Treasury and Data Literacy: Opportunities for Contractors

Treasury has always been built on data, but its role in the function is shifting. Treasurers are no longer expected only to analyse figures, but to provide commercial insight and strategic advice. As organisations adopt more data-driven approaches, the volume and complexity of information available to treasurers has grown, along with the expectations of how it is used.

From what we hear in the market, advanced analytics and AI aren’t replacing the role of the treasurer. If anything, they’ve made it more important. For permanent teams, keeping up with these changes can be difficult given competing priorities and capacity restraints. For contractors, it creates an opportunity: those who are confident in data literacy and comfortable using modern treasury tools can step in quickly, add value, and stand out in a competitive interim market.

The growing role of data in treasury

As information flows accelerate, real-time forecasting, scenario modelling, and sharper risk insights are increasingly seen as standard. These developments don’t replace expertise; instead, they enhance it, allowing professionals to provide more forward-looking advice.

For contractors, this can be a real differentiator. Strong data literacy supports faster onboarding, greater independence, and the ability to deliver intuitive insights without relying heavily on wider teams. In interim assignments, where impact needs to be fast, this kind of skill set can make a meaningful difference.

What AI means for treasury contractors

AI and automation are increasingly present in treasury systems, from spotting anomalies to supporting forecasting. But they still rely on human judgment to interpret what matters. Contractors can work confidently with AI outputs, often gain more autonomy and are better able to advise stakeholders.

At the same time, AI introduces new considerations around data quality, governance, and security. Many treasury teams are still in the early stages of addressing these, which creates scope for contractors who can bring a mix of data fluency, systems know-how, and strong controls awareness.

The critical point is that AI doesn’t remove responsibility. It compresses time and improves visibility, but professional judgement is still required to separate signal from noise, test assumptions, and frame trade-offs for decision makers. Contractors who can do this are well placed to strengthen their reputation and broaden opportunities.

Why upskilling helps

For treasurers considering interim work, or already on the circuit, data literacy offers several advantages:

• Faster integration – confidence in tools and analytics helps contractors get up to speed quickly.
• Independence – the ability to work with data directly reduces reliance on other teams.
• Marketability – clients are actively looking for interim professionals who can combine treasury expertise with modern data skills.
• Career longevity – as treasury digitisation continues, these skills are only becoming more relevant.

Upskilling doesn’t mean becoming a data scientist. It means building familiarity with the systems and tools that are shaping treasury today, understanding how to interpret outputs, and being able to communicate insights clearly.

How to upskill in data literacy

Upskilling in data doesn’t require a technical background — it’s about building confidence with the tools and approaches shaping treasury today. Practical steps might include:

• Get comfortable with visualisation tools – platforms like Power BI or Tableau are increasingly common for presenting data in a clear, decision-ready format.
• Understand the basics of data handling – even light knowledge of Excel’s advanced functions, SQL, or Python can make working with large datasets easier.
• Explore treasury systems training – many TMS providers offer modules focused on analytics and reporting.
• Focus on governance and security – familiarity with data privacy standards and audit processes can set contractors apart.
• Showcase learning – highlighting data projects, completed training, or relevant certifications on CVs and LinkedIn demonstrates capability to potential clients.

For contractors, these steps don’t just expand technical skills — they build confidence, independence, and credibility in assignments where data plays a central role.

Where contractors can stand out

Treasury’s reliance on data is only increasing, and contractors who can demonstrate fluency in this area are well placed to secure assignments and build trusted relationships with clients. For treasurers considering interim work, investing in data literacy is a practical way to strengthen your profile, adapt quickly in new environments, and stay ahead as the function evolves.

At JSS, we partner with treasury professionals to match them with opportunities where their skills can make a real difference. If you’d like to explore contracting in more detail or talk through how your experience aligns with current market demand, connect with Jenny Gilmore from our Interim Treasury team.