Tech treasurers’ diminished influence in decision-making processes may be hindering financial performance in the technology sector. The report, “The Impact of Misunderstood Treasurers in Technology” by PYMNTS Intelligence in collaboration with Citi, highlights a disconnect between technology treasurers and their peers in other departments. This disconnect contributes to their reduced influence in interdepartmental decision-making, potentially hampering financial outcomes in the technology industry.

The survey report polled 500 treasurers and other department heads across five key sectors, including technology, and revealed that technology treasurers report lower levels of influence compared to their counterparts in the consumer-packaged goods, healthcare, mobility, and transportation sectors.

Source: PYMNTS Intelligence report The Impact of Misunderstood Treasurers in Technology

According to the PYMNTS Intelligence study, the “influence gap” among technology treasurers has significant consequences for the sector. The report indicates that only 42% of tech treasurers report high cash flow predictability—the lowest among the five sectors analysed—and that the sector also exhibits reduced revenue optimism.

Emphasising the need for enhanced interdepartmental collaboration, the PYMNTS Intelligence study notes that “A lever that could improve financial performance is not yet being pulled.” Notably, 92% of technology industry treasurers believe that increasing their involvement with other departments, particularly finance and business strategy, could improve cash flow predictability. Furthermore, four out of five technology-sector treasurers (80%) advocate for increased collaboration with the finance department, and nearly two-thirds (62%) see similar value in engaging more closely with business strategy.

Beyond outlining the influence gap and its impact on cash flow predictability, the PYMNTS Intelligence study also examines the specific barriers impeding interdepartmental collaboration for technology treasurers.

Source: PYMNTS Intelligence report The Impact of Misunderstood Treasurers in Technology

“The most common obstacles include a lack of information needed to be fully informed (36%), physi­cal separation due to remote work (36%) and different communication modes used by departments (32%). Leadership accessibility (28%) also creates significant challenges. Compared to other department heads, technology industry treasurers are far more likely to face these issues”, points out the study.

Especially concerning is that technology treasurers are 25% more likely than their colleagues to report being left out of critical meetings. This exclusion, along with other identified barriers, limits their ability to collaborate effectively and participate in strategic decisions that directly affect financial performance.

Given that 60% of technology-sector treasurers contend that greater involvement would expedite cash conversion cycles and reduce debt, the PYMNTS Intelligence study recommends that technology companies prioritize increasing treasurer col­laboration, particularly with finance and business strategy departments. By addressing the influence gap and removing barriers to interdepartmental engagement—such as including treasurers in regular communication channels —firms can stabilize cash flows, bolster profit margins, and strengthen overall financial performance.

Empowering treasurers to contribute more fully to strategic decision-making is not merely beneficial, as per the study, it is essential for unlocking growth opportunities, achieving higher returns on investment and securing lower interest rates on loans.