What Does a Treasurer Do?
A Treasurer is a key financial leader responsible for managing an organization’s treasury operations, including cash flow, investment strategy, and risk exposure. This role plays a central part in long-term financial planning and the implementation of controls that protect an organization’s fiscal integrity. Treasurers assess financial markets, secure funding, and advise on optimal capital structures, helping leadership make informed, forward-looking decisions.
In addition to strategic responsibilities, Treasurers oversee day-to-day financial functions like managing liquidity, optimizing banking relationships, and ensuring compliance with internal controls and external regulations. They collaborate with finance teams, executive leadership, and external stakeholders to maintain the financial stability and operational efficiency of the organization.
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Treasurer Core Responsibilities
- Direct the organization’s treasury operations, including short- and long-term investment strategies
- Manage liquidity to ensure sufficient funding for daily operations and strategic initiatives
- Develop and monitor cash flow forecasts and working capital metrics
- Maintain relationships with banks and financial institutions
- Oversee debt management, including issuance, repayment, and compliance
- Lead risk assessment related to currency fluctuations, interest rates, and credit exposure
- Ensure compliance with financial regulations and internal policies
- Prepare and present financial reports to senior leadership and the board of directors
- Guide budgeting and forecasting processes in alignment with business objectives
- Evaluate financing options and lead capital-raising activities when necessary
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in cash flow management, forecasting, and financial modeling
- Deep understanding of banking, capital markets, and debt instruments
- Knowledge of regulatory compliance standards (e.g., SOX, GAAP)
- Experience with treasury management systems and ERP platforms
- Ability to interpret complex financial statements and reports
Soft skills
- Strong analytical and decision-making abilities
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- High ethical standards and commitment to confidentiality
- Strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration
- Detail-oriented and organized under pressure
Educational requirements
Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field
Certifications
Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) or equivalent certification preferred
Treasurer Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in finance, business administration (MBA), or economics
- Experience leading treasury operations in a public or multinational organization
- Prior exposure to M&A transactions or global cash management
- Familiarity with tax strategy and legal compliance in finance
National Average Salary
Treasurer salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for a Treasurer is:
$180,559
Sample Treasurer Job Descriptions
Crafting the perfect job description may be the key to finding an exceptional treasurer. To help you with your recruiting search, our team has put together some examples from past openings.
Example 1: Corporate Treasurer
Position overview
A Corporate Treasurer plays a pivotal role in steering a company’s financial strategy and ensuring liquidity for both day-to-day operations and long-term growth. This role requires advanced knowledge of capital markets, investment opportunities, and corporate finance. The Corporate Treasurer collaborates closely with executive leadership to optimize financial performance and protect shareholder value.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute strategies for cash management, financing, and investment
- Maintain relationships with lenders, credit agencies, and investors
- Lead treasury risk management, including hedging against interest rate and currency risks
- Oversee short- and long-term liquidity forecasting
- Guide capital structure planning, including debt and equity financing
- Ensure regulatory compliance and audit readiness
- Monitor and manage banking relationships and fee structures
- Collaborate with accounting, legal, and investor relations teams
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in financial modeling and treasury software (e.g., Kyriba, SAP Treasury)
- Experience with bond issuance, credit facilities, and syndicated loans
- Strong knowledge of corporate finance, tax implications, and capital markets
Soft skills
- High-level strategic thinking and problem-solving
- Confident communicator with C-suite and external financial partners
- Meticulous attention to regulatory detail
Educational requirements
Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or economics
Certifications
CTP certification strongly preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- MBA or master’s in finance
- Experience working in publicly traded or multinational corporations
- Familiarity with investor relations and public reporting (e.g., SEC filings)
Example 2: Nonprofit Treasurer
Position overview
A Nonprofit Treasurer is responsible for maintaining the financial health and transparency of a mission-driven organization. This role ensures accurate reporting, proper fund allocation, and compliance with nonprofit regulations and guidelines. The Treasurer works closely with the Executive Director, the Finance Committee, and the Board of Directors to guide financial planning and ensure ethical stewardship.
Responsibilities
- Manage budgeting, reporting, and cash flow for grant and donation-based revenue
- Monitor financial statements and present reports to the board
- Ensure compliance with IRS and state nonprofit regulations
- Oversee the allocation of restricted and unrestricted funds
- Guide financial planning aligned with the organization’s mission
- Serve as a liaison between external auditors and internal leadership
- Support the development of donor reporting and financial transparency practices
Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency with nonprofit accounting standards and software (e.g., QuickBooks Nonprofit, Fund EZ)
- Familiarity with 990 tax forms and grant management
Soft skills
- Strong sense of fiduciary responsibility and ethics
- Clear communicator across financial and non-financial audiences
- Collaborative and mission-aligned approach
Educational requirements
Bachelor’s degree in finance, nonprofit management, or accounting
Certifications
CPA or CTP preferred, but not always required
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with board governance in a nonprofit setting
- Knowledge of federal and state grant funding regulations
- Master’s degree in nonprofit leadership or public administration
Example 3: Government Treasurer
Position overview
A Government Treasurer oversees the financial operations of a public agency or municipality, ensuring accountability, transparency, and legal compliance in the management of public funds. This role involves strategic planning, revenue forecasting, and the management of debt instruments, while supporting public policy objectives.
Responsibilities
- Administer budgets, revenues, and expenditures for municipal or state funds
- Oversee public fund investments and debt servicing
- Manage cash flow and ensure adherence to state and federal regulations
- Prepare reports for elected officials, auditors, and the public
- Supervise the issuance of municipal bonds and tax collection processes
- Maintain strong internal controls and fraud prevention systems
- Advise on the financial implications of public programs and legislation
Requirements
Hard skills
- Expertise in government accounting standards (e.g., GASB)
- Experience with public fund investment and municipal bond issuance
- Familiarity with tax revenue systems and budget forecasting
Soft skills
- Political awareness and public accountability
- Strong analytical and reporting skills
- Effective communication with stakeholders and constituents
Educational requirements
Bachelor’s degree in public finance, accounting, or public administration
Certifications
Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) or equivalent preferred
Preferred qualifications
- Master’s in public administration, finance, or related field
- Experience with state or local government financial systems
- Familiarity with transparency and open government initiatives