This month we successfully placed another candidate with a long-time client!

This client has been working with us for many years now. Due to this long-term commitment, we are very familiar with their company culture/structure and their needs in the search for a new treasury team member. This familiarity makes it easier for us to decide if a candidate could thrive in this specific role and environment.

This time around it was a search for the permanent placement of a role that was filled on an interim basis by us before. Our interim candidate raised his hand to make a long-term commitment to the company and move from interim to permanent.

Understandably, our client wanted to speak with some additional candidates to be able to make sure they hired the best candidate for the job. We were able to present additional candidates within short notice, but in the end our interim candidate turned out to be the best match and got offered the job! This time on a permanent basis.

This is one of the reasons that long-term relationships with both clients and candidates are very important to us. Knowing our clients and candidates well, enables us to do our job better and make more successful matches!

Can I help you too in finding a perfect match? Feel free to get in touch.

In the last interview of this series, we feature Ana. She joined Treasurer Search during her graduation semester, driven by a passion for recruitment and marketing. Initially an intern, Ana conducted key research on our expansion into the German market. Now a full-time team member, she continues to bring enthusiasm and valuable insights to our team.

Read on to discover Ana’s journey, her contributions to our team’s success, and her vision for the future of Treasurer Search. Let’s get to know Ana!

Why did you decide to join Treasurer Search?

I was actively searching for an internship for my graduation semester when I stumbled upon Treasurer Search. Recruitment and recruitment marketing have always been of high interest to me, from my previous experiences, so I decided to apply. While my understanding of treasury was initially limited, I have been learning and am committed to continuing this journey.

From my very first interaction with the team at Treasurer Search, I felt incredibly welcomed, which made my decision to join an even better one.

You first joined us as an intern. During your internship, you conducted research for the company. Can you tell us about the focus of your research?

My research focused on Treasurer Search’s expansion into the German market. This involved understanding the German treasury recruitment landscape and identifying what clients expect from service providers like Treasurer Search. I have analyzed processes, competition, market trends and interviewed potential German clients.

I am very grateful to Pieter and Britta for using their network and helping me reach out to the interviewees. Based on all the findings, I have provided Treasurer Search with an overview and recommendations.

After your internship, you decided to stay. What made you choose to continue your journey with us?

I chose to officially start my professional career at Treasurer Search because I genuinely enjoy my work and believe we can achieve remarkable things together. The team has been very supportive throughout my internship, creating a highly enjoyable work environment. I see a lot of potential to learn about recruitment and expand my treasury knowledge.

The company’s openness to change allows me to try new things and grow. I can also use my marketing knowledge gained over the past four university years to drive our initiatives. The team’s dedication to both company goals and individual professional development was incredibly motivating. I felt valued and saw great potential for enhancing my skills, especially with exciting future projects.

What’s a challenge you faced during your internship and how did you handle it?

I wouldn’t say I faced many challenges during my internship, mainly due to the team’s eagerness to help and support. I had to familiarize myself with the systems and processes at Treasurer Search in the beginning and, treasury was a new field for me. But, through my work and the workshops organized by my colleagues, my knowledge has grown significantly. I’m eager to continue learning and developing within the team.

What are your goals for enhancing our company’s brand and reach?

My goal is to ensure Treasurer Search is one of the most prominent treasury recruitment agencies on the market from a marketing perspective, not only in the Netherlands and Germany but also in other countries. 

I see a future where Treasurer Search is omnipresent, making our work and reputation easily recognizable to both candidates and clients. I also aim to use the insights discovered through my graduation research paper to significantly boost our presence in the German market.

If there is one quote you would give others as advice, what would it be?

“Always stay curious and open to learning new things”

In the second interview of this series, we highlight Jace, the newest member of our office support team. With a background in administration and a genuine passion for his work, Jace plays an important role at Treasurer Search. Join us as we dive into his journey, his key responsibilities in keeping our database up to date, and what he loves most about his job.

Discover why Jace is such an important part of our team and how he helps ensure everything runs smoothly. Let’s explore Jace’s role!

How did you decide to join Treasurer Search in the role of office support?

I was looking for a job and had previously worked in administration, which I really enjoyed. While some might see data and administrative tasks as routine, I find them both calming and rewarding.

I especially love seeing a list of accounts get shorter as I update or add them to the system. It’s satisfying work. During my interview and since starting, the team has been very welcoming and supportive, which made the decision to join even easier.

What are your main responsibilities in your role as office support?

I mainly focus on updating candidates in our database. Keeping this information current is crucial for the consultants because they rely on these updates to find suitable candidates using filters. If something isn’t up to date, the filters won’t work correctly, then the consultants can’t do their job.

How do you ensure smooth day-to-day operations in our office?

First and foremost, I maintain clear communication with my colleagues. For example, if they need a specific candidate updated or added to the system, I prioritize that to ensure they can continue their work seamlessly.

Additionally, I manage several lists and statuses within the system, prioritizing the most important tasks of the day and methodically working through them.

What skills do you believe are crucial in your role?

Attention to detail is crucial because it’s easy to overlook small but important details. Being specific with information is essential.

Additionally, a bit of curiosity helps because I often encounter terms or acronyms I’m unfamiliar with. In such cases, I either research them or ask a colleague to ensure I tag candidates properly.

Can you describe a challenging situation you’ve managed and how you resolved it?

I haven’t faced many challenges yet since I haven’t been with Treasurer Search for long. The most challenging part was my first week, adapting to the company’s atmosphere, getting to know my colleagues, and learning a new system.

Workshops and support from colleagues have been incredibly helpful in overcoming these initial hurdles and applying what I learn to my daily tasks.

What aspect of your job do you enjoy the most?

I really enjoy the process of updating candidates. I find it calming to sit down with a podcast playing, compare our system’s information with LinkedIn, ensure all data is up to date, and correct any tags. It’s a task I find both relaxing and satisfying.

After the company’s own talent acquisition team searched for six months without success, the hiring manager finally tied the knot and contacted us. Shortly thereafter, the personal intake took place and we began the process of getting their stalled search back on track. 1 whole day after we received the signed contract, I was already able to present my first candidate.

A stroke of luck perhaps, … but still. The result of our ongoing endeavors is to grow our network and keep in close contact.

It was a candidate in the autumn of his career, with a heavier background than immediately needed. But the standard had been set. All subsequent candidates did not have what this candidate had. And thanks in part to the client’s open-mindedness and thoroughness, this candidate was able to start his new job last month.

To celebrate, we gifted him a coffee mug that reads ‘Listen to the Treasurer.’ He sent us a photo of himself working, proudly showing the mug—a very nice touch that added a personal connection to his success story!

Can I help you too in finding a perfect match? Feel free to get in touch.

If you’re a senior treasury or finance professional within the corporate environment today, we invite you to pause and ask yourself the following question:  Am I working “on” my business, or “in” it?

This may seem like a simple question, but the answer can make all the difference in your career as a treasurer or CFO.  But what exactly is the difference?

But what exactly is the difference?

The Difference Between Working “On” and “In” Your Business

Working ON your business means that you are focusing on the big picture and long-term vision — such as the strategic cash flow planning, for instance — that will take your business to the next level.

However, working IN your business means that you are simply fulfilling the day-to-day operations, or completing tasks that keep the business running, but not necessarily growing. Executing manual payments or preparing daily cash forecasts are good examples of this.

Our perspective – shaped through a combined 60+ years of experience in the industry – is that the treasurers and CFOs who have the largest impact are those that are able to frequently work ON their business, not in it. But of course, this does not mean that working IN the business is always wrong or less important.

We all know that organizations need productive employees working in the business also. In fact, working in the business is often how professionals best master the intricacies that make their organizations function.

Finding the Right Balance

But, there needs to be a strategic balance between the two.

Regardless of which position you may find yourself in today, we encourage you to spend time pondering the nature of your work, and how it is progressing under the current format. Consider what comprises a “good” or productive day in your role, and what constitutes a “bad” or unproductive day. What tasks or responsibilities come to mind?

It will likely not surprise you that many of the most successful financial executives – entrepreneurial or otherwise — find the most success by alternating between working “on” and “in” the business. This is ultimately what enables them to find the right mixture of productive, sustainable, and fulfilling work that also meets the company’s short-and-long-term needs.

Naturally, we understand that treasurers need to execute on various tasks that require working “in” the business for defined periods. However, if you are ALWAYS working in your business, and rarely have the time to work on it, you might never come to truly succeed in enhancing the status quo or building upon the current state. In other words, you need to prioritize finding time to work “on” the business in order to reduce the time you spend working “in” it. As the metaphor goes, you need to sharpen your saw before you begin cutting down the tree.

Conclusion

In the modern era of finance and treasury, one of the best ways to work on your business, not in it, is to outsource certain tasks to a specialist like TIS. Maintaining bank connections and bank account information or automating manual payments and forecasting workflows are examples of where this might make sense. Or, take a step back and think about your current role and team – either during an extended vacation or holiday. Evaluate whether you can delegate certain tasks to others – internal or external – who can perform them more efficiently or who have more bandwidth to accommodate them. This also frees up your time to focus on the big picture and strategic planning.

For practitioners who would like to learn more about achieving the right balance in their workload or would like to explore solutions for simplifying their existing structure, reach out to us. We would be happy to discuss further!

Co-Authors: Joerg Wiemer, Co-Founder of TIS & Pieter de Kiewit, Managing Director, Treasurer Search

Dennis is one of the newest recruitment consultants at Treasurer Search. With over 30 years of experience in banking and treasury, Dennis brings a lot of knowledge and a fresh perspective to the team. His extensive background helps him make well-informed matches for treasury professionals. Dennis is dedicated to professional growth and effective communication.

In this interview, he shares his career insights, approach to recruitment, and offers practical advice for those in the treasury field. Let’s get to know Dennis better!

How did you decide to join Treasurer Search as a recruitment consultant?

Reflecting on my professional history, I’ve been in banking and treasury for the last 30 years of which 15 years in the latter, 8 years in a permanent role, and 7 years in interim positions.  This gave me a diverse perspective on finance and treasury, as well as on the hiring processes within a company, but I lacked experience in recruitment. Having been on the other side of the table during interviews, I was curious about the recruitment process. I wanted to leverage my experience to better assess treasury professionals and make more accurate matches.

Pieter and I have known each other for years and had previously discussed this topic. After completing my last assignment, I reconsidered my next steps and reached out to Pieter. I chose Treasurer Search as they emphasize quality and making the right match. Quality over Quantity. After meeting the team in Venlo, I knew this was the right fit for me.

What excites you most about helping candidates find their ideal roles?

In my previous roles, I enjoyed seeing my team members develop. I believe in helping people grow, not just in their roles but also in their careers and personal lives. Here, I aim to add value by finding the right matches for both candidates and companies, ensuring mutual growth and development.

You have over 15 years of experience in Treasury. Tell us about your journey and how it has shaped your career.

I’m more of a doer than a learner. When I started in banking, I had no prior experience but learned on the job. Effective communication—understanding, listening, and interacting with people—is very important both internally and externally. I’ve always been the type of person that says, ‘I’ve never done this before, but I believe I can do it,’ and then just go for it. Whenever someone asked, ‘Dennis, can you do this?’, I would respond, ‘Let’s try it’. If I didn’t succeed, I’d pick myself up and try something else. I don’t want to look back when I retire and think, ‘I should have done that’.

So, I try to do different things, to make my life happy to get energy in things I do (also on a personal level), and to see what I like. Whether moving from banking to corporate treasury or taking on interim roles, I’ve always been willing to try and learn. My journey is about connecting the dots and trying new things.

What aspects of your treasury experience are you most excited to bring to our team?

Treasury experience for one, and if I look at the hard skills, the most important thing is not to be afraid. Just open a drawer, look at it, and try. And if you do not understand it, don’t be afraid to reach out for support and say “Hey, I have no clue what it is, can you explain it to me?”.

I encourage the team to be proactive, come up with ideas, and not be afraid to speak up. I always say, “Always hire people who are smarter than me”. That is my goal because there is a specialist there, they have great ideas, and they see things differently, so that’s what I want to bring to the team. Don’t be afraid, speak up, stand up, and come up with ideas.

What do you believe are your biggest strengths when it comes to building relationships with candidates and clients?

The way I communicate. I treat everyone with the same respect, no matter what position or profession they have. I think that is one of my strengths. I always try to understand and listen to people.  Be honest, be genuine, and be transparent with a touch of humor. 

What advice would you give to candidates looking to advance their careers in treasury?

Go for it! Absolutely!  Treasury is a niche but rewarding field where you’re connected to all parts of an organization. Find a mentor, ask for opportunities, and continually seek growth. Don’t stay in one place too long; each company offers different learning experiences.

For me, treasury is the best thing I have ever done. Although it is still a niche environment, treasury connects you with everyone within an organization. You’re not limited to one area; you interact with Accounts Payable, Account Receivables, Credit, IT, Legal, Banks, Auditors, HR, External Tool Providers, the CFO—everyone. It’s all about cash and fund flows, which ties everyone together.

My advice is to go for it and take some courses. More importantly, find someone within the organization, preferably within treasury, who can mentor you and be your sparring partner from whom you can learn.

What advice do you have for clients searching for their next treasury expert?

Align internally with HR and Talent Acquisition. Because treasury is a niche market, a specialized environment, and a sound working relationship is vital. The treasury director, the hiring manager, has the specific Treasury knowledge and insights, so it’s beneficial for this person to take a leading role in the hiring process. Effective communication is crucial; clearly define your goals and needs. And of course, reach out to Treasurer Search for expert assistance.

If there is one quote you would give others as advice, what would it be?

“If you do nothing, nothing will happen.”

Through my network, I came into contact with this family business. They were looking for a new treasurer, but it was a tough job: stuck between a rock and a hard place. After my first contact, it took a while before I was invited for an interview. Other agencies had already tried in vain to find the perfect candidate. As a result, I was already behind when I sat at the table.

“There you have another one who claims he can do it”. Still, I convinced them of our expertise and unique approach.

They gave us a chance and soon I was able to present several suitable candidates. Most of them went for interviews. Then, unexpectedly, a known contact person and treasurer from another company presented himself to me: a contact from the company itself. Surprised by his interest, I went to talk to him anyway. It turned out that he was the perfect candidate! And he is now the company’s new treasurer.

This case shows that sometimes you can find the best candidates in the most unexpected places. Through our unique approach and my extensive network, we helped this family business find the perfect treasurer for the future.

Can I help you too in finding a perfect match? Feel free to get in touch.

In our interview series, we are thrilled to introduce Antonio, our new Recruitment Consultant for Germany. With a strong background in psychology and a passion for understanding human behavior in the workplace, Antonio brings a unique perspective to our team.

Learn about his journey, insights into the recruitment process, and his approach to building meaningful relationships within the treasury community. Let’s kick off!

Can you tell us about yourself, your background, and your experiences?

My background is in psychology. I’ve always had a keen interest in human behavior and understanding why we do the things we do. That’s why I began studying psychology, focusing on the science of human behavior.

I quickly realized I didn’t want to pursue therapy or research, but rather apply psychology in a work setting. This led me to pursue a master’s in work organizational psychology.

What attracted you to a career in treasury recruitment, and what do you find most exciting about this field?

I wanted to work with humans in a professional context. As a psychologist, finding connections between seemingly unrelated elements is a key skill. This aligns perfectly with recruitment, where the goal is to find the ideal match between a candidate and a company.

What are the biggest differences between the Netherlands and Germany when it comes to candidates and clients?

The primary difference is formality. Germany is much more conservative in its approach and hierarchical structures. In the Netherlands, using first names is common and comfortable, but in Germany, I wouldn’t do that unless I was sure it was acceptable. 

Can you explain your approach to networking and relationship-building within the treasury community?

My approach is to ensure people understand that we are here to benefit them, not to sell or enforce anything. When I reach out, I emphasize mutual benefit. My goal is to help candidates find jobs they genuinely appreciate and to ensure they see our interaction as a positive and helpful experience.

What motivates you about recruitment?

I’m passionate about recruitment because it offers a unique opportunity to create a positive, impactful experience for candidates. I genuinely want to get to know candidates personally and present them accurately to clients. This thorough, personal approach ensures that both parties feel understood and satisfied with the recruitment process.

What do you believe are your biggest strengths when it comes to building relationships with candidates and clients?

Being German, I understand the culture and approach to business here. I’m thorough and a good listener, ensuring I fully understand and remember the details of each candidate’s profile. This attention to detail helps candidates feel valued and clients see the benefit of our thorough recruitment process.

What advice would you give to candidates looking to advance their careers in treasury?

While I don’t work in treasury directly, I know the recruitment process well. My top advice is to keep your LinkedIn profile up-to-date and thorough. Describe your roles, experiences, and a bit about yourself. A complete LinkedIn profile allows recruiters and employers to understand you better and connect you with relevant opportunities.

If there is one quote you would give others as advice, what would it be?

“Connect with as many people as you can; it can only be beneficial.”

Many times, I stood at this client’s front door before I was finally allowed in. Several fellow recruitment agencies had preceded me and failed, so I could understand their skepticism. However, after a good personal intake, I walked out with the assignment!

In parallel, I was in close contact with another client, where we have placed successfully several times. The contacts there are very good. One of their employees indicated internally that he was open to a new position that was unfortunately not available within the company, so he started searching the market. While he was open about his search, we were able to approach him and a few conversations later the contract could be signed.

We don’t give up on finding the right fit, and we cater to both companies seeking top talent and individuals searching for their dream job.

Feel free to contact us for advice on your recruitment process.

We are delighted to announce that Dennis Schmidt joined Team Treasurer Search on 1 May as a Recruitment Consultant.

Dennis worked for about 15 years with relevant banks like Bank Mendes Gans and Van Lanschot before transferring to the corporate side at New World Resources. He worked many years as a cash manager and corporate treasurer before becoming an interim treasurer. Many of his clients as an interim manager are the same as ours at Treasurer Search. Our contacts have always been frequent.

In parallel to his professional career, he led charity initiatives and is a very active member of the treasury community. He contributes to treasuryXL, visits treasury events regularly, and is one of the faces of the Platform Interim Treasury of the DACT. He lives with his family near Alkmaar, where he can train for long mountain bike tours.

Treasurer Search started about 15 years ago and we learned that the professional and personal drivers of treasurers are almost always different from those of recruiters. We are convinced Dennis is the exception and combines both. It is great that Dennis can learn from us about recruitment, a job for which there are many trainable skills. And of course, we can deepen our treasury expertise by learning from a colleague who has actually done the job himself.

In the first months in the team, Dennis will work closely with Ron for interim assignments and Kim & Pieter for permanent ones. Together we will use this time to define his market focus so he and the team can be most successful in supporting clients & candidates. We will keep you updated.

Last but not least, within Treasurer Search we have a very conscious approach on how we want to be as a team, both in connection with the non-working part of our lives as with quality standards and how we interact with each other. Keywords in this are fun, results, long-term, quality, ethical, professional and operate at eye level. We recognize these values in Dennis so are confident in all aspects he will be successful.

On behalf of Team Treasurer Search, welcome Dennis!