Benazir Parveen Abdul Nasser, CTP

CTP Profile: Her Entry Point to Treasury Was Technology

The path to a career in treasury is not always straightforward. When Benazir graduated with a degree in computer science, corporate treasury was not initially on her radar. Her first job out of college was as a Systems Engineer with Infosys, an IT consulting firm specializing in digital treasury solutions for banks. Although initially unfamiliar with finance, Benazir quickly immersed herself in learning basic treasury concepts, especially those related to banking. As she engaged with clients, she developed a genuine passion for understanding the intricacies of treasury operations.

To further her education and expertise, Benazir moved to New York to pursue a master’s degree in information systems. Upon graduating, she secured a position as a Financial Systems Analyst with the pharmaceutical company Viatris (then Mylan). Today, as a Senior Financial Systems Analyst for Viatris, she is the IT business partner to the Corporate Treasury group, deepening her understanding of, and interest in, corporate treasury.

“When I first began in treasury, I faced a significant learning curve, especially since I was new to the corporate treasury domain,” said Benazir. “What I enjoy most about treasury is that the financial markets and regulatory landscape are continually evolving, requiring us to stay up to date on the latest technology, trends, regulations, and best practices.”

Becoming an IT Business Partner

Benazir describes her experience in banking treasury and her graduate degree in information systems as "crucial to advancing my career in treasury." These educational and professional experiences equipped her with the essential knowledge and credentials needed to secure her current role. However, she emphasizes that having mentors and supportive managers along the way has been equally important. “I am incredibly grateful to my entire team, from my department head to my current manager, for their mentorship and invaluable contributions to my career growth. They have consistently encouraged me to deepen my understanding of business processes and prioritize process efficiency, shaping my approach and perspective in the treasury field,” she said.

Strategic Partner in Corporate Treasury

As Benazir has advanced in her career, she has recognized the significant impact of becoming a corporate treasury subject matter expert. This expertise has empowered her to become a strategic partner within the organization, offering critical insights into cash management, risk mitigation and financial strategy. Combining her IT background with the treasury knowledge gained through the CTP, Benazir collaborates closely with business stakeholders to identify inefficiencies, streamline processes and implement best practices. Her ability to optimize financial operations not only drives business performance but also plays a crucial role in achieving the organization's long-term strategic goals, ensuring its financial health and stability.

Data Availability and Systems Challenges

Like many treasury professionals, Benazir faces challenges with data availability and the complexities of the company’s systems. She has tackled this by implementing robust data integration tools to ensure seamless data flow and by establishing thorough quality assurance processes. “Additionally, I am focusing on evaluating and optimizing our existing treasury management systems (TMSs) to enhance their capabilities, simplify their complexity, and replace manual processes,” she said. The goal is to streamline and improve the efficiency of the company’s treasury operations.

Future Career Goals and Learning

With a passion for leveraging emerging technologies to enhance efficiency, optimize cash management, and mitigate risks, Benazir is looking to take on a leadership role in technology innovation “in the next five to ten years.” To reach this goal, she plans to deepen her skills in advanced data analytics and explore advancements in AI, machine learning and automation technologies relevant to treasury management. “Emerging technologies are crucial for staying ahead in the rapidly evolving field of treasury technology consulting,” she said. Additionally, she hopes to mentor the next generation of treasury technology professionals, fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation within her organization.

Earning the CTP: A Pivotal Moment

Coming from an IT background, Benazir pursued the CTP certification to gain a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects of treasury, starting with the fundamentals. “Registering for the CTP exam and preparing for it was a pivotal time for me. It empowered me to transition from a reactive IT enabler to a proactive technology partner,” she said. 

The certification sparked her interest in finding innovative ways to automate treasury processes, ultimately saving her business partners time and money. “With this knowledge, I was able to ask insightful questions that were previously not considered by our business partners.”

To prepare for the exam, Benazir took a preparatory class with an AFP-affiliated university partner. Group sessions and class tests provided her with a solid understanding of the concepts. She wholeheartedly recommends the CTP certification to others, especially those in treasury technology or considering a career in treasury. “The CTP credential has enhanced my credibility and expertise in the field of treasury technology, opening up new opportunities for career advancement and professional growth,” she said.