Bank tellers are one of the intricate parts of the banking industry. Without a bank teller, the entire financial system would crawl. They are the first point of interaction for bank customers. Bank tellers can be a suitable career for anyone who is looking for a bank job. Know how to become a bank teller.
One has to apply for a teller position to become a bank teller. Desired applicants can either apply online or submit a resume in the respective bank. As a bank teller, you should assist the customer with their basic financial queries and needs. From withdrawing money, cash checks to processing loan payments.
Bank teller jobs give you an opportunity to speak to different types of people. There is plenty of room for advancement in the career. You will find an overview of what bank tellers do, how much they earn and the qualification to become a bank teller in this article.
Bank Teller Job Description
Bank Tellers serves as the main point of contact for the bank customers. One of the prime jobs of a bank teller is to handle transactions of the customers. In addition to this, they accept payments, facilitate cash deposits, maintain current accounts and keep records of the transactions.
Typical Bank Teller Responsibilities
- Counting cash deposited in various accounts and note any variances.
- Guarding against loss due to identity theft and fraud.
- Handling transactions for current accounts
- Promoting and selling bank products and services to customers.
- Taking payments in cash, checks, debit cards, etc.
- Assisting customers in exchanging their money for foreign currency.
- Placing customer orders for checks and cards.
- Recording every transaction during their work.
As a bank teller, you will need to record every transaction made during your shift. You need to check the validity of signatures and amounts on checks, as well as verify account solvency at the time of withdrawal.
How to Become a Bank Teller in Simple Steps?
Step 1: Get a High School Diploma
A high school diploma is the minimum education requirement to become a teller. Apart from this, taking up math courses can develop an individual’s numerical skills, which are a must for tellers. Classes in accounting add to the credibility.
Step 2: Consider Obtaining a Formal Training
Improve your job prospects by completing a teller certification program. Program courses cover topics such as business math, fundamentals of banking, money handling procedures, etc.
Step 3: Earn a Job
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, the tellers can expect an employment decline rate of 12% as of 2018 – 2028. The factors for this limited growth are online and mobile banking. This has limited the need for traditional tellers.
Step 4: Consider Certification
Though certification is voluntary, obtaining Certified Bank Teller (CBT) credential from ABA (American Bankers Association) is an added advantage. To take up the test, you need six months of experience and a letter of recommendation from your senior manager.
Step 5: Advance Your Career
Enhance your career by completing an in-house training program. From a bank teller, you can open the way to becoming a loan processing clerk or bills & accounts collector. You have the chance to become a manager or supervisor later on.
[Also Read: Steps to Become a Loan Officer]
Education & Training
There are other bank teller job requirements, in addition to a high school diploma or equivalent. While a college degree is not required, having completed courses from an accredited college is commendable. An associate or bachelor’s degree in business, math, or finance adds to the credibility when you are looking for a bank teller job.
To begin with, you can join a bank teller training program. Some colleges offer them. You can also choose to do an Associate degree in bank-related fields such as finance or business and stand out over other applicants who meet the basic requirements.
You can take up on-the-job training. The main advantage of on-the-job training as a bank teller is that you can find a bank that is willing to provide you training from your day one. Bank teller job roles can be best understood outside of a classroom. There are ample bank education courses to choose from. These courses will improve your skills and knowledge in the banking sector.
Skills & Competencies
There are some basic bank teller qualifications. Bank Teller should possess basic accounting skills as they handle money. Even though computers track the transactions, bank tellers should know what the numbers should be, so that they can address any issue Attention to detail makes up the biggest part of a bank teller’s job.
Bank tellers should know the financial software used in the bank. Bank tellers not only handle money alone but customers too. And so they must communicate clearly with the peer group as well as customers.
How Much Do Bank Tellers Make?
Bank Tellers’ salary differs based on the geographical location, experience level, the bank they work for, and various other factors. As per U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics(1), the Median annual salary of bank tellers is $29,450 as of 2018. Ever wondered how much does a bank manager make? Well, the national average salary for a Bank Branch Manager is $58,235 in the United States.
Bottom Line
Bank tellers are the public face of their banks to the majority of customers, and so they must possess all the necessary skills to represent their bank amid customers. A person should have patience, courtesy, and math skills to be an effective teller.
