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Have you ever held a perfectly crisp dollar bill, inhaled its unique money smell, and just wanted to savor that moment?
As a bank teller, you'll not only get to have many of these moments but also help people with their financial needs.
Duties and Responsibilities
As a bank teller, you will:
Handle cash and checks
Answer customer questions
Order bank cards and checks
Balance cash drawers
Process money orders and traveler's checks
Exchange foreign currency
Enter information into the computer
Verify customer accounts and information
Education and Training
You need at least a high school diploma to be a bank teller, but you'll learn how to do the job through training by a senior or head teller. Usually, training lasts for a month.
Below are some examples of what you can expect to learn on the job:
Using computer software
How to balance cash drawers
Financial products and options
How to verify customer accounts and signatures
Who to refer customers to when they require other services
Did you know?
Skills and Competencies
Every job requires some kind of skill set before starting. Here are a few skills that will help you succeed as a bank teller:
Math skills — you'll be able to use technology to help with calculation, but you should already have solid math skills.
Customer service skills — the bank teller is the face of the bank and you'll need to know how to work with customers.
Computer skills — you'll be trained in the software used at the bank, but it's expected you'll have basic knowledge of computers.
Attention to detail — an error could result in serious consequences, such as lost money, angry customers, or loss of business.
Salary
The salary for bank tellers in the U.S. ranges from $28,120 to $46,320. The median salary is $36,310.
The salary for bank tellers in Canada ranges from $30,000 to $57,000 on average.
Did you know?
Prospective Bank Teller
Option A
Mindy is a recent high school graduate that wants to attend college in the fall and major in business. She wants a summer job that will help her save up money for an apartment but doesn't want anything too intense.
Option B
Jacob had to put his education on hold to help his mom when she got sick, but now he's ready to find a job. He enjoys playing video games, painting, and hiking. He doesn't mind learning new skills and is really good with computers.
Option C
LaTasha is working full-time as a cashier at a grocery store, but really wants to do something else. She wants a more fulfilling job that allows her to use more problem-solving skills.
Option D
Alex has a master's degree in computer science and is now looking for job opportunities. They have a minor in mathematics and want something that allows for remote work.
Quiz
Which person is the best match for the job of a bank teller?
LaTasha is the best choice for a bank teller because she has customer service and math skills based on her current role as a cashier. She wants a more fulfilling job and being a bank teller can lead to other opportunities in the banking industry. Although Alex has the skills a bank teller requires, they're better suited for other opportunities based on their level of education and desire to work remotely. Mindy and Jacob would both be great bank tellers, but Mindy doesn't want anything too intense and banking requires a high level of attention to detail. Jacob seems like he might want a job with more creativity and it's not clear how strong his math skills are.
Take Action
Prepare for a career as a bank teller!
This Byte has been authored by
Marina Halter
Learning Designer