Those who want to become a treasury analyst will need a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions, but a master’s degree for lucrative jobs. Treasury analysts, who are also called risk or financial analysts, perform a variety of tasks related to financial forecasting, modeling, risk analysis and asset management. Senior treasury analysts may become corporate treasurers or chief financial officers.
Finish a Bachelor’s Degree Program
When employers post entry-level treasury analyst positions, they generally require a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting or business administration. Those studying finance take classes on financial analysis, statements, statistical reasoning and risk management. Those earning a business administration degree will learn commercial concepts such as marketing, entrepreneurship, human resources, organizational behavior and supply chain systems.
A Bachelor of Science in Accounting (BSA) is one of the more popular undergraduate degrees for treasury analysts. In addition to the basic accounting coursework, students are exposed to the critical areas of auditing and taxation. These programs use standard accounting software to provide students with practical knowledge and skills. Students take classes regarding legal topics in business, statistics for decision makers and accounting information systems.
Finish a Master’s Degree Program
A Master’s in Finance will provide a foundational education in core topics as well as opportunities to specialize in areas like banking, auditing, and risk management. Some programs offer curricula with business focused specializations, so students study investment, real estate or corporate finance. This degree is intended for financial professionals who are dedicated to equipping themselves with analytical tools and forecasting techniques. After graduation, students will be able to explain the roles that markets and institutions play in financial security, performance and levels of risk.
They will be prepared to support management in making financial decisions for corporations. Students will understand the trade-offs between risk and return, the methods of risk assessments and risk management strategies. Classes commonly taught through a graduate level finance degree program include bankruptcy, global economy, stock market analysis, trading volatility, investment banking and futures and options.
Pass the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) Exam
The CTP exam, which is administered by the Association for Financial Professionals, was created to test financial professional’s mastery of treasury skills and knowledge related to capital funding, corporate liquidity and risk management. Those who pass the exam will be able to manage optimal cash flows through vesting and forecasting, as well as maintain corporate liquidity and financial flexibility to meet future obligations in cost effective ways. The exam ensures that test takers know how to use various payment systems and web-based technologies to manage monetary exchanges and documents.
There are many advantageous to earning the CTP designation. First, individuals will enjoy higher salaries and increased job security because the CTP designation validates the individual’s competency in risk, capital and liquidity management functions. CTP accredited treasury analysts will enjoy better career flexibility, increased marketability in a tough job market and be prepared for future advancements and complex job responsibilities. The CTP exam helps the holder to stay current in the financial profession with continuing education requirements.
After earning a degree and passing the CTP exam, job candidates will be ready to become a treasury analyst in banks, financial firms and investment organizations.
Related Resources:
- Become a Credit Analysis Manager
- What is a Treasury Analyst?
- How Does the Bond Market Work?
- What is a Market Research Analyst?
- Top 10 Master’s in Financial Planning Online Degree Programs
- Top 13 Online Master’s in Forensic Accounting
