Interview | 5 Questions for Dana Franzoi, the New treasuryXL Expert

INTERVIEW

What inspired you to pursue a career in treasury, and how has your experience in accounting and business analysis shaped your approach?

Like many other treasury professionals, I found my way into treasury through a debt refinancing project after spending over 10 years in accounting. Working with the CFO on the project, I developed a passion for debt and capital structure, which opened the door for me to transition into treasury, and I haven’t looked back! My approach to my treasury career has always been to learn, stay curious, and take the time to consider how treasury’s actions affect other areas of finance and the organization as a whole.

Having over 20 years of experience in finance and treasury, what key skills do you believe are crucial for success in this field?

It’s crucial to continuously develop both technical knowledge of treasury and finance and leadership skills such as presenting and problem-solving. Identify the areas where you need improvement and actively seek work that challenges you in those areas. Embrace discomfort, it’s where growth happens.

Could you share a significant challenge you’ve faced in your treasury career and how you overcame it?

I’ve held two roles where I was tasked with building treasury and cash management functions from scratch. It was a significant challenge, but I started small, gradually assembling the team, establishing processes, and ultimately creating robust, highly effective departments. I relied heavily on my networking and communication skills to engage with various internal and external stakeholders, providing frequent updates to my leadership. Overcoming such challenges requires determination, patience, and strong support from your leadership team to help navigate hurdles and provide clear direction when needed.