What the work is
A bank teller serves customers in a branch: taking in and paying out cash, making payments and transfers, exchanging currency, opening accounts and cards, and advising on the bank’s services. They are responsible for the accuracy of every transaction and for the money in their drawer, and they follow the rules on customer checks and fraud prevention.
A typical day
Taking over the cash drawer and counting it at the start of the shift. Serving the queue: utility payments, transfers, issuing cards. Helping an elderly customer with the mobile app. Checking the documents for an unusual transaction and consulting the compliance team. Balancing and handing in the drawer at the end of the day.
How to start
- Build accuracy, attention and calm in dealing with people.
- Learn the basics of banking products and the rules for handling cash.
- Understand the signs of fraud and why customer checks matter.
- Many banks train new staff themselves — watch for internship programmes.
Related professions
Credit specialist, customer service specialist, accountant, sales representative.