A visionary treasurer or just a cash manager?

Have you ever felt that your treasurer role could depend entirely on your CFO’s mood?

You’re not alone.

I recently spoke to a treasurer who was riding high under one CFO—exploring blockchain, spearheading new initiatives, basically the Indiana Jones of treasury.

Two weeks later there was a change of CFO; new boss, new rules, someone with a different outlook entirely.

They told him that the treasurer at his previous company was the;

“king of cash, cash was everything”...

He ruled it. He looked after it. ?He reported it. He forecasted it. He was everything about cash. ?Anything else, well… that wasn't really his job.?

That's the way the new CFO saw it.

Suddenly he was expected to do little more than count the numbers and report back weekly.

And how did he react…??

“Here’s my Resume, Mike.”

It’s not you, it’s your CFO

The truth is, how you’re perceived as a treasurer often depends on your CFO. Some CFOs view treasurers as financial ‘explorers’? - trusted advisors tasked with exploring exciting new initiatives.?

Others… not so much.

Some CFOs see the role of their Treasurer as a high-level cash manager. They see the role of their Treasurer, as basically to keep the lights on, monitor the bank balances, and send a weekly update.?

Groundbreaking stuff, right?

Same title, hugely different roles

Treasury is a fascinating field because no two roles are the same. Some treasurers manage a centralised team in one location, while others oversee decentralised teams scattered across the globe. One company might be swimming in cash, while another is debt-laden (on purpose I might add!).

Even with similar tools and titles, your experience as a Treasurer can be vastly different depending on how empowered you are in your role.

Empowerment = happiness

Speaking of empowerment, let’s talk about job satisfaction. It’s no coincidence that senior treasurers are often happier. Why? Because they’re given more freedom to innovate, lead, and actually make a difference.

At the junior level, you’re often micromanaged and given a strict to-do list. But as you climb the ladder, the right CFOs will trust you to get on with it—and that trust makes all the difference.?

So, what happens when it’s not a fit??

If your CFO only views you as a transactional cash manager, you have two choices:

1. Try to reshape the role by demonstrating your value and potential - if you’ve got the energy for it
2. Start exploring new opportunities with a CFO who values your expertise.

And if option two sounds tempting, just drop me a message.

Best regards,

Mike

P.S. Has your job as a treasurer ever changed, for better or worse, by the powers above? What did you do?

Revolutionizing Treasury Practices: From Traditional Roles to Technology Integration

Spotlight on This Week’s Treasury Career Corner Podcast ???

This week on the Treasury Career Corner Podcast, we’re catching up with Dennis Morais, now Assistant Treasurer at Valvoline Inc., to hear how he’s been revolutionizing treasury operations since his last appearance in 2023.

From leading treasury transformation initiatives to integrating SAP S/4HANA and navigating the unique challenges of retail treasury, Dennis shares key insights into the evolving role of technology and strategic leadership in treasury.

?? Key topics include:

? The transition from GameStop to Valvoline and the treasury transformation journey

? How AI and data analytics are reshaping treasury operations

? Strategies for managing banking relationships, merchant services, and cash flow

? Why curiosity, adaptability, and leadership are critical to career success

?? Don’t miss this episode—tune in now!: https://treasuryrecruitment.com/podcasts/

??If you’re enjoying the podcast please rate and review us on whatever podcast app you listen to us on, for Apple Podcasts?click here!

Looking to take the next step in your Treasury career—or build your Treasury team?

Whether you're exploring new opportunities or searching for top Treasury talent, we’re here to help.

At The Treasury Recruitment Company, we connect Treasury professionals from Treasury Analyst to Global Treasurer and help you in your search for the perfect job.?Find out more here. Or?send us your CV?and let us help you in your next career move!

Or, if you’re recruiting, get in touch with Mike Richards the CEO of The Treasury Recruitment Company. With 28 years of experience as a specialist Treasury recruiter, Mike works directly with clients to find the best talent for their needs.

Since 2002, we’ve been the trusted partner for Treasury recruitment worldwide.

Get in touch at https://treasuryrecruitment.com