Do you find your communications skills useful in the world of treasury?

Definitely. Treasury is a discipline that requires both quantitative (hard) skills and qualitative (soft) skills. On the technical side, you need to analyse liquidity and manage the financial risks. But equally important is the ability to communicate, negotiate and build trust with stakeholders like our banking partners. So having a background in communications is helpful for that.

Is it more important to have a defined career plan or to be open and flexible?

When it comes to career growth, I believe it’s important to stay open and flexible. Taking on new roles and responsibilities – even those that don’t seem directly aligned with your current path – can lead to unexpected opportunities. You never know which doors might open as a result. That’s why I think there’s real value in going with the flow at times, rather than being fixated on a single trajectory.

What advice would you offer to women in terms of establishing and developing a career?

I would say mentorship and sponsorship are very critical. Seek out mentors who can guide you, and sponsors who can advocate for your advancement. I’ve also come to realise that strategic networking is very important when it comes to building the right connections.

What experience do you have of being a mentor or a mentee?

I’ve experienced mentorship from both sides, and I found it invaluable to have a safe space where I could share ideas and gain perspectives. Last year, I took part in a nine-month leadership programme – the Singapore Leaders Network Fellowship. As part of this programme, I was paired with a CFO who has worked across the US, Europe and Asia, which gave me a unique appreciation of her global outlook. I now serve as a mentor for the NUS Women in Business Mentorship Programme, where I am able to share my experience and career advice with the students, supporting them as they explore their aspirations and prepare for the next stage of their professional journey.

What can women do to make their voices heard within the organisation?

I’ve often discussed with my mentor how important it is for women to make their voices heard within the organisation. It’s not always just about excelling in your core responsibilities – taking part in community projects and networks can also raise your visibility and create new opportunities. I am currently the chairperson of the SATS Network of Women. My hope is that we can build a strong, supportive community that empowers women across the organisation.

What is your motto in life or your greatest inspiration?

I don’t live by a single motto, but each day I strive to stay true to my values, remain authentic to myself, and act with fairness in everything I do.

“I would say mentorship and sponsorship are very critical. Seek out mentors who can guide you, and sponsors who can advocate for your advancement.”

The road less travelled

While no two treasury careers are alike, it’s fair to say that some routes are more common than others. But as Jinny Goh explains, her path to the role of Group Treasurer of SATS Ltd has been particularly unusual: at the beginning of her career, she originally had her sights set on a future in corporate communications.

“Fresh out of university, I was a corporate communications professional with a company listed on the Singapore Exchange, supporting on communications activities, events, annual reports and investor relations activities,” she explains. “I did that for around five years, before relocating to the US for two years due to family commitments.”

During that time, her employer sponsored her through a full-time MBA with the John Hopkins University in Washington, DC Then, when Jinny moved back to Singapore, she returned to her employer with a different career route in mind.

“I’d never had any finance experience before that, but I told my boss I wanted to try something finance-related to see if it was suitable for me,” she says. “So that was when I first ventured into the world of treasury.”

Initially, Jinny was tasked with a project financing role, which involved working with banks and lawyers to raise funding. “After that project, I realised I liked the experience of structuring debt and asked to transition into a treasury role. Since then, I’ve always been in corporate treasury.”

In 2022, Jinny joined SATS Ltd, one of the world’s largest air cargo handlers and Asia’s leading airline caterer. The company operates in over 27 countries, with around 55,000 employees, and has been listed on the Singapore Exchange (SGX) since May 2000.

SATS’ treasury team currently includes a team of five based in Singapore. She is also supported by teams in the US and Europe. As Group Treasurer, Jinny oversees all aspects of corporate funding, liquidity, debt management, FX management, treasury policy and banking relationships, as well as managing the credit rating for the group.

“Looking back, I realise that we shouldn’t be afraid to step into bigger shoes when the opportunity arises.”

Seizing opportunities

Reflecting on her career so far, Jinny says there are two moments that stand out as significant progressions.

“The first moment was saying yes to my first head of treasury role when I didn’t think I was ready – not least because I didn’t start off doing treasury,” she says. “But I took the leap, and I learned so much on the job.

“Looking back, I realise that we shouldn’t be afraid to step into bigger shoes when the opportunity arises. If your boss thinks you are ready, you should give them the benefit of the doubt and trust their instinct, even if you may not feel you are ready.”

Jinny’s second pivotal moment came when she was appointed to her current role as Group Treasurer of SATS. When she joined the company, it had recently announced the acquisition of Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), to become one of the world’s largest air cargo handlers. “I had to change my mindset from being a regional treasurer to become a global treasurer,” she says.

Following her appointment, Jinny faced a major challenge in supporting the acquisition by raising S$1.8bn. She was also subsequently involved in various capital and liability management initiatives as part of acquisition integration. “All of these involved navigating some difficult financial negotiations in a challenging market and collaborating across teams to ensure the success of the transactions,” she recalls.

Looking ahead, Jinny says her focus in 2026 is on elevating the group’s cash management practices and optimising liquidity at the global level. “My long-term vision is to transform and build a global treasury operating model for SATS – one that not only supports business today but also empowers it to thrive in the future,” she concludes.