Treasury Manager - Career Guide

The responsibilities of a treasury manager span across three main pillars: 

1. Cash flow monitoring
2. Budget forecasting
3. Financial strategy

In a business setting, they are responsible for the following tasks:

• Analyzing cash flow to ensure optimal working capital
• Ensuring a balance between cash inflows and outflows
• Managing the organization’s various accounts
• Collecting and analyzing data to establish expenditure forecasts
• Proposing financing solutions tailored to the company’s needs
• Produce regular cash flow reports

Their responsibilities vary depending on the size and organization of the company. In structures with several entities and centralized management, they may be in charge of cash pooling (centralized cash management). Indebted companies may also call on a cash manager, mainly to negotiate financing solutions.

In an association, they are responsible for:

• Managing accounts
• Recording income and expenses
• Setting financial objectives
• Drawing up a provisional budget
• Preparing annual accounts and financial reports
• Keeping the accounts, if requested

Treasury managers typically work within the finance or accounting departments of a business, often reporting directly to the CFO or Financial Controller.

Their role may differ based on the size and structure of the organisation:

• Corporate environment
  In large corporations or multinational groups, treasury managers often oversee centralised cash management systems, manage complex financial instruments, and ensure intercompany financing aligns with global strategy.
  
• SMEs and mid-sized businesses
  Here, treasury managers may take on broader responsibilities, including budgeting, accounting coordination, or even procurement.
  
• Associations and non-profits
  In smaller organisations or non-profits, treasurers may operate on a voluntary or part-time basis, focusing on basic financial oversight, budgeting, and compliance.

To practise this profession, it is necessary to study finance, accounting, economics or management, either at business school or university.

Although it is possible to enter the profession with a two- or three-year post-secondary qualification, those with a five-year post-secondary qualification are valued by recruiters and can apply for positions of greater responsibility. Experience in the field is also preferred when hiring, making work-study programmes attractive for aspiring treasurers.

Several courses provide access to employment: BUT and BTS degrees in accounting and management are a valid option, as are a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a bachelor’s degree in finance. The latter has the advantage of being highly vocational.

Graduates can then continue their studies to become treasurers with a master’s degree in finance, Law and Fiscal Expertise or Accounting and Auditing.

MScs (Master of Science) are also increasingly popular, particularly for those wishing to p master’s degree in finance pursue an international career in a bilingual or fully English-speaking environment. Several MSc programmes provide access to the treasurer profession, such as the MSc in Finance and Risk Management, which is available on a work-study basis.

With more than 10 years of experience, treasurers can become a company’s Chief Financial Officer. This management position involves managing all of an organisation’s finances by coordinating all the teams involved (accountants, risk managers, etc.).

It is also possible to move into the position of risk manager. In this role, the risk manager takes a broader approach and is responsible for preventing risks to the company in which they work. Their objective is to identify weaknesses and find appropriate solutions.

Senior treasurers may also choose to set up their own business. They then have the option of opening their own financial consulting firm or becoming a partner in one.

Their client portfolio often consists of companies from various sectors that want support in managing their cash flow. This often happens in a specific context, for example after going into debt or during international expansion.