Round Table: The Essential Treasury Functions Businesses Ignore

RECAP & RECORDING
By treasuryXL

05/08/2024


Treasurers often operate in the shadows, quietly safeguarding financial stability and fueling strategic growth. This notion took center stage at the recent treasuryXL Round Table, “The Essential Treasury Functions Businesses Overlook.”

The event brought together four industry luminaries to shed light on the often-underappreciated roles treasurers play in modern businesses:

  • Marina Paulon da Costa (Deloitte)
  • Stephan Albers (ABOUT YOU)
  • Stefan Tijsinger (Eraneos Group)
  • Pieter de Kiewit (Treasurer Search)

Bridging the Perception Gap

The discussion kicked off by addressing the frequent undervaluation of treasurers within organizations. Stefan Tijsinger expressed surprise at this common misconception, highlighting the differing viewpoints between treasurers and CFOs. He stressed the need for a balanced approach that melds risk mitigation with value creation.

Beyond the Basics: Key Treasury Functions

The panel spotlighted three core treasury functions: financial planning and analysis, risk management, and cash flow oversight. Stephan Albers emphasized the importance of treasurers offering strategic counsel to CFOs and taking an active role in organizational planning.

Fostering Communication and Understanding

Effective dialogue between treasurers and CFOs emerged as a recurring theme. Marina Paulon da Costa underscored the need to ensure the treasury’s role and value are well-understood across the organization. Stefan Tijsinger echoed this sentiment, advocating for a shared language to enhance collaboration between treasurers and other business leaders.


Recording

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From Operational to Strategic: A Necessary Evolution

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the treasury’s evolution from a purely operational function to a strategic one. Stephan Albers highlighted the necessity for treasurers to grasp the business model and their place within it. Marina Paulon da Costa pointed out the potential for treasurers to contribute meaningfully to the company’s overall operating model.

Gaining Recognition and Influence: Strategies for Treasurers

The panel shared valuable insights on how treasurers can boost their visibility and influence within organizations. Marina emphasized aligning treasury activities with company-wide strategic goals. Stefan Tijsinger stressed the importance of balancing operational duties with strategic initiatives and encouraged CFOs to support this development.

Key Takeaways: Elevating Treasury’s Role

The Round Table concluded with several actionable insights for treasurers aiming to enhance their organizational standing:

  1. Understand the Business: Treasurers should develop a deep understanding of their business and align activities with strategic objectives.
  2. Clear Communication: Finding common ground with CFOs and other business leaders is crucial.
  3. Strategic Mindset: Treasurers should shift from an operational focus to a more strategic role, offering valuable insights and advice.
  4. Proactive Approach: Demonstrating treasury’s value through proactive initiatives can help gain attention and influence.

Conclusion: Recognizing Treasury’s True Worth

The session highlighted the essential yet often overlooked contributions of treasurers. By improving communication, deepening business understanding, and adopting a strategic focus, treasurers can significantly boost their impact and recognition within organizations. As businesses navigate increasingly complex financial ecosystems, the role of treasurers as strategic advisors will become more critical than ever.

For more treasury insights and best practices, stay connected with treasuryXL.

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