What does a bank teller do?
Bank tellers are responsible for dealing with most routine customer transactions. They accept deposits, process withdrawals, accept payments, cash checks, process cash advances, and process savings bonds purchases or redemptions. They issue negotiable items such as traveler’s checks, cashier’s checks, Federal Draft issuances, and money orders. The also resolve customer issues, refer customers to other departments, and order customer products a customer such as deposit slips or checks. Bank tellers are often required to promote services that the bank offers such as mortgages, loans, certificate of deposits, etc.
Bank tellers have a window, cash drawer, and a computer terminal to carry out their transactions. They are responsible for ensuring their cash drawers are balanced by verifying the amount of money with their supervisor at the start of their shift and then doubling checking all of the transactions at the end of the shift. Bank tellers are also involved in balancing the bank’s vault.
What kind of training does a bank teller need?
Bank tellers must have at least a high school diploma. Many bank tellers have completed some college coursework and some have bachelor degrees in accounting, business, or liberal arts. Many college graduates accept bank teller positions with hopes of advancing in the banking field. Bank tellers typically receive on the job training from a bank teller supervisor or other senior employee. They learn the procedures of the company and often complete some formal classroom training in specific areas.
What are the prospects for a career as a bank teller?
Employment of bank tellers is projected to grow about as fast as average for all professions, increasing 13% from 2006 to 2016 (1). The opening of new banking institutions and banks extending their hours will drive job growth.
Job prospects are expected to be favorable especially for bank tellers with excellent customer service skills and with a broad knowledge of many different financial services. Job openings will also arise from the need to replace bank tellers who retire, transfer, or leave the field for other reasons.
How much do bank tellers make?
As of September 2009, the middle 50% of bank tellers earned annual salaries between $21,381 and $25,365. The highest 10% earned annual salaries of more than $27,322 (2).
A career as a bank teller is an excellent choice for individuals that enjoy dealing with money and people on a daily basis. Bank tellers must have excellent customer service skills and good communication and interpersonal skills. A strong aptitude for numbers and comfort of handling money is essential. They must also be trustworthy, orderly, accurate, discreet, and detail oriented.
