Linda Harkins is a Treasury Management Officer at Bank of Central Florida. After joining the team in 2011, she is passionate about helping clients with cash flow management, fraud prevention, and educating businesses on how to use their online and mobile banking to their fullest advantage. She is most fulfilled by the client relationships she’s built in Polk County. “I’ve had relationships with clients and their businesses through the good and the bad,” Mrs. Harkins reminisces, “the clients I’ve gotten to know and see grow has been the reason I enjoy what I do so much.”
She recently sat down with our Marketing Manager, Danielle Dobbs, to discuss more about how treasury management officers support local businesses to optimize their daily operations.
Danielle Dobbs: What does a Treasury Management Officer do?
Linda Harkins: Treasury management officers educate and assist clients so they can optimize their cash flow and learn how to protect themselves against fraudulent threats. Each day may look different, but an officer’s focus on supporting clients remains the same. Whether we go to set up a product for a client in person or provide recommendations for products to streamline their cash operations, treasury management officers serve clients and their needs.
Danielle Dobbs: What is the difference between a Treasury Management Officer and a Relationship Manager at Bank of Central Florida?
Linda Harkins: A relationship manager provides a financial strategy to achieve growth while a treasury management officer provides all the details to make the products and services work for their needs. The easiest way to think about it is comparing a relationship manager to the quarterback of a football team; relationship managers are the ones that oversee the relationship while treasury management officers act as partners with other expertise to provide clarity and reinforcement.
Danielle Dobbs: How can a Treasury Management Officer help a business?
Linda Harkins: Every client can benefit from a conversation with a treasury management officer by understanding the benefits of what is available. While the client makes the decision of how to proceed, it is important for officers to provide all the information needed to ensure clients can make the most informed decision.
Danielle Dobbs: How are you able to educate clients based on what they need as they work towards their long-term goals? How do you serve clients as a business grows and their treasury needs change?
Linda Harkins: Our goal is not to go out and sell a client every product available. The most important part of supporting clients well is educating them on how they can better utilize our treasury products for their company’s needs. Clients know better than anyone else as to what their organization needs to operate more efficiently. By educating clients well, they can be more self-sufficient and prepared as their business continues to grow.
Teaching clients can involve a simple conversation of how to manage cash flow through online and mobile banking; it also may involve providing recommendations from a local officer’s perspective. We strive to provide information so a client can not only operate successfully now, but to know how we can support them in the future.
What to Do Next:
Having a partner with the knowledge and tools to manage your cash well is necessary to work towards financial growth as a team. Providing long-term solutions based on local market needs and daily operations will ensure progress towards your goals.
Experiencing a dedicated partner who reflects transparency and communication can truly take your business to the next level.
The solution to your cash flow management goals is right in your city. Our Treasury Management professionals are active in your community, so they have the local expertise you need to feel confident with your banking plan. If you haven’t considered how your banking can be optimized for your business, speak to a Relationship Manager about Treasury Management today, and let’s turn connections into lasting partnerships.
For more information, visit our Treasury Management Services page or connect with our Relationship Management team.