An individual who handles the day-to-day financial transactions of a bank's customers
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What is a Bank Teller?
Most understand what a bank teller is and the job that the person does. A bank teller handles the day-to-day financial transactions for customers. They may include money transfers, money orders, deposits and withdrawals, and checking transactions.
A bank teller must demonstrate a well-rounded understanding of the bank he or she works for, its systems, its policies, and arguably the most important ability – how to both count money and be responsible with it.
Summary
- A bank teller is responsible for the day-to-day financial transactions that customers of a bank need to take care of.
- Bank tellers must possess excellent basic math/counting skills, as well as exceptional people skills.
- Training can begin before being hired; however, most of a teller’s training is done once they are hired by a bank.
Job Responsibilities of a Bank Teller
A bank teller is typically responsible for providing the first impression for a bank. They are often responsible for making the customer feel safe, answering pertinent questions, and promoting the bank’s services. The goal is to provide the customer with excellent service so that the customer continues to use the bank for all of his or her financial needs.
Bank tellers may also be responsible for:
- Filling out paperwork/deposit and withdrawal slips
- Overseeing ATM deposits and withdrawals
- Answering the phones
- Balancing numbers at the end of the business day
Education and Skills
To be hired as a bank teller, the primary educational requirement is a high school diploma or GED. In order to be trusted with the most basic of duties, the teller needs to possess a basic education.
Perhaps the most important qualifications for being hired as a teller in a bank are excellent basic math skills (the ability to accurately count out cash/balance transaction data) and excellent people skills.
Again, bank tellers work with money on a daily basis. Their skills with numbers need to be spot-on, and their accuracy needs to be trustworthy. Obtaining at least a partial college education makes a candidate more likely to be hired. However, when individuals possess a college degree – especially one that relates to math, accounting, or another area of finance – they tend to be fast-tracked to a managerial position within a bank.
People skills are also critical for bank tellers. They are, as discussed above, responsible for the first impression that a customer receives when using a bank. Thus, they need to be able to communicate information about the bank and available services in a concise and friendly way.
Training
Training for bank teller jobs can start well before the individual is hired by a bank. Working in any retail environment where cash is exchanged and register work is required is excellent training for someone looking to work in a bank.
The majority of a teller’s training, however, is done on the job. For the first several weeks after being hired, the new employee is trained by the individuals at the bank he or she is hired by. While basic math and register skills can be used liberally, each bank will likely follow its own policies and systems of counting out, handing over, and recording transactions. Therefore, a teller must get specialized training at whatever financial institution employs him or her.
Additional Resources
CFI offers the Commercial Banking & Credit Analyst (CBCA)™certification program for those looking to take their careers to the next level. To keep learning and advancing your career, the following resources will be helpful:
FAQs
Bank Tellers manage customer transactions and services. They accept deposits, issue checks or savings withdrawal slips and record night banking hours for mail deposit purposes as needed to ensure the timely capture of funds from accounts at other financial institutions such as banks and credit unions.
What are the duties of a Bank Teller? ›
A Bank Teller, or Bank Clerk, helps customers with routine financial transactions. Their day-to-day duties include making deposits, handling withdrawals and issuing money orders or cashier's checks to bank customers.
How do you describe a Bank Teller on a resume? ›
Answers customer questions and provides information about the bank services, including credit cards, loans, and bank accounts. Verifies customer identities and keeps all information confidential. Counts cash at the start and end of each shift. Records all transactions throughout the workday.
What is the most important skill for a Bank Teller? ›
What are the top skills of bank tellers?
- Mathematics and numeracy.
- Finance rules and procedures.
- Knowledge of bank standards and processes.
- Cash drawer maintenance.
- Accuracy.
- Attention to detail.
- Written and verbal communication.
- Interpersonal skills.
Education, Experience, and Licencing Requirements:
Secondary school diploma, or equivalent. Six months consecutive customer service experience in financial services, retail sales, or a goal- oriented environment preferred. Prior supervisory or management experience a plus.
What does a bank teller do on a daily basis? ›
Tellers are responsible for accurately handling cash and checks throughout the work day, carefully examining financial documents, verifying numerical amounts and properly recording all transactions in bank information systems.
Is bank teller a stressful job? ›
During peak banking periods, such as holidays or the beginning and end of the month, tellers experience increased customer volume and transactional demands. The pressure to maintain accuracy and efficiency during these times can lead to stress and fatigue, encroaching on their ability to unwind and enjoy personal time.
How would you describe yourself as a Bank Teller? ›
In this role, I have gained valuable experience in providing excellent customer service, processing various financial transactions, and adhering to strict security and compliance protocols. I take pride in my attention to detail and accuracy when handling cash and ensuring that every customer interaction is positive.
What is the objective of Bank Teller? ›
Mastery of Customer Service Excellence
A paramount career goal for Bank Tellers is to achieve mastery in customer service. This involves developing interpersonal skills, understanding customer needs deeply, and providing efficient, accurate service.
How do you describe banking experience on a resume? ›
Summary examples
Adept at evaluating customer concerns and needs to provide them with bank services and products that facilitate the attainment of their financial goals. Seasoned banker with an extensive record of success in driving sales for various bank products and successfully increasing overall branch revenue.
Cash Handling and Transactions:
Tellers need to be trained in accurately handling cash, processing transactions, and operating computerized systems such as cash registers or banking software.
What is the difference between a banker and a teller? ›
A banker's job is similar to a teller's in some ways: they can help you open or close an account, but they usually don't cash checks or stand behind the counter. If you have a problem with your account, though, you would talk to a banker to get it fixed.
How to be an efficient bank teller? ›
6 important bank teller skills
- Customer service. Bank tellers often constitute a significant proportion of a bank's front line staff. ...
- Communication. Bank tellers benefit from having good communication skills, both written and verbal. ...
- Numeracy. ...
- Attention to detail. ...
- Integrity. ...
- Basic bookkeeping or accounting.
Common Responsibilities Listed on Bank Teller Resumes:
Answer customer inquiries and provide information about bank services. Cross-sell bank products and services. Process loan payments and other payments. Verify customer identification.
Why should we hire you as a bank teller? ›
I am motivated to get this job, it is my dream. If you hire me, I will do my best to exceed your expectations and to provide a top notch customer service day in day out. What is more, I really like your bank, and hope to stay here for many years, growing professionally. I have a lot of experience with customer service.
What to expect working as a bank teller? ›
These professionals, also known as tellers, greet customers, answer questions, help customers manage accounts and process transactions. A bank teller might also have the following duties: Serving as the first point of contact for the bank, including greeting customers in a friendly and professional manner.
What are bank tellers trained to do? ›
Cash Handling and Transactions:
Tellers need to be trained in accurately handling cash, processing transactions, and operating computerized systems such as cash registers or banking software.
Why should we hire you teller position? ›
Why Do You Want to Be a Bank Teller? Emphasize your interest in finance, customer service, and your ability to work with numbers and handle cash accurately. You can mention your desire to work in a professional environment and provide excellent service to customers.
