Bank Teller Job Description - Responsibilities, Skills, Tasks and Career Path
Bank Teller Job Description
As the primary point of contact for most bank customers, bank tellers administer most basic banking transactions, including deposits, withdrawals, bank transfers, cheque cashing and currency conversions. They also advise a bank’s customers on the products and services offered by the bank.
Bank tellers perform a principally customer-facing (or “front office”) role, serving customers at the counter of the branch in which they are employed. In addition to performing cashiering duties, tellers may also provide information about the products and services offered by the bank (e.g. credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards, mortgages and insurance policies), carry out accounting and administrative tasks (i.e. back-office tasks) deal with any complaints or issues that may arise.
Bank tellers report to a branch manager and liaise with other bank staff, as well as with the department managers at the bank’s central offices.
Although many bank transactions can now be carried out online, banks and credit institutes continue to employ personnel to deal directly with customers at their local branch offices. With demand from customers changing, however, the role of a bank teller is becoming increasingly focused on consultancy and as a result is much more likely to involve activities such as promoting personalized financial products and services (e.g. mortgages, loans, credit cards, savings accounts or insurance policies), illustrating their benefits and costs, as well as their potential risks.
To perform this function effectively, bank tellers need to be able to respond to customers’ questions and doubts accurately, confidently and convincingly. Accordingly, a comprehensive knowledge of the range of products and services offered by the bank, together with a thorough understanding of the regulations governing banking and financial services, are a key requirement.
Other important qualities for aspiring bank tellers include precision, reliability, the ability to communicate and interact with customers and a client-focused mentality. Finally, patience, accuracy and efficiency, as well as discretion and a strong understanding of client confidentiality, are also key attributes for aspiring bank clerks.
The working hours of a bank teller usually reflect the opening hours of the bank at which they are employed, while contracts are typically full-time. Bank employees are generally expected to wear formal office attire.
Other common names for this position: Bank Cashier, Bank Clerk
Bank Teller Responsibilities and Tasks
The main duties of a bank teller include:
- Processing customer transactions, e.g. withdrawals, deposits, payments, money transfers, opening and closing current accounts
- Maintaining working cash drawer and ATM machines
- Providing customer assistance for bank products and services
- Performing back office administrative and accounting duties
- Cross-selling banking products, such as credit cards
- Performing document enquiries and resolving disputed transactions
- Performing general duties in support of bank operations
How to Become a Bank Teller - Training and Requirements
For junior bank teller positions, a high school leaving diploma is usually sufficient, although a degree - especially one in a “numerate” subject, such as business studies, management, marketing or mathematics - is likely to prove an advantage.
Successful candidates are typically meticulous, punctual, self-starters with good problem-solving skills. Prior experience in a banking environment or in an administrative or accounting role is also generally welcomed.
Also essential for aspiring bank tellers is an openness to ongoing learning and training.
Bank Teller Skills and Qualities
Bank tellers require the following skills and personal qualities:
- Knowledge of accounting and banking practices and techniques
- Analytical skills
- Interpersonal skills and client-focused mentality
- Able to work with minimal or no supervision
- Accuracy and discretion
- Ability to work as part of a team
Bank Teller Career Path
Entry-level positions such as bank teller or cashier are usually filled by school leavers and young graduates. Career options are varied and include progressing to become a bank manager and subsequently an area coordinator or else moving into a consulting or advisory role as a private or corporate banker.
Another career option open to a bank teller or cashier is to move into a more challenging role at a bank’s head office - initially as a clerk, but over time advancing to a supervisory role or management position - where duties may include approving overdrafts and loans, performing credit and risk management tasks, handling finance processes and dealing with compliance issues.
Top Reasons to Work as a Bank Teller
So, why should you consider working as a bank teller?
An entry-level position as bank teller or cashier can lead to a wide range of exciting career opportunities in the banking and financial sector. The major credit institutes and banks in particular offer employees who demonstrate potential and a desire to succeed an opportunity to develop professionally in a dynamic, stimulating environment.
Banking jobs usually offer a range of corporate benefits, including health insurance and private pension plans.
Another key attraction of the job are the working hours, which are less demanding than many other professions, notwithstanding the competitive salary packages offered.
