Bank tellers serve a vital function in a bank's operations, and they set the tone for customers' banking experiences. Typically, candidates need only a high school diploma and a month of on-the-job training to become a teller. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 544,150 tellers earning an annual median of $24,590 as of May 2011. To be successful, tellers need skills in several areas, including math, customer service and communications.
Math Skills
Bank tellers need strong math skills to count and handle large amounts of money. When a customer wants to withdraw money, tellers must determine whether the client's account balance meets the requirement for the transaction. When they buy and sell currency from bank vaults for cash drawers, tellers need the ability to stay within cash limits. Their cash drawers need daily balancing as well. These duties require the skill to add, subtract, multiply and divide quickly and correctly. Even an understanding of algebra, geometry, calculus and statistics comes in handy. Those disciplines shape the ability to use math to solve problems, and to understand basic accounting principles and practices.
Customer Service Skills
Tellers need customer-service skills because they interact constantly with bank clients. As a representative of the bank, it's important to be friendly, helpful, courteous and patient. Tellers should also understand what a customer wants, and be able to direct him to the right bank service. Plus, they must pay attention to the immediate needs of customer while preventing exposure to loss or fraud. Computer Skills
Computer skills are key for tellers, who spend much of their day using computers to help clients. Computers help tellers check customers’ financial information, as well as research information on products and services. Part of the job also calls for regular data entry on computers. Word processing and managing electronic files and records are also