Mark Grisamore, CTP

CTP Profile: His Dad Inspired Him to Pursue a Career in Treasury

Most people credit a mentor or former manager for setting them on their career path, but for Mark Grisamore, it was his dad, Jim. “He worked in the treasury department of BNY Mellon for many years. Seeing his commitment to excellence at work, and at home, shaped me into the person I am today,” he said.

The first treasury job Mark ever worked was as a treasury analyst for Loyola University in Chicago. He wanted to get an MBA, and he could do so at a reduced price if he worked at the university for a year prior to taking classes. The opening of treasury analyst was the only financial role available. “I figured it would be a good opportunity for me,” he said.

Since then, his interest in treasury services has grown considerably. “I’ve had the opportunity to engage in many thoughtful projects that have had an impact on companywide policies,” said Mark. “I enjoy the problem-solving nature of the industry and working on our company's cash forecasting.” And, even more importantly, “I've found an industry in which I'm able to use my strengths to have a significant impact within a global company.”

The educational pay-off

Maybe he could have stopped with a bachelor’s in finance. Instead, he chose to pursue an advanced degree, earning an MBA with a concentration in finance. Mark then went on to pursue the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) designation from AFP. “Investing in myself through education has had a direct impact on my career,” he said. “These accomplishments have helped to make me a standout candidate in this field.”

Mark also attends the AFP annual conference, and participates in online sessions from AFP whenever he can “for continued learning in the treasury field.”

In his current job

The daily work of Mark Grisamore, Senior Treasury Analyst for Veolia WTS is structured around cash forecasting, cash variance analysis and bank account maintenance. Success in this job requires hard work, efficiency, and a willingness to “work independently and without much direction beyond a stated end goal,” he said.

The most critical issue for Mark today is how to improve the company’s forecasting. “Our approach has been to implement a cross-department plan with incremental testing and a comprehensive review of our systems and procedures.”

Focused on leadership

Mark has no plans to leave the field of treasury. Ultimately, he would “love to be in a high-level role where I can have a direct impact on the trajectory of a company,” he said.

In order to prepare himself for such a role, Mark plans to focus on developing his leadership and management skills. He also plans to continue learning about the different aspects of treasury and how they can best be utilized to meet the company’s goals.

A deeper understanding of treasury

Those familiar with the CTP designation advised Mark to go for it. Why? “I was told that the knowledge gained through studying for the exam, and the lessons learned through the seminars and conferences would have a direct impact on my treasury career,” he said. “I’ve already reaped the benefits of the added knowledge through real-life application of things I learned from the exam.”

Mark’s exam prep was thorough. He purchased the exam prep platform and took the primary test to figure the baseline for where he was starting from, what he needed to learn. Then he read through the book, taking notes as he went. After that, he took multiple practice tests and, for the questions he got wrong, went back and reviewed the book and his notes.

“Then I memorized all of the mathematical equations (roughly 70) that were listed in the book,” he said. “Since the math questions were weighted more on the exam, it was an easy way to ensure I passed.” Then he continued to take the practice exams until he consistently scored 95% or higher every time. “I passed the CTP on my first attempt,” said Mark.

Mark said that earning the CTP designation has had a significant impact on his career. From what he stated is a deeper understanding of the treasury field came greater responsibility within his team and a promotion. Mark feels that he is a greater asset to his team now.

“I highly recommend the CTP to others because having a mastery of the field signals to your company, and other treasury professionals, that you are serious about the work you’re performing,” said Mark. “It also gives you a sense of pride and accomplishment to join a network so robust and diverse early on in your career.”