What does a bank teller do?

I'm curious about what a bank teller's job involves. I know they work at banks, but what are their day-to-day responsibilities, and what skills are important for the role? Is it a good career option after high school?

In terms of day-to-day responsibilities, bank tellers interact with customers and handle a variety of financial transactions, including deposits, withdrawals, loan payments, and check cashing. They also regularly assist customers with account maintenance activities like ordering checks, updating passbooks, and helping reset PIN numbers for debit and credit cards.

In terms of skills, the role requires good customer service abilities, meticulous attention to detail, and strong math and cash handling skills. Technological proficiency is also important as many banking operations are performed using specialized software and computer systems.

As for entering this profession after high school, it can be a good starting point if you're interested in finance or banking as a field. Most banks require a high school diploma or equivalent for entry-level teller positions. Further professional development often includes on-the-job training, and some individuals may advance to supervisory or administrative roles over time.

However, like many jobs, it also has its challenges. The pay is often entry-level, and hours can extend into evenings and weekends, especially at banks with extended hours or weekend operations. The proliferation of online banking and automated teller systems also means there's less growth in the field compared to areas like tech or healthcare.

All in all, it could be a solid choice if you're interested in the financial field and enjoy working with people, but it's essential to consider the potential downsides as well.