Kanika Bharti, CTP

Kanika Bharti, CTP, Says Her Career Success is Largely the Result of Continuous Learning

“My journey into treasury wasn’t a straight line,” said Kanika Bharti. Her first job out of college was as an Equity Research Analyst, “But the market volatility of 2009 prompted a shift in direction, and led me to the world of treasury.”

Kanika's first role was one she found to be both challenging and formative: Lead Treasury at MTS – Sistema Shyam Teleservices, a global conglomerate expanding into the Indian telecom market. Reporting directly to the Treasurer, she was at the center of a fast-moving, globally connected operation.

In collaboration with their parent company in Russia, Kanika helped forecast funding needs and build business plans tied to the company’s growth strategy. She managed the company’s debt portfolio, led cross-border financing deals and implemented SAP’s treasury module — thereby streamlining operations at a critical time. From navigating central bank regulations to coordinating with credit rating agencies, Kanika learned early on how to keep complex financial systems running smoothly, all while ensuring the company met its obligations at home and abroad.

“I was responsible for building the treasury function from the ground up,” she said. “That hands-on experience not only laid a strong foundation for my career, but it also sparked a deep appreciation for the dynamic nature of treasury. There’s truly never a dull moment.”

From her first role as Lead Treasury to her current role as Manager of Treasury Operations for OMERS Administration Corporation, Kanika has found that with each day comes new challenges — from operational demands to shifting market conditions — all of which require agility and sharp decision-making.

“What I particularly enjoy is the unique blend of strategic thinking and hands-on execution,” said Kanika. “This aligns perfectly with my strengths in problem-solving, analytical thinking and cross-functional collaboration, making treasury a field where I feel both challenged and energized.”

Always Learning, Always Leveling Up

Kanika has been fortunate in her career to work with leaders who gave her the space and independence to try — regardless of the outcome. “Their support encouraged me to step into unfamiliar territory, take ownership of complex challenges, and learn from both successes and setbacks,” she said. “That freedom to explore and grow played a pivotal role in shaping my treasury journey.”

Of course, one of the most defining moments of her career path came with that first job. “Being entrusted with building a treasury function from the ground up for a global organization gave me hands-on exposure to every foundational aspect of treasury and instilled a deep sense of ownership and adaptability,” said Kanika.

Inspired by strong leadership and enriched by collaborations with high-performing peers, Kanika embraced every opportunity to grow. “Each step has taught me something valuable,” she said, “and I’ve made it a point to learn from every environment I’ve been part of.”

Forecasts, Fixes and Financial Guidance

In her current role as Manager of Treasury Operations, Kanika said there are three primary responsibilities under which her day-to-day tasks fall: cash and liquidity management, process automation and serving as a subject-matter expert.

This involves constant monitoring of the company’s cash position — forecasting liquidity needs and ensuring the business has the resources to operate and grow. But her managerial role stretches far beyond oversight. By streamlining processes and driving automation, Kanika creates space for more strategic work, such as partnering with cross-functional teams to provide treasury insights that support smarter and faster financial decisions.

There are certain attributes, skills and training required to be successful in the field of treasury. Kanika said she draws on her financial acumen to navigate complex cash flows, uses her analytical skills to make data-driven decisions, and is able to align with teams across the business using clear communication. Plus, being a strategic thinker ensures treasury supports the larger organizational goals. And because this is a role where priorities can shift quickly, adaptability is critical.

“You have to stay ahead of change and be ready for whatever comes next,” she said.

For example, one of the most critical risks facing treasury operations today is cybersecurity. The world’s ever-increasing reliance on digital platforms and online transactions has significantly expanded exposure to cyber threats — data breaches, phishing, ransomware. Kanika has responded to this threat by implementing strong cybersecurity protocols, including multi-factor authentication, encryption and regular security audits. “We’re also prioritizing staff education on cybersecurity best practices to further reduce our risk exposure,” she said.

Continuous Learning is More Than a Buzzword

For Kanika, continuous learning isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a driving force of her career. “The landscape is evolving so fast,” she said. “If you stop learning, you fall behind.”

Looking to the future, Kanika is clear about the skills she wants to develop next. High on her list is data analytics. “Treasury decisions are only as good as the data behind them,” she said, “and I want to be fluent in that language.”

Equally exciting to Kanika is the potential artificial intelligence and machine learning offer to the industry. She’s already exploring how these technologies can transform treasury functions, making operations smarter and more agile. “Understanding how AI can optimize day-to-day processes is my new frontier,” she said.

This drive toward greater proficiency with technology includes automation tools. From robotic process automation to integrated digital platforms, Kanika sees these innovations as key to working smarter, not harder.

It’s the “working smarter” theme that has Kanika focused on the further development of her strategic thinking skills. She feels this enhancement will help her become more adept at aligning technological advancements with the broader organizational goals and strategic priorities of her company. “My goal is to help chart the future of treasury — leveraging technology to drive innovation and deliver real value,” she said.

Earning the CTP Was a Strategic Move

Kanika said she pursued the Certified Treasury Professional (CTP) designation to deepen her expertise and stand out in a competitive field. While academic programs had provided her with a foundational knowledge of finance, she wanted something more comprehensive — an in-depth, practical framework that would help her approach treasury with a broader, more strategic perspective.

“Earning the CTP has given me a distinct edge over my peers,” she said. “Given how highly regarded it is in the treasury field, you could say it was a strategic move.”

To prepare for the exam, Kanika carefully read each chapter of the “Essentials of Treasury Management” book, and reinforced what she learned by answering chapter-specific questions on the exam prep platform. Once she completed the coursework, Kanika practiced with timed mock exams to build her confidence and improve recall under pressure. She also recommends the cheat sheet of formulas and definitions, saying it was “incredibly helpful.”

According to Kanika, earning the CTP enhanced her visibility and credibility in the industry. “It opened the door to a broader professional network, ongoing exposure to industry advancements and a more strategic mindset,” she said. “It has not only validated my expertise — it’s helped accelerate my career.”