A treasury dealer works under the leadership of a company's chief investment officer or treasurer. He ensures that the organization selects adequate short-term investment strategies to place (invest) daily cash surpluses on securities exchanges and in private placements. A treasury dealer usually holds a bachelor's degree in a business-related field.

Nature of the Work

A treasury dealer assists a firm's top leadership manage cash surpluses generated from operating activities. She establishes daily cash levels for business units, evaluates liquidity needs in corporate short-term or long-term transactions and ensures that employees abide by cash-management procedures when performing their duties. A treasury dealer also prepares daily or weekly cash position and forecast reports for senior management and ensures an accurate analysis of corporate treasury holdings (investments) with banks and brokerage firms.

Education and Training

A treasury dealer at a lower hierarchical level typically has a bachelor's degree in a finance-related field, whereas a senior treasury dealer usually holds an advanced degree, such as a master's or doctorate, in finance, investment analysis or cash management. A liberal arts major is not uncommon in the field, especially if the individual focuses on compliance activities. A treasury dealer with prior public accounting experience usually holds a certified public accountant (CPA) license.

Salary

A treasury dealer's total compensation depends on her academic or professional credentials, length of service and seniority. The industry in which she works also affects pay levels. A treasury dealer in the private sector earns more than a counterpart at a government agency. The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor reports that junior treasury dealers and managers earned median wages of $99,330 in 2008, excluding annual stock and cash bonuses, with the middle 50 percent of the profession earning from $72,030 to $135,070. The same report indicates that senior treasury dealers and analysts earned average salaries of $73,150 in 2008, excluding annual stock and cash bonuses, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $43,440 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $141,070.

Career Development

A treasury dealer can improve his chances of career growth by attending continuing professional education, or CPE, sessions. He can also enroll in a master's program in finance or investment analysis if he holds an undergraduate degree. A professional certification, such as CPA or certified financial manager (CFM), can be a career booster.

Working Conditions

A treasury dealer has a busy schedule at the end of the month or quarter when a firm typically issues financial reports and sends regulatory data to the Internal Revenue Service or the Securities and Exchange Commission. A junior treasury dealer has a standard 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. work schedule, whereas senior professionals may work longer hours.