a vital role in Treasury Management, as it allows organizations to streamline and automate various processes, minimize operational risks, and improve operational efficiency. The use of technology has enabled organizations to manage financial transactions, investments, and cash balances more effectively and efficiently.

The most commonly used systems in Treasury Management include:

Treasury Management Systems (TMS) – This is a software solution designed specifically for corporate treasurers. It provides a centralized platform for managing financial transactions, cash management, and risk management. TMS allows treasurers to view and analyze data from various sources, including banks and financial institutions, to make informed decisions.

Electronic Bank Reconciliation Systems – This software allows organizations to reconcile their bank accounts and detect any discrepancies in real-time. It also eliminates manual processes, reducing the risk of errors and increasing efficiency.

Electronic Invoice Presentment and Payment (EIPP) Systems – This software enables organizations to automate their invoice processing, from receipt to payment. EIPP systems reduce manual processes, increase efficiency, and provide real-time visibility into the status of invoices and payments.

Payment Management Systems – This software automates payment processing, reducing the risk of errors and increasing efficiency. It also provides real-time visibility into payment status, reducing the risk of late payments and ensuring compliance with payment deadlines.

Risk Management Systems – This software enables organizations to monitor and manage various types of financial risks, such as market risk, liquidity risk, and credit risk. It provides real-time visibility into potential risks, allowing organizations to make informed decisions.

These are some of the most commonly used systems in Treasury Management. The choice of technology depends on the size and complexity of an organization, as well as the specific needs and requirements of its treasury function.

What is the importance of compliance and regulatory requirements in treasury management?

Compliance and regulatory requirements play a crucial role in treasury management as they serve as a set of rules and standards that must be followed by financial institutions, corporations and government entities. The main objective of compliance and regulatory requirements is to protect the rights of investors, customers and stakeholders by ensuring that the financial system operates in a fair, transparent and stable manner.

Here are some of the important reasons why compliance and regulatory requirements are crucial in treasury management:

1. Protecting Investors and Customers: Compliance and regulatory requirements are designed to protect the interests of investors and customers. By following these requirements, treasury management ensures that the financial system is fair, transparent and stable and that customer data is protected.
2. Reducing Financial Risks: Compliance and regulatory requirements help to mitigate financial risks by establishing rules and guidelines for financial institutions to follow. This helps to prevent fraud, embezzlement and other financial crimes, and also helps to reduce the risk of financial losses.
3. Maintaining the Integrity of the Financial System: Compliance and regulatory requirements help to maintain the integrity of the financial system by ensuring that financial institutions follow ethical practices and do not engage in unethical or illegal activities. This helps to build trust and confidence in the financial system and to maintain its stability.
4. Ensuring the Adequacy of Capital: Compliance and regulatory requirements help to ensure that financial institutions have adequate capital to support their operations. This helps to reduce the risk of insolvency and to ensure the stability of the financial system.
5. Ensuring Market Transparency: Compliance and regulatory requirements help to ensure market transparency by requiring financial institutions to report their financial information to regulators and to the public. This helps to increase the transparency of the financial system and to promote fair competition.

In conclusion, compliance and regulatory requirements play a crucial role in treasury management by helping to protect the interests of investors, customers and stakeholders, reducing financial risks, maintaining the integrity of the financial system, ensuring the adequacy of capital and ensuring market transparency.

How does the management of short-term investments differ from the management of long-term investments in a treasury context?

Short-term investments are investments that have a maturity period of less than one year. They are made with the objective of preserving capital, generating cash flows, and reducing liquidity risk. The management of short-term investments focuses on the following:

1. Liquidity: The primary objective of short-term investments is to maintain liquidity and ensure that the funds are available when needed. This means that short-term investments are made in highly liquid assets, such as money market funds, certificates of deposit (CDs), or commercial paper.
2. Safety: Safety is a critical consideration when managing short-term investments. Treasury managers aim to minimize risk by investing in assets that are issued by high-quality, credit-worthy issuers.
3. Yield: Treasury managers aim to maximize the yield on short-term investments, subject to the liquidity and safety constraints. This may involve investing in assets that offer a higher yield, such as CDs or commercial paper, or investing in money market funds that offer a higher yield than cash.

Long-term investments, on the other hand, are investments that have a maturity period of more than one year. They are made with the objective of generating returns and capital appreciation over the long term. The management of long-term investments focuses on the following:

1. Return: The primary objective of long-term investments is to generate returns and capital appreciation over the long term. This may involve investing in equities, bonds, or other assets that offer the potential for long-term returns.
2. Risk: The risk associated with long-term investments is higher than that of short-term investments, as the value of the investments may fluctuate over time. Treasury managers aim to minimize risk by investing in assets that are issued by high-quality, credit-worthy issuers and diversifying the investment portfolio.
3. Diversification: Diversification is a critical consideration when managing long-term investments. Treasury managers aim to diversify the investment portfolio by investing in a range of assets, including equities, bonds, and alternative investments, to minimize the risk associated with any one investment.

In conclusion, the management of short-term investments and long-term investments differ in terms of their objectives, investment strategies, and risk management considerations. Treasury managers must balance the need for liquidity, safety, yield, return, and risk when managing short-term investments, and return, risk, and diversification when managing long-term investments.

Basic Interview Questions

1. What do you understand about treasure management?

Treasury management refers to the methods used by an organization to manage cash, cash equivalents, and other forms of liquid capital. This can include foreign-exchange trading, short- and long-term investing, hedging, and treasury bond issuance.

2. What according to you is the key goal of treasure management?

Treasury management is concerned with the efficient management of cash assets. Its purpose is to make the most of your available cash while minimising interest costs and allowing you to access funds in an emergency.

3. Mention the two main areas of treasure management?

When evaluating a country’s treasury, it is important to examine its financial and institutional efficiency.

4. Can you highlight the categories of treasury management?

Typically there are seven categories: 

• Liquidity management.
• Fraud.
• Receivables.
• Information.
• Disbursements.
• FX risk management.
• Digital treasury services.

5. What expertise do you possess in posting deposits, maintaining financial records, and reconciling bank accounts?

I started out working with The Loan Company two years ago. Since then, I have posted deposits and bank reconciliations into the loan company’s accounting system. I also write accounts payable invoices and print checks for our clients.

In case you don’t have experience: I’m new to this kind of work but interested in learning. I’ll do my best to try to understand what you need and learn the procedures for getting tasks done.

6. What is your way of ensuring the security and privacy of confidential information?

I’ve always taken extreme caution and maintained strict confidentiality. I am capable of keeping all information private and can be trusted with the most sensitive information at any moment.

7. In order to avoid any potential errors in the firm’s accounting practices, what steps must be undertaken?

Regardless of your education, experience, or background, accounting practices are critical skills in business. I perform spot-checks myself to remove any uncertainty in our work and ensure we are meeting the highest standards. I also employ an outside audit company once a year to examine our processes and identify potential improvements.

8. How will you describe liquidity to a lay man, without any finance background?

The simplest way to define liquidity is the ease with which it may be converted into cash. I try to explain complex procedures in simple terms to folks who are unfamiliar with the financial world. I could, for example, discuss how liquidity affects access to funds, time frames, and authority. Individuals have the liberty to run their own businesses as they see fit under antitrust law. It also puts a stop to corporate rivalries.

9. When you are required to raise the company’s capital, what methods will you employ?

There are a number of different avenues you can take to raise cash for your company. The approach you choose depends on the reason you need funding and what you’re going to use the money for. A business can be funded in a variety of different ways, including bank loans, investors, using your own equity, and more. 

If the money is to be used to cover operational expenses, I would prefer to get a short-term loan. If the money is being used to expand our operations, or for new purchases or investments, then I look at long-term debt or issuing shares in the company (equity).

10. How do you go about managing risks related to interest rates?

Interest rate risk is the risk that interest rates will change, increasing your financing costs. There is no single way to manage interest rate risk. You can diversify into investments with different duration options, hedge your interest rate exposure by trading off shorter-term debt for long-term debt or interest rate swap agreements, and use financial instruments with fixed interest rates to balance your holdings. You can also apply leverage to your portfolio, borrowing some of the equity you already have in order to increase your investments

11. Tell me which financial management software you use? Why do you prefer it over others?

Quicken has been my favorite finance management tool for over a decade. I like it because it’s easy to use and I can make use of it to perform all kinds of financial transactions, right from my own home or office. It allows me to back up everything so that I don’t lose anything critical, and it also allows me to exchange data with my accountant or other financial experts if I have any questions.

12. Have you faced a time when you had problems while enforcing a financial regulation?

From my experience, without fail the quiet period before a company’s financial reporting is the most challenging time of year for compliance departments. Investors and analysts are discussing the data and have begun to ask questions – both within and publicly.

This was very unprofessional and jeopardized the firm’s reputation with its clients. We held a meeting to help everyone understand how their speaking habits can be interpreted by consumers, in order to avoid any potential misunderstanding. Casual chit-chat regarding the company’s market results vanished totally after they learned their remarks travelled much further than they previously anticipated.

13. Tell me about your experience in managing risk? What would have you done in hindsight?

From arming the board with financial projections to reviewing and approving every large expenditure, my main responsibility is managing risk. I do this by working with the team on minimizing tax and regulatory exposure, ensuring that our investments are working effectively and efficiently, and isolating the company from external impacts.

14. Have you had any experience with investment funds? If so, what types?

I’m passionate about identifying new sources of capital for the company. When considering an investment fund, I look at factors beyond just the business’s profitability, including management’s philosophy and how they plan to succeed in the long run. To me, business is about more than just making money—the people who work there are counting on me to make a smart decision.

15. What financial policies have you implemented in your previous job? What result did you get?

When private equity firms took over other companies, I remembered the challenges that arose. They couldn’t focus on the company’s day-to-day operations since they were focused on recouping their investment. They were unable to create chances for the company’s growth as a result of this.

I did not want to be in that position with this company, so I was strict on how we used private equity. The leadership team was surprised by my directive, but once I explained my reasons for insisting on this, they understood the rationale behind it. I presented my reasons, including the fact that we used other resources much more efficiently. Once they understood the logic, they implemented my plan.

16. How will you explain the term liquidity risk management to a layman?

Liquidity risk refers to nothing but how a bank’s inability to meet its obligations (whether real or perceived) threatens its financial position or existence. Mostly all decent Institutions handle the management of their liquidity risk through efficient asset-liability management (ALM). They do this by first identifying and then accurately measuring the liquidity risks inherent in their business. This is because many liquidity challenges are not observable and therefore must be identified and measured internally.

17. While measuring the interest rate risk, what info do you require?

Interest rate risk is the possibility that interest rates may rise before a bond’s maturity date and cause a loss if the investor needs to sell it earlier. Short-term debt instruments are more price sensitive to interest rate movements than longer-term debt securities. Diversification and hedging are two ways for reducing fiduciary risk.

18. What according to you is the most crucial aspect of a healthy investment?

The keys to successful investing include prudence and safety, planning for the future, and identifying the finest prospects for profit. And it is the long-term consideration that is most important.

19. Tell me what do you understand by the term hedging?

Hedging, by definition, is a risk management strategy designed to help investors mitigate volatility and exposure related to the underlying asset class. It is typically accomplished in the form of futures, options, or other derivatives. Hedging is extremely important for people that invest in the stock market. They can protect their investments from a bear market by using derivatives to stabilize their portfolios.

20. How will you issue debt and when?

Raising capital for a firm is a complicated process. Issuing debt is one of the most common methods of raising capital. A company issues debt when it needs to raise capital and doesn’t have the cash on hand. The board documents each reason for issuing the debt, and then the decision is usually sent to the banks and the underwriters.

21. Tell me what will be your management style as a Treasury Manager?

In my experience working in teams, I’ve found that delegation is a critical element of team growth. Ideally, each team member should be empowered to take on their role and responsibility regardless of rank in the hierarchy. As a leader, it’s important to recognize when an individual’s limitations fall outside their established objectives and respond with timely feedback tailored to advance their personal development. We can keep doing what we’re doing properly if we get feedback. It also reveals areas where we can improve, allowing us to make things even better.

22. What previous experience do you have, specifically in relation to this job?

I have a very positive outlook on life and while I may not have direct experience in the position, I feel my ability to help team members and cooperate with others is valuable. I have always been focused on customer service and ensuring that I work to perfection. If there was ever a problem, I knew what needed to be done to help resolve it. If a customer had a concern, I knew how to address it right away.

23. We are a technology company, and our field is always changing. As such, we expect you to grow with it. In the past year, what have you done to build your knowledge base?

I am a dedicated, self-motivated guy that is driven to achieve and make a positive impact in any position I hold. I enjoy working as part of a group, but I also enjoy working independently. Furthermore, I am dedicated to perfection in all that I do and aim to achieve exceptional results. I intend to put my newfound talents and knowledge to good use. I’m a detail-oriented person who relies on my strong work ethic to complete tasks.

24. Tell me about yourself

While some people may be tempted to give a memorized answer to this question, they should keep in mind that while the question may appear to be an invitation to discuss their life narrative, the interviewer is only interested in hearing about the most pertinent details. The person doing the interview has a job to do as well – respect his/her time. Unless you are asked about something specific, talk about your education, your work history, hobbies, and outside interests that are relatable, as well as your current situation. Quickly tell a linear story about them (chronologically) and move up to the present.

25. Where do you see yourself in five years from now? 

Your interviewer wants to know what your career and growth goals are. This will give you some time to think through your answer, but don’t overthink it. Speak from the heart, and tell them a bit about your goals and ambitions, but also be sure to show that you have taken into account the needs of the company.

26. What’s your biggest weakness? 

This is an opportunity to reflect on a negative aspect of yourself in a positive light. ‘I’m too hard on myself and don’t always give myself enough credit,’ for example, permits you to be open, honest, and vulnerable. This will startle the interviewer and give them a more positive impression of you than if you had just stated, “I’m disorganised.”

27. What are your greatest strengths? 

This question gives you an opportunity to talk about how great your strengths are, but remember that the goal is to show how your skills and knowledge can benefit the employer and demonstrate why you’re a good fit for the job. Adding in your job description that you are an excellent “team player” when you largely work alone suddenly becomes irrelevant to the employer and demonstrates a genuine lack of self-awareness. Additionally, present your strengths with confidence – this isn’t the time to be modest.

28. Why should we hire you?

An easy question to give a good answer. However, you shouldn’t criticize other applicants. Focus on your own strengths and if the interviewer hasn’t given you an opportunity to mention that one quality about yourself, now would be the time. In short, elaborate on what you have done to make you a good employee and how you will contribute to and benefit the company.

29. You don’t have to give any details – but why are you leaving your last job?

While many individuals are looking for a new job as a means of increasing their salary, if you’re not paid well enough at your last job, that could become a problem. After all, why would you stay if you found you could make more down the street? If you’re leaving of your own accord, describe what you’ve learned and the types of challenges you want to try.

If your current employer is downsizing, I know it can be difficult to remain positive. However, if you were fired for cause, you should be ready to explain briefly. It may be tempting to make excuses or bring up negative things about your employer, but any experienced employer understands things sometimes happen. Be positive!

30. Do you have any questions?

When you ask questions, you demonstrate initiative and show that you care enough about this job to do some research. Try to focus your questions on areas where you can be an asset. Other questions may be more direct, including productivity, expectations, training, and other logistics. In general, try to limit the number of questions to no more than three or four.

Signing off…

Rather than being viewed as a cost centre, Treasury has increasingly become a strategic business aspect across all aspects of the organisation, giving value to the operating divisions of a firm. The Treasury Management Module (Intermediate) certification is the frosting on the cake, and it will assist confirm your treasury management competence.

So get yourself prepared to pass the exam, with our numerous Treasury Management Module (Intermediate) Practice tests, designed by subject experts, for free!!