Connecting Talent in Treasury Consultancy: An Interview with Haia Aaraj

We continue our interview series and presenting Haia. She is one of our skilled recruitment consultants with a strong focus on consultancy roles. In this interview, she shares her journey since moving to the Netherlands, the challenges she had to overcome and what excites her about treasury recruitment. Let’s get to know Haia!


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

I have a bachelor’s degree in sociology and a technical diploma in management. I grew up and studied in Syria, where I started my career in recruitment in 2016. I completed an internship with the United Nations, and then worked at a medical centre in the recruitment department for a year, before relocating to Dubai. Worked there for 3 years at a corporate. I  was a corporate recruiter and then after 2 years I was promoted to recruitment manager During that time, I built the recruitment department, implemented an ATS, and hired a team.

In 2021, I relocated to the Netherlands. Before leaving Dubai, I trained my replacement while job hunting in the Netherlands. I moved to Venlo, and since it’s not a very international city, finding a job without speaking Dutch wasn’t easy. Luckily, Pieter gave me the chance to take on a new challenge, and because most people in treasury speak English, not knowing Dutch wasn’t a problem. I started as a recruitment consultant in February 2022, and it’s been going great so far.

How did you adapt to the transition from Syria to the Netherlands, both in your professional career and personal life?

On a personal level, the cultural differences were significant. The way people communicate and interact is very different, and the directness of Dutch society took some getting used to. However, it wasn’t impossible to adapt once I accepted that this is where I am, and I needed to adjust to be comfortable here. Thankfully, I was able to integrate fairly quickly.

When I started at Treasurer Search, everyone was Dutch, and I was the only foreigner. My colleagues played a big role in helping me integrate and adapt to the culture and society. Professionally, the transition was also challenging. The way you communicate and address people, especially seniors, is different in the Netherlands compared to the Middle East. It took some time to adjust, but overall, I’ve adapted well and I am happy.

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

From the start of my recruitment career, from my first internship, then working in a medical center followed by a corporate in Dubai, I’ve always been drawn to roles that are more challenging to fill. Whether it was hiring business analysts, developers, data scientists, or doctors, I enjoyed the challenge of finding the right talent for those specialized areas. Treasury recruitment is similar in that it’s not a field where you get hundreds of applicants. You have to do your research, connect with people, and really understand the industry. I find the mix of recruitment, treasury, and technology fascinating, and I embraced the challenge.

What is your specialty within the Treasurer Search team?

I primarily focus on recruiting juniors and mediors, as well as consultants. I work with consultancy partners and fintech companies because I find that mix of roles especially interesting.

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

With my background in sociology, I’ve always had an interest in personal and human connections. In recruitment, it’s not just about work—it’s about the people behind the CVs. Whatever happens at work affects your personal life, so the human aspect is very important. I always try to go beyond the standard interview by adding a personal touch, helping to build a connection and openness with the candidates as well as the clients. When people feel comfortable and connected, it leads to better communication, which is important when trying to find the right fit for both candidates and clients.

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

My advice to candidates is to continuously expand your technical knowledge and master the fundamentals of treasury. It’s also key to stay up to date with industry trends, especially in terms of new software and systems. If you haven’t worked with a treasury management system (TMS) yet, it’s worth investing time to familiarize yourself.

Professional certifications such as the ACT, CTP, or CFA can also significantly boost your career prospects. Continuous learning is key—never stop expanding your knowledge. And of course, focus on developing a strategic mindset, which is what differentiates treasury analysts from managers or directors.

What advice would you give to clients who are considering working with a recruitment agency?

It’s important for clients to work with recruiters who truly understand the field they’re hiring for. Treasury is a niche within a niche, and recruitment in this area requires specialized knowledge. That’s where agencies like Treasurer Search come in. Rather than receiving hundreds of generic CVs, clients get candidates that are on point and tailored to their needs.


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

“Growth begins at the edge of your comfort zone”

Meet The Treasurer Search Team

Treasury Consultancy: A Career Path Worth Pursuing

Discover the exciting world of treasury consultancy. Learn about the career's benefits, challenges, and growth opportunities. Find out if a career in treasury consultancy is right for you with insights from Treasurer Search.

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Read more about Treasury Consultancy: A Career Path Worth Pursuing