Treasurer Career Guide

What is a treasurer?

A treasurer is a key executive tasked with overseeing the management and reporting of an organization’s finances. Treasurers play a vital role in a company’s financial health, as they strategize and manage the company’s budgets, investments, and other monetary transactions. They are often responsible for strategic financial planning, risk management, and optimal utilization of cash and assets.

The treasurer’s role is vital to ensure that the company’s financial operations are conducted effectively and that financial risks are mitigated. They contribute significantly to the company’s overall financial strategy, planning, and results – participating in important financial decisions as part of the executive management team.

Duties and responsibilities

A treasurer’s core responsibility is overseeing an organization’s financial activities, which includes managing investments, monitoring cash flow, and developing policies. They often play a pivotal role in strategic financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, ensuring the organization operates within its means and aligns its financial resources with strategic goals.

Treasurers also liaise with external stakeholders, such as banks, investors, auditors, and regulatory bodies, to ensure compliance with financial regulations and best practices. They may also be involved in risk management, including assessing risks and devising mitigation strategies.

Work environment

Treasurers work in office environments, typically within an organization’s finance or executive department. They often work closely with other financial officers, executive management, and a board of directors. The role requires strong analytical abilities, strategic thinking, and a solid understanding of financial markets and corporate finance.

The work can be high-pressure, particularly during budgeting, financial audits, or periods of financial uncertainty. However, treasurers can contribute significantly to an organization’s financial strategy and long-term success.

Typical work hours

Treasurers generally work full-time during regular business hours. However, the role may require additional hours, particularly during budgeting preparation, end-of-year financial reporting, or periods of instability. Despite the potential for demanding hours, being a treasurer is a rewarding career path for those interested in strategic financial management and corporate leadership.

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How to become a treasurer

Becoming a treasurer requires a blend of formal education in finance or a related field, considerable financial management experience, and strong leadership skills. This career guide section covers the steps you’ll need to take to become a treasurer:

Step 1: Obtain a bachelor’s degree

The journey toward becoming a treasurer starts with earning a bachelor’s degree. Commonly pursued degrees include finance, economics, accounting, or business administration. These programs provide the foundational knowledge of financial principles necessary for the role.

Step 2: Gain relevant work experience

After graduation, garner relevant work experience in finance or treasury roles. Positions like financial analyst, accountant, or treasury analyst provide opportunities to gain practical experience in financial management, budgeting, financial planning, and risk assessment.

Step 3: Pursue advanced education or professional certification

While not always a requirement, many aspiring treasurers opt for advanced education, such as a master’s in business administration (MBA) or a master’s in finance. Professional certifications like the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) can also enhance professional standing and credibility.

Step 4: Develop skills and take online courses

Treasurers occupy a strategic role, requiring financial skills and leadership capabilities. You’ll need to demonstrate the ability to lead teams, make strategic decisions, and effectively communicate financial strategies and implications to other executives and stakeholders. Consider courses or workshops to enhance these skills and advance your career. 

Here is a sample of some of the options available for continuing education:

• Essentials of Corporate Finance Specialization
• A high-level introduction to Corporate Treasury Management
• Financial Markets and Treasury Instruments
• Fundamental Concepts in Treasury and Risk Management

Step 5: Gain experience in a senior financial role

Before becoming a treasurer, you’ll likely need to serve in a senior financial role, such as a finance director, chief financial officer (CFO), or treasury manager. These roles can provide the necessary experience in managing financial operations at a high level, including managing a team, strategic planning, and interfacing with executive management and board members.

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How much do treasurers make?

The salary of a treasurer can vary significantly depending on several factors, including the size and industry of the organization, geographical location, level of experience, and educational background. Treasurers working in large corporations or industries with complex financial operations often earn more than their counterparts in smaller organizations.

Experience plays a significant role in determining a treasurer’s salary. Those with several years of experience in finance or treasury roles, with a proven track record of managing risks and improving financial efficiency, typically command higher salaries.

Geographical location is another factor that can affect pay, as treasurers in areas with a higher cost of living or a high concentration of corporate headquarters, such as major metropolitan areas, will typically earn more.

Browse treasurer salary data by market

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Types of treasurers

Treasurers are typically senior financial executives responsible for managing an organization’s finances, including investments, capital structure, and financial risks. Specific responsibilities can vary widely, and specializations within this profession have emerged. This career guide section will explore the different types of treasurers, highlighting their unique responsibilities and roles. 

Corporate treasurer

A corporate treasurer oversees a corporation’s financial affairs, including investments, liquidity, and risk management. As part of the strategic planning process and corporate finance decision-making, they may also have to handle mergers and acquisitions.

Government treasurer

Government entities can range from small towns to large states or national governments. Treasurers in this specialty handle tax revenues, oversee public spending, manage public debt, and ensure financial transparency and compliance with financial regulations.

Non-profit treasurer

Non-profit treasurers manage the financial affairs of non-profit organizations, which includes managing donations and grants, overseeing spending, and ensuring the organization’s finances align with its mission and legal requirements. They often present financial reports to the organization’s board and stakeholders.

School treasurer

Various regulations govern school districts and higher education institutions. Treasurers handle the budget, oversee spending, manage funds from different sources (such as government funding, tuition fees, and donations), and ensure compliance.

Bank treasurer

Managing the bank’s liquidity, investments, and capital, as well as assessing interest rates and currency risk, are the responsibilities of the bank treasurer. They also play a role in strategic planning and complying with banking regulations.

Club treasurer

Club treasurers manage the finances of a club or small voluntary organization, collecting membership fees, managing the club’s bank account, tracking spending, and preparing financial reports. The role can often be done voluntarily or part-time.

Investment treasurer

Corporations, government entities, and non-profit organizations often have investment portfolios. Investment treasurers determine investment strategies, choose investment products, monitor the portfolio’s performance, and manage risks.

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Top skills for treasurers

To excel in this role, treasurers need a blend of financial acumen, strategic planning abilities, risk management skills, leadership qualities, and proficiency in financial technologies.

Financial acumen is a fundamental skill for treasurers. They must deeply understand principles and practices, including cash management, corporate finance, and investment strategies. This expertise allows treasurers to make informed decisions that can improve an organization’s financial performance and ensure its financial stability.

Treasurers are responsible for developing and implementing financial strategies that align with an organization’s long-term goals, which include forecasting financial needs, planning for growth, and adjusting techniques based on changes in the business environment or financial markets. A treasurer with solid strategic planning skills can help drive the organization toward its financial objectives.

Risk management includes identifying, evaluating, and mitigating financial risks, such as interest rate changes, currency fluctuations, or liquidity risks. Understanding these risks and implementing effective risk management strategies can protect an organization from potential financial losses and ensure the continuity of its operations.

Treasurers often lead a team of financial professionals, inspiring and guiding them toward goals. This involves setting clear expectations, providing feedback, and fostering a positive and productive work environment. Effective leadership can enhance team performance, improve efficiency, and contribute to an organization’s success.

Finally, proficiency in financial technologies is vital for a treasurer. Advanced financial software and systems for cash management, financial analysis, and risk assessment are often used. Familiarity with these technologies can streamline financial operations, provide accurate forecasts, and support informed decision-making.

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Treasurer career path

Becoming a treasurer typically begins with an entry-level role in finance or accounting, such as a financial analyst or accountant. These foundational roles provide exposure to financial management practices and principles, including budgeting, financial analysis, and reporting.

As experience and expertise in financial management are gained, you may advance to more specialized roles within the treasury function, such as a treasury analyst or manager. These roles typically involve managing cash flows, developing investment strategies, and assessing financial risks.

With substantial experience and proven leadership skills, you may be promoted to a senior treasury role, such as treasury director. This role oversees a team of treasury professionals, manages complex financial operations, and plays a crucial role in strategic financial planning.

The next step in career progression is a treasurer role, overseeing all treasury activities, managing relationships with banks and financial institutions, and being responsible for an organization’s overall financial health.

Beyond the treasurer role, some professionals may advance to executive positions such as chief financial officer (CFO) or even chief executive officer (CEO), responsible for an organization’s overall financial and strategic direction.

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Similar job titles

• Accounting Director
• Chief Executive Officer
• Chief Financial Officer
• Controller
• Finance Director
• Financial Analyst
• Financial Manager
• Payroll Manager
• Staff Accountant
• Treasury Manager

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Position trends and outlook for treasurers

Treasurers play a critical role in an organization’s financial health by managing its assets and liabilities, developing financial strategies, and ensuring financial compliance. The position is evolving due to shifts in the global business environment and technological advancements.

One significant trend is the growing use of technology in treasury management. With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, treasurers increasingly leverage these tools to automate repetitive tasks, enhance decision-making, and manage financial risks more effectively.

Another trend is the increasing emphasis on strategic decision-making. Treasurers are no longer just financial managers; they are expected to be strategic partners contributing to an organization’s overall strategy and growth objectives.

The global nature of business has significant implications for treasurers. They must navigate the complexities of operating in different jurisdictions, including managing foreign exchange risks, complying with international financial regulations, and understanding global economic trends.

Lastly, sustainability and social responsibility are becoming more critical in treasury management. Treasurers are often involved in initiatives related to sustainable finance, such as green bonds and social impact investing.

Employment projections for treasurers

Treasurers are included in the broader “Financial Managers” category by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Employment in this category is projected to grow 17% through 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the need for risk management in financial planning and the ongoing need for cash and investment management. Additionally, with more globalization, there is an increased need for knowledge of international finance and complex financial documents. Treasurers with a strong understanding of financial regulations, advanced analytical skills, and a strategic mindset will likely have the best job prospects.

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Treasurer career tips

Understand financial management principles

As a treasurer, you’ll manage your organization’s finances. This includes budgeting, financial planning, and risk management. A solid understanding of financial management principles is crucial to perform these tasks effectively and contribute to the organization’s financial health.

Stay updated with financial regulations and standards

Financial regulations and standards can significantly impact an organization’s financial management. Staying updated with these rules will help ensure compliance and effective financial decision-making.

Develop strong analytical skills

Treasurers need to analyze financial data and market trends to inform their decision-making. Strong analytical skills can help interpret this data accurately, identify trends and risks, and make informed decisions.

Build a professional network

Networking can provide valuable insights, learning opportunities, and potential collaborations. Consider joining professional associations and communities such as:

• Association for Financial Professionals (AFP)
• Treasury Management Association (TMA)
• National Association of Corporate Treasurers (NACT)

Master relevant financial software

Proficiency in financial software, such as enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, is essential for a treasurer. These tools can help manage and analyze financial data, create reports, and automate financial processes.

Implement continuous learning

The financial landscape constantly changes, with new regulations, technologies, and risks emerging regularly. Continuous learning is vital to staying updated and enhancing capabilities. Areas of focus could include:

• Emerging trends in financial management
• New financial regulations and standards
• Advances in financial technology
• Risk management strategies

Improve negotiation skills

Treasurers often need to negotiate with banks, vendors, and other stakeholders. Strong negotiation skills can help secure favorable terms and contribute to your organization’s financial success.

Cultivate strategic thinking

As a treasurer, you’ll contribute to your organization’s strategic planning. This involves thinking strategically about how financial management can support your organization’s goals and objectives. Developing strategic thinking skills can help make decisions that align with these goals and drive the organization’s success.

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FAQs