GISA Spring Election 2024: Candidate Profiles – Treasurer (2)

In conversation with Anthony Toscano, MINT 1st year.

Q. Why do you think you are the best candidate for the role of Treasurer?

I believe I am the best candidate for the role of Treasurer due to my comprehensive background in accounting and my hands-on experience in financial management. During my academic journey in International Business Management, I deepened my understanding of various accounting standards and financial practices. Professionally, I have been involved in presenting financial statements and journalize transactions at Mazars Geneva (an international accounting firm). Additionally, my role as Treasurer and Vice President within the PDC has honed my skills in managing funds transparently and effectively, making me well-prepared to handle GISA’s financial responsibilities.

Q. How will your experiences as a student at the Institute shape your approach to the role of Treasurer?

As an IHEID student, Treasurer and Vice-President of the PDC, I recognise the critical importance of effective financial management. It serves as the foundational support for the 36 initiatives, allowing them to fully express their potential throughout the academic year, with resultant benefits accruing to every student at IHEID. This first year at the Institute has afforded me invaluable professional experience. I began my tenure as PDC Treasurer in the first semester and became as well Vice-President in the second one. I do understand the significant responsibilities attached to the GISA Treasurer position, and I am confident in my ability to drive continuous improvement.

Q. What other experience do you have that you believe qualifies you for the role of Treasurer?

My experience as a treasurer and Vice-President within the PDC has sharpened my financial management skills and significantly enhanced my ability to foster key partnerships. A standout aspect of my tenure was my proactive approach to extending our network across the French-speaking region of Switzerland. I successfully led outreach sessions and conducted negotiations that brought in numerous new collaborators. These efforts were instrumental in organizing several unprecedented events such as the ‘PDC Giveaways.’ By leveraging my deep understanding of local business landscapes, I secured advantageous collaborations that reduced costs and broadened the impact and reach of our events. This experience is directly applicable to the role of GISA Treasurer, where my ability to engage and secure strategic partners will be vital in supporting the diverse initiatives under GISA and enhancing the overall student experience at IHEID.

Q. If elected, what would be your primary goal as Treasurer?

By September 2024:

• Strategic Funding Increases (outreach for long-term partnerships that all initiatives can benefit).
• Overview of all current accounting documentation in GISA.
• Ensure a smooth transition of current successful practices.

During the entire year 2024-2025:

• Efficient and Timely Reimbursement Process.
• Create a new channel for initiatives to foster collaboration among them.
• Training and Support for Budget Holders.

Check the GISA Election platform for further details on each point!

Q. If chosen as Treasurer, how would you decide what events or projects to spend the organization’s money on? How would you make sure members agree with how the money is used?

Decision-making for funding events or projects will be based on strategic alignment with GISA’s objectives, expected impact, and input from the student body and the current GISA’s Treasurer. I will work to establish a participatory budgeting process where input from various stakeholders is actively sought and considered. I believe the transition phase with the current Treasurer is essential for ensuring continuous improvement and optimization of the available budget. Additionally, I will ensure regular financial reports and open forums to discuss budget allocations are available, so all members are involved in and agree with the financial decisions being made.

Q. How would you ensure accurate and up-to-date record keeping of the organization’s financial transactions and account balances? What processes would you put in place to maintain organized documentation?

My mandate as GISA Treasurer is to ensure accurate and up-to-date records by journalizing all transactions weekly. I will meticulously ensure that the accounting journalizing and reimbursement procedures adhere to GISA’s financial standards. The transition phase with the current Treasurer will provide me with a comprehensive understanding of the organization of the existing documents and allow me to assess and refine practices for greater efficiency. Drawing on the professional standards I adhered to during my time at Mazars Geneva, I aim to maintain clear documentation. As mentioned, I am committed to reviewing all current documentation at the beginning of my mandate to identify and implement optimizations by September.

I believe the expertise I have acquired throughout my journey can significantly benefit many initiatives by developing and enhancing documentation to ensure accurate and up-to-date record keeping of the organization’s financial transactions and account balances. Therefore, I plan to conduct training for treasurers to share my academic knowledge and professional practices. This will help develop and optimize the accounting documentation for each initiative – not only for GISA – ensuring optimal financial effectiveness across boards.

Voting for the 2024 Spring Semester GISA Elections will open on Friday, May 3rd, at 17:00, when students will receive the online voting form, and remain open for 48 hours until Sunday, May 5th, at 17:00, with the results announced on May 6th at 10:00. The winner will be declared by a plurality of votes, requiring the winner to have the largest vote share among the other candidates, official abstentions, and write in candidates. Best wishes to all the candidates from the TGP Editorial Board!

Photo provided by Anthony Toscano