Corporate treasurer : Job description

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Case studies

• Corporate treasurer: Kris
• Treasury analyst: Jamie

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The ACT is the leading professional body for international treasury providing the widest scope of benchmark qualifications for those working in treasury, risk and corporate finance. We define standards, promote best practice and support continuing professional development. Get careers advice from the Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT).

Corporate treasurers play a vital role in improving and maintaining the financial standing of a wide range of companies. They are often responsible for determining financial strategy and policy, advising on what businesses to invest in, arranging the appropriate funding and managing financial risks in the organisation.

This is a varied and responsible role that ensures a company has the cash and liquidity to meet its obligations, involving raising funds from banks, as well as debt and equity markets and, in some companies, actively trading in the foreign exchange, commodity and money markets. Other activities may involve dealing with property, taxation, insurance and pensions.

Typical work activities

The Association of Corporate Treasurers (ACT)  defines five core treasury functions, which are also areas in which treasury professionals may specialise. These are capital markets and funding, cash and liquidity management, treasury operations and controls, corporate financial management and risk management.

Within these functions typical work activities may involve:

• managing daily cash balances and trading in the financial markets;
• ensuring that a company's cash flow is adequate to allow it to operate effectively;
• forecasting cash payments and anticipating challenges arising from limited cash flow; 
• undertaking risk management activities to protect a company's financial well-being;
• analysing the impact of financial markets on the performance of products or services;
• making decisions on company finances, for example, the funding of company operations;
• progressing specific financial projects, such as acquisition of another business;
• evaluating financial impact of new business ventures;
• negotiating loan or overdraft terms with company bankers;
• creating solutions to new financial challenges by applying financial/treasury knowledge;
• liaising with other departments, such as tax and accountancy, on a range of issues;
• providing advice on financial matters impacting on the company as a whole;
• taking responsibility for, and supervising the work of, more junior members of staff;
• liaising with bankers and investors and maintaining positive working relationships;
• keeping up to date with financial and industry developments;
• attending board and senior management meetings;
• making presentations to the company board on specific financial issues.