A vibrant local economy depends on more than storefronts, customers and good ideas. Behind many successful businesses are systems that help owners manage cash flow, protect against fraud and prepare for growth.
At Lakeland-based Bank of Central Florida, treasury management professionals like Linda Harkins work with businesses throughout Polk County to help them navigate those challenges.
For Harkins, who has worked for the bank since 2011, the role is ultimately about helping local businesses operate more efficiently and confidently.
“Treasury management officers educate and assist clients so they can optimize their cash flow and learn how to protect themselves against fraudulent threats,” Harkins said. “Each day may look different, but an officer’s focus on supporting clients remains the same.”
Focusing on the operational side of a company’s finances, treasury management helps ensure money moves efficiently and securely through the business.
That support can take many forms. Some business owners need help streamlining the way they receive and manage payments. Others may be looking for ways to reduce manual processes or strengthen protections against increasingly sophisticated fraud attempts.
For growing Lakeland businesses, new customers, expanding markets, and economic development can create momentum, but growth often brings increased complexity. Managing payroll, vendor payments, and cash flow can become more difficult as an organization expands.
Harkins said education is one of the most important parts of helping businesses adapt.
“Our goal is not to go out and sell a client every product available,” she said. Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, treasury management officers work to understand how a business operates and identify areas where banking tools can improve efficiency or reduce risk.
“Clients know better than anyone else what their organization needs to operate more efficiently,” Harkins said. “By educating clients well, they can be more self-sufficient and prepared as their business continues to grow.”
For small and midsize businesses, which may not have dedicated finance departments or specialized staff focused on cash management, that educational approach can be especially valuable.
“Every client can benefit from a conversation with a treasury management officer,” she said. “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.”
At Bank of Central Florida, treasury management officers work alongside relationship managers, who oversee broader banking relationships and financial strategies. Harkins said, “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.”
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.
As businesses evolve, treasury management needs often change as well. A company that starts with basic banking services may eventually need more sophisticated tools. “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,” Harkins said.
For Polk County communities, the success of local businesses has ripple effects. Thriving businesses create jobs, support local organizations, contribute to economic stability and help shape the character of the community.
“Having a partner with the knowledge and tools to manage your cash well is necessary to work toward financial growth as a team,” Harkins said.
As Lakeland continues to grow, Bank of Central Florida says its treasury management team remains focused on helping local businesses navigate change, strengthen operations and build for the future — one relationship at a time.
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