Job Description for a Bank Clerk

A bank clerk, also called a teller, is a financial service professional. She serves as the primary point of contact for most bank customers, administering basic banking transactions and answering most questions. This role is seen as an entry level position.

Job Responsibilities

A bank clerk accepts deposits and cashes checks, paying money to customers after validating the signatures on the check and fund availability. When handling withdrawals, she verifies customer signatures and also examines their photo identification to ensure the validity. She records all transactions made by entering notes into the bank's computer system, accepts loan payments on behalf of her employer's lending department. She answers all customer questions and resolves any issues or problems with their accounts, referring the issue to the branch manager if necessary. She promotes and educates customers on the bank's products and services, such as credit cards, money market accounts and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). She also ensures that the balance of her money drawer is accurate.

Job Opportunities

Every retail bank employs clerks. These job opportunities can me found by combing the classified advertisements in newspapers and on online job search boards, such as jobs.com. Job seekers may also find employment through staffing agencies that specialize in the placement of administrative and other entry level candidates. Many financial institutions actively recruit bank clerks at community job fairs as well.

Qualitative Requirements

A bank clerk serves as the face of the retail institution to its customers. As a result, a bank clerk must behave in a professional and polished manner. Anticipating and meeting the needs of customers is critical, as is doing so politely, regardless of the customers' disposition. She must communicate well verbally and also possess good problem solving skills.

Educational Requirements

To gain employment as a bank clerk, a candidate must possess a high school diploma or equivalent. While not typically required, employers tend to favor those who possess or are working toward a four-year degree, preferably in accounting, finance or a related field of study. He must also show an aptitude for mathematics, as well an understanding of the use of computers and other electronic equipment.

Average Compensation

The employment of bank tellers is expected to rise at a rate of 13 percent through 2016, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additionally, simplyhired.com estimates that the average bank teller working in the U.S. earns an income of $ 34,000.

References

• Simplyhired.com
• U.S. Department of Labor
• Careerbuilder.com