What Does a Cash Manager Do at SunTrust?
A Cash Manager at SunTrust (now part of Truist) oversees liquidity risk, cash flow optimization, and daily treasury operations for clients and the bank. This role is responsible for structuring cash management solutions, reconciling complex transactions, and ensuring accurate forecasting to align client liquidity needs with investment and funding strategies. Typical duties include monitoring account activity, coordinating with sales and relationship managers, and applying regulatory and banking standards to safeguard funds and reporting accuracy.
Core Responsibilities and Daily Operations
The Cash Manager role centers on ensuring efficient movement and safeguarding of cash across client balance sheets and bank systems. Key responsibilities include:
- Liquidity forecasting and daily cash position monitoring
- Structuring and executing cash concentration, disbursement, and netting strategies
- Overseeing wire transfers, ACH, and check processing operations
- Reconciling transaction activity and resolving discrepancies
- Collaborating with Treasury and Relationship teams to align solutions with client goals
Client-Facing Consultations
In client engagements, the Cash Manager translates complex cash management tools into actionable plans. This involves analyzing cash cycles, identifying inefficiencies, and recommending technology or service enhancements. Relationship management is central; the manager serves as a trusted advisor, translating banking capabilities into practical strategies that improve working capital and reduce operational friction.
Internal Controls and Compliance
Internally, Cash Managers enforce policies aligned with banking regulations and internal audit standards. They coordinate with compliance and risk teams to ensure controls are documented and tested. Key objectives include fraud prevention, accurate financial reporting, and adherence to cash handling and reconciliation protocols across jurisdictions.
Required Skills and Qualifications
Success as a Cash Manager at SunTrust requires a blend of technical expertise, financial acumen, and interpersonal skills. Candidates typically hold a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field, with many holding advanced degrees or professional certifications such as CPA or CMA. Relevant experience includes treasury operations, cash management product implementation, and client advisory services.
Technical and Analytical Competencies
Technical skills center on cash forecasting, bank account management, and reconciliation across multiple systems. Proficiency with cash management platforms, banking APIs, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software is essential. Analytical capabilities support root-cause investigations, variance analysis, and the design of efficient cash operations.
Communication and Leadership
The role demands clear communication with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Cash Managers lead cross-functional initiatives, mentor junior staff, and coordinate with IT and operations to implement process improvements. Leadership in change management is increasingly important as digital banking tools reshape cash management workflows.
Career Progression and Growth Path
Cash Managers at SunTrust typically progress from roles such as Cash Management Specialist, Treasury Analyst, or Relationship Manager. With demonstrated expertise, they may advance to Senior Cash Manager, Treasury Leadership, or broader positions in Corporate Banking or Client Solutions. Growth is supported by structured learning paths, mentorship, and exposure to complex multinational cash management scenarios.
Transition to Leadership and Specialization
Experienced professionals often move into product ownership, regional leadership, or enterprise-wide treasury advisory roles. Some pursue niche specializations such as cross-border cash management, supply chain finance, or liquidity risk management. Continuous professional development and industry networking play key roles in long-term trajectory and impact within the banking ecosystem.
Industry Context and Market Trends
Cash management remains a core offering within corporate and institutional banking, driven by the need for real-time visibility, automation, and risk mitigation. Trends such as API-based banking, robotic process automation (RPA), and integrated treasury dashboards are reshaping how Cash Managers design and deliver solutions. At SunTrust, now Truist, the focus is on embedding these capabilities into scalable platforms that serve diverse commercial and institutional clients.
Technology and Digital Transformation
Digital tools are transforming cash management from manual reconciliations to predictive, data-driven decision-making. Cash Managers work with banking technologists to implement cash forecasting models, robotic automation, and centralized dashboards. These innovations reduce operational risk, shorten settlement cycles, and improve client transparency.
Comparison: Typical Responsibilities by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Key Responsibilities | Typical Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–3 years) | Transaction processing, reconciliation support, basic cash reporting | Execution and accuracy |
| Mid-Level (3–7 years) | Client cash flow analysis, product implementation, process optimization | Client advisory and operational efficiency |
| Senior-Level (7+ years) | Strategic liquidity planning, cross-border structures, leadership and governance | Portfolio strategy and stakeholder leadership |
Summary
The Cash Manager role at SunTrust (now Truist) is a strategic position within corporate and institutional banking, combining technical cash operations with client advisory leadership. From daily liquidity oversight to long-term cash strategy, this function supports both client financial health and bank risk management objectives. With evolving technology and growing client expectations, Cash Managers remain pivotal in aligning efficient, compliant, and insightful cash solutions.