Bank Teller
A bank teller is the first point of contact for customers at a financial institution, responsible for executing routine transactions such as cashing checks, making deposits and withdrawals, and providing information about banking services. Typically requiring a high school diploma, bank tellers undergo short-term on-the-job training and possess strong cash-handling and customer service skills. They work in a variety of settings, from large city banks to smaller branches, and generally work full-time, standing for most of their shifts.
The role involves daily tasks like preparing cash drawers, processing transactions, and ensuring accuracy in all financial dealings, with an emphasis on protecting customer interests. Bank tellers must be quick and courteous, often navigating technology such as teller terminals and accounting software. While the occupation is currently experiencing a decline in employment outlook, successful tellers can advance to supervisory roles, such as head tellers, which involve overseeing other employees and handling customer complaints. Understanding basic finance and business principles can further enhance career prospects for those in this field.
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Subject Terms
Bank Teller
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Finance
Interests: Handling money, helping people manage their money, communicating with others
Earnings (Yearly Median): $37,640 per year $18.10 per hour
Employment & Outlook: -15% (Decline)
Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training Short-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Bank tellers are the first point of human contact at a bank and are responsible for processing routine financial transactions for customers. Customers usually interact with bank tellers to cash checks, make deposits and withdrawals, or discuss other banking services.
Work Environment. Bank tellers can work in large city banks or smaller branches in less central areas. They may also work for a savings and loan association or a similar financial institution.
Occupation Interest. Individuals interested in becoming bank tellers tend to have good cash-handling and customer service skills and find satisfaction in helping people manage their money. Bank tellers are able to count money quickly and accurately. They should be good salespeople—they are selling bank services at all times—and success in this area can lead to promotion to positions with more responsibility.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Typical daily tasks of a bank teller are fairly similar across the banking field. At the beginning of each day, a teller may open the bank vault and remove the cash needed for that business day, usually in the company of another teller, for security purposes. Each bank teller is responsible for his or her drawer, which means having sufficient deposit tickets and receipts and making sure that all money is accounted for at all times. Financial transactions throughout the day include cashing checks, depositing money, helping people with their bank accounts, and supplying information such as balances or holds with the goal of protecting their customers’ interests.
At the end of each day, bank tellers must check their drawers against the official record for the day and account for any discrepancies due to questionable transactions or human error. Once this has been done, the money and other documents are returned to the vault.
Head Tellers (211.132-010). Head tellers supervise and coordinate the activities of workers who are engaged in receiving and paying out money and keeping records of transactions in banks and financial institutions. They train employees in banking procedures and adjust customer complaints.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. Bank tellers work in air-conditioned banks, most often in a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. They are usually on their feet all day, which can cause discomfort; in some cases, a teller may be able to sit on a high stool instead, but this should not be relied upon. Full-time bank tellers work thirty-five to forty hours per week. Some work overtime once a week or more.
Human Environment. Bank tellers should be quick, courteous, and efficient. While bank tellers are not isolated at work, they operate at separate stations, mostly working directly with customers. There may be an opportunity for interaction between tellers depending on work assignments from supervisors.
Technological Environment. Bank tellers use computer programs such as accounting, document management, and office suite software. They need to be able to navigate the Internet easily. They may also be required to use teller terminals, check endorsing machines, alarm systems, or different types of printers throughout the day.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. A high school diploma is generally required for work as a bank teller. Students should take math classes such as algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and business math if available. Courses in basic information technology and computer literacy are necessary as well. Part-time jobs during the high school years can help students gain clerical experience and become familiar with providing good customer service.
Postsecondary. College classes in the business and economics fields can be useful, either before becoming a bank teller or while on the job, and can lead to opportunities to move beyond teller positions. These classes may be taken in a degree program or as continuing education. It is important to note that a college degree is usually not mandatory for becoming a bank teller, though some businesses may list it as a requirement.
Related Occupations
− Bookkeeper and Accounting Clerk
− Cashier
Bibliography
"Tellers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/tellers.htm. Accessed 24 Aug. 2024.