BANK TELLER JOB DESCRIPTION

A Bank Teller is the primary point of contact for customers conducting daily financial transactions at a branch. What makes the role demanding is its dual obligation: maintaining zero-tolerance accuracy on every cash drawer balance while simultaneously identifying cross-sell opportunities under BSA/AML and Regulation CC compliance requirements. Branch volume at a busy retail location can exceed 7,000 monthly transactions. Tellers operate within strict federal regulatory frameworks, including Bank Secrecy Act reporting on currency transactions above $10,000, that distinguish this seat from adjacent service roles.

As the Bank Teller, you process and record deposits, withdrawals, check cashing, loan payments, and related branch transactions while ensuring full compliance with federal banking regulations and internal policy. Working within a branch team and typically reporting to a Branch Operations Manager or Head Teller, you serve as the front-line representative responsible for customer retention, product referrals, and the daily balancing of assigned cash drawers and vault totals.

Career Impact: Mastering BSA/AML compliance, Regulation CC, and consumer lending referral processes builds a documented foundation for advancement into Head Teller, Personal Banker, or branch operations roles.

Business Impact: Teller accuracy and service quality directly influence daily branch cash integrity, customer retention rates, and the volume of new product relationships opened at the branch level.

Growth Opportunity: Cross-training in commercial depository products, loan applications, and new account opening expands the scope of expertise that qualifies Tellers for senior individual contributor and supervisory tracks within retail banking.

• Process customer transactions - deposits, withdrawals, check cashing, loan payments, and money orders - in compliance with bank policy and accuracy standards.
• Balance cash drawer at the end of each shift and reconcile vault, ATM, and coin machine totals against branch records.
• Identify and refer cross-sell opportunities for consumer and commercial products and services to appropriate branch personnel.
• Verify customer identity and documentation before completing account transactions, new account openings, or disbursements.
• Adhere to BSA/AML/OFAC requirements, including preparation of currency transaction reports for cash transactions exceeding $10,000.
• Resolve customer inquiries regarding checking, savings, debit card, and electronic banking issues within authorized limits.
• Open new accounts and process supporting documentation, including stop payments, address changes, and check orders.
• Support branch operations by processing night drop, mail-in deposits, and daily scanning of teller work for deposit operations.

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent; banking coursework or related financial studies preferred.
• 6 months or more of teller, cash handling, or customer-facing financial services experience, with demonstrated accuracy in high-volume transaction environments.
• Working knowledge of federal banking regulations applicable to teller operations, including BSA, Regulation CC, and Regulation E.
• Demonstrated ability to balance cash and reconcile discrepancies at end of shift without supervisory assistance.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills sufficient to explain account products and resolve customer concerns professionally.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent tasks accurately under time pressure in a branch environment.
• Proficiency in basic computer operations and standard office software sufficient to perform data entry and account maintenance.

• Prior experience opening new accounts, processing loan applications, or disbursing consumer loan products in a branch setting.
• Bilingual fluency in Spanish, supporting service to a broader retail customer base.
• Familiarity with banking back-office platforms or cash recycler technology used in branch operations.
• Experience in a lead or senior teller capacity, including approval authority and training of less experienced branch staff.

• Cash drawer balance rate, measuring the percentage of end-of-shift balances closed without variance.
• Currency transaction report filing accuracy, tracking BSA-compliant reporting on transactions above $10,000.
• Same-day transaction processing rate, reflecting adherence to daily cut-off and accuracy standards.
• Cross-sell referral count per period, tied to the volume of qualified product referrals passed to Personal Bankers.
• Customer account inquiry resolution rate, measuring first-contact resolution on debit, overdraft, and electronic banking issues.
• Typical tools: teller cash management systems (commonly Fiserv or Jack Henry); office productivity software (commonly Microsoft Office).

• Base Salary Range: $34,000 to $46,000 annually, depending on experience and market
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus, typically 3 to 6% of base salary
• Equity: Not standard for this role
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution standard
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually, plus federal bank holidays
• Common Perks: Employee banking fee waivers, tuition assistance, 401(k) with employer match

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Work authorization in the United States is required for this position. Employment is contingent on successful completion of a background check and credit history review, consistent with the requirements of cash-handling roles in federally regulated financial institutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations will be made available to individuals with disabilities throughout the application and employment process upon request.

The Bank Teller owns the full credit and collections cycle, analyzing customer financial situations and credit risk across individual accounts and aggregated portfolios to determine eligibility and extend credit within established policy. Working in direct contact with management and the Public Utility Commission, the Bank Teller ensures regulatory compliance and customer account integrity by investigating complaints, evaluating low-income program eligibility, and developing credit procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Apply credit and collection policies to the requirements of designated customer accounts.
• Review customer files, reports, credit bureau documents, and financial statements to verify deposit eligibility.
• Extend credit in accordance with established policy and terms.
• Analyze customer financial situations to determine credit eligibility beyond standard policy criteria.
• Analyze credit risk for both aggregated portfolios and individual accounts.
• Carry out follow-up and collection programs for accounts receivable.
• Communicate requests to management for credit applications outside standard policies.
• Investigate customer complaints and prepare findings for responses to the Public Utility Commission and management.
• Evaluate customer eligibility for PUC-mandated programs, including low-income status.
• Process development and implementation of credit policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field preferred, or high school diploma with equivalent experience.
• Experience analyzing customer accounts, spreadsheets, and databases to resolve issues.
• Knowledge of credit and collection policies, contractual documents, and regulatory procedures.
• Proficient mathematical and analytical skills with strong attention to accuracy and detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Word and Excel.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with ability to maintain composure under pressure.
• Ability to work independently, multi-task, and adapt to changing responsibilities.
• English required, with Spanish preferred for bilingual-designated positions.

Embedded within a branch office environment, the Bank Teller processes approximately 7,000 monthly bill payments by accepting cash, checks, and money orders while delivering consistent customer service to utility account holders. Working closely with departmental leadership, the Bank Teller maintains organizational standards, controls losses through strict policy adherence, and ensures all payments are processed accurately.

Core Functions

• Process approximately 7,000 monthly bill payments by accepting cash, checks, or money orders.
• Answer general customer account questions.
• Complete identity verification for new utility service customers.
• Provide excellent customer service in an office setting.
• Maintain organizational standards within the assigned office.
• Control losses by following established policies and procedures.
• Process all payments accurately and without errors.

Qualifications & Experience

• High school diploma or GED required, with college education preferred.
• Cash handling experience with comfort managing large sums of currency.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Experience with SAP applications, including Cash Desk, preferred.
• Ability to type 40 words per minute and perform standard office tasks.
• Strong verbal communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to maintain composure and professionalism with a challenging customer base.
• Ability to accept direction and follow departmental policies without exception.

Reporting to branch leadership, the Bank Teller shapes daily operations by executing production queues, facilitating team standups, and maintaining 100% same-day processing standards across all assigned tasks. Partnering with supporting departments, the Bank Teller sustains defined productivity and quality benchmarks that keep branch service delivery on schedule and within compliance requirements.

Primary Duties

• Communicate effectively to provide a high-quality experience for customers.
• Escalate situations to the appropriate level as needed.
• Collaborate with supporting departments to execute daily processes and operations.
• Work production queues and complete assigned tasks outside of standard queues.
• Maintain defined productivity and quality standards.
• Prepare and facilitate scheduled team standups.
• Meet 100% same-day processing standards, including staying past shift end when required.

Skills & Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, equivalent certification, or military experience required.
• At least one year of banking experience, including teller, retail banker, or back-office roles.
• Excellent customer service skills with a professional demeanor at all levels.
• Strong organizational, time management, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize workflow, and work efficiently under limited supervision.

Sitting at the intersection of customer service and regulatory compliance, the Bank Teller resolves inbound calls and emails covering debit card issues, account overdrafts, electronic disputes, and online banking questions while cross-selling bank products to new and existing customers. Operating across more than 25 concurrent software applications, the Bank Teller upholds the Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, and Bank Security procedures to protect both customers and the institution.

Duties

• Answer inbound calls and respond to customer emails.
• Resolve customer problems including debit card issues, account overdrafts, electronic disputes, and online banking questions.
• Perform transactions on behalf of customers, including funds transfers, stop payments, debit card increases, address changes, and check orders.
• Suggest and cross-sell appropriate bank products and services to new and existing customers.
• Demonstrate compliance with all applicable bank regulations and stay current on regulatory changes.
• Maintain working knowledge of the Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, and Bank Security procedures.

Requirements

• High school diploma, vocational training, or equivalent required.
• 1 to 2 years of customer service experience required, with call center environment preferred.
• Knowledge of bank operations, regulatory compliance, and product cross-training procedures.
• Intermediate computer skills including MS Office and banking software.
• Ability to work with over 25 software applications concurrently.
• Intermediate reading, writing, arithmetic, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to multi-task and manage workflow effectively.

A key member of the branch team, the Bank Teller III delivers accurate and efficient processing of deposits, withdrawals, checks, money orders, traveler's checks, and bonds while initiating referrals and cross-selling bank products to expand customer relationships. Collaborating across teller lines and back-office functions, the Bank Teller III prepares currency transaction reports for cash transactions exceeding $10,000 and ensures all branch activity remains in compliance with established bank procedures.

Functions

• Serve walk-in and drive-in customers by processing deposits, withdrawals, checks, money orders, traveler's checks, and bonds, ensuring all documents are complete before transactions.
• Attract new customer relationships and expand existing ones by initiating referrals and cross-selling bank products and services.
• Answer customer inquiries regarding checking, savings, and other bank-related products.
• Record all transactions promptly, accurately, and in compliance with bank procedures.
• Process commercial bags, mail-in deposits, and night drop items.
• Balance cash and checks in the cash drawer at end of each shift.
• Prepare currency transaction reports for cash transactions exceeding $10,000.

Education & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required, with banking courses or related studies preferred.
• 6 months to 1 year of banking or related experience required.
• Experience in cash handling, clerical, sales, or customer service roles preferred.
• Knowledge of bank products, services, and the ability to promote and advise customers on offerings.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills with accuracy and attention to detail.

Accurate, compliant transaction processing and the protection of customer information depend on the Bank Teller, who acknowledges incoming customers, maintains the cash drawer, and processes withdrawals, deposits, and loan payments in accordance with all applicable banking regulations. Based within a retail branch, the Bank Teller serves as a front-line point of contact for account inquiries, document verification, and coordination with deposit operations agents.

Accountabilities

• Acknowledge and greet all incoming customers upon arrival.
• Maintain the cash drawer and complete banking transactions, including withdrawals, deposits, and loan payments.
• Prepare teller tickets, receipts for night deposits, mail deposits, and related documents.
• Assist customers with general account inquiries and conduct follow-up calls as needed.
• Verify all documents presented through thorough examination, including endorsements.
• Sort all work for onsite capture and timely submission to deposit operations agents.
• Protect customer information and securely handle personal data at all times.
• Adhere to all applicable banking regulations and internal bank policies.

Experience & Qualifications

• Degree preferred but not required.
• At least 1 year of experience as a Bank Teller required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel and ability to operate a variety of office equipment.
• Strong customer service skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and use tact and diplomacy.
• Must maintain professional dress and demeanor.
• Ability to project a calm and professional demeanor, even under stress.

As the Bank Teller, this role generates consumer loans that benefit customers and meet branch loan production goals each month while completing full-service transactions, including deposits, withdrawals, and cash advances, for both walk-in and phone-based members. The credit union relies on this work to deepen member relationships, capture business opportunities, and ensure consistent growth in loan volume and cross-sold product adoption.

Key Deliverables

• Generate consumer loans that benefit customers and meet individual and branch loan production goals each month.
• Identify and capture business opportunities to deepen customer relationships.
• Build customer relationships and cross-sell credit union products and services to match customer needs.
• Complete transactions including deposits, withdrawals, loan payments, checks, money orders, and cash advances.
• Open new accounts, take loan applications, and disburse approved loan funds.
• Serve members both in person and by phone.
• Participate in individual and credit union training programs.

Professional Experience

• High school diploma required, with additional education preferred.
• Experience in customer service and financial services required.
• Experience in consumer lending required.
• Cash handling experience required.
• Strong customer service and sales skills with a drive to exceed expectations.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to work independently and within a team.

Bank Teller delivers accurate processing of deposits, withdrawals, payments, and check cashing while referring bank products and services and contributing to a cohesive team environment across branch locations. The work directly supports branch operational integrity by maintaining cash drawer control, balancing funds, and projecting a professional image in every customer and team member interaction.

Areas of Ownership

• Process customer transactions including deposits, withdrawals, payments, and check cashing in accordance with bank policy.
• Refer bank products and services to new and existing customers during transactions.
• Acquire and maintain working knowledge of bank products, services, regulations, and procedures.
• Maintain control of the cash drawer, balance funds, and process all supporting documentation.
• Respond efficiently to customer inquiries regarding accounts, products, services, and general information.
• Project a professional image in attitude, appearance, and communication with customers and team members.
• Contribute to a cohesive team environment through empathy, respect, and positive interpersonal interactions.

Background & Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Cash handling experience preferred.
• Knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, and confidentiality requirements.
• Strong customer service skills including communication, sensitivity, judgment, and initiative.
• Ability to handle high-stress situations, maintain energy, and work independently across branch locations.
• Basic computer skills sufficient to operate standard office equipment.
• Physical ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, and lift light objects as required by the role.

The Bank Teller produces accurate transaction processing across deposits, withdrawals, check cashing, ATM, and night drop while balancing vault and ATM, completing monthly certifications, and adhering to operational controls that protect client and bank assets. Working in direct support of Branch Management through daily report review and supply coordination, the Bank Teller deepens customer relationships by resolving service concerns and maintaining current knowledge of bank products and fees.

Role Responsibilities

• Process transactions accurately, including deposits, withdrawals, check cashing, ATM, and night drop.
• Answer questions and resolve customer concerns regarding bank services.
• Sell cashier's checks and process holds and stop payments.
• Balance vault and ATM, complete monthly certifications, and conduct account research.
• Review and verify daily reports as assigned by Branch Management.
• Adhere to bank policies, operational controls, and regulatory procedures to protect client and bank assets.
• Order supplies, process mail, and assist with scanning of daily teller work.

Position Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• One year of recent teller or cash handling experience required.
• Fluency in Spanish preferred.
• Strong customer service skills including proper telephone etiquette and written communication.
• Basic math, accurate typing, and computer skills required, with knowledge of Word and Excel preferred.
• Ability to work in a team-oriented environment and perform accurately in a fast-paced setting.
• Physical ability to stand or sit for prolonged periods and move objects up to 20 pounds as required.

The Bank Teller refines the full scope of in-branch and phone-based service by processing deposits, withdrawals, loan payments, and safe deposit box access while identifying cross-sell opportunities for both consumer and commercial products. Serving as a compliance anchor for BSA/AML/OFAC requirements, the Bank Teller maintains accurate depository records, reports suspicious activity, and supports community presence through branch opening and closing responsibilities and bank-sponsored events.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Process in-branch services including deposits, withdrawals, loan payments, check orders, and safe deposit box access.
• Balance cash recyclers, vault, and coin machine.
• Handle inbound and outbound calls to support customer retention and relationship expansion.
• Interact with customers to provide information on accounts, products, and services.
• Identify and close cross-sell opportunities for consumer and commercial products, referring customers to appropriate staff as needed.
• Perform data entry to maintain consumer and commercial contact and deposit records.
• Ensure departmental compliance with BSA/AML/OFAC rules and report suspicious account activity.
• Open and close the branch following established procedures and volunteer at bank-sponsored community events.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• High school diploma or GED required, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 6 to 12 months of customer-facing and cash handling experience preferred.
• Knowledge of consumer and commercial depository products, services, and BSA/AML/OFAC compliance requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret business documents, regulatory guidelines, and correspondence.
• Strong mathematical skills, including application of percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical tasks.
• Proficient written and verbal communication skills with ability to present information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to solve practical problems, interpret varied instructions, and work with minimal supervision.

Bank Teller advances branch operational efficiency by supporting the Branch Operations Manager across a broad scope of retail and commercial account activities, including processing deposits, issuing official checks, balancing the cash drawer, and cross-training less experienced personnel. Success in the position means customers receive accurate, compliant service across new account openings, loan payments, wire transfers, and regulatory dispute processing while the branch maintains strong relationships and operational control.

Strategic Responsibilities

• Receive and process retail and commercial checking and savings deposits, verifying all documents are complete before issuing receipts.
• Cash checks, process savings withdrawals, and make cash advances within authorized limits.
• Promote and cross-sell bank products and services, assisting customers in selecting options that meet their needs.
• Establish proper identification for new customers and determine the scope of reference investigation required.
• Make decisions on new account openings, assign account numbers, check credit history, and prepare all related documentation.
• Issue official checks, money orders, traveler's checks, and savings bond applications.
• Accept and process Regulation I disputes with appropriate documentation, forwarding to the relevant department.
• Process stop payment orders, hold orders, loan payments, and installment and collection payments.
• Balance cash drawer daily, verify vault returns, and maintain accurate teller balancing records across general ledger accounts.
• Gather data and process reports including currency transactions, returned items, overdrafts, and callbacks.
• Process credit reports, address changes, ATM deposits, wire transfers, FICA payments, and certifications.
• Cross-train less experienced branch personnel and provide staff support at other branch locations.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 4 or more years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience in financial institution operations, lending, sales, customer service, and cash handling required.
• Intermediate knowledge of branch operations, new account activities, and retail and commercial product terminology.
• Intermediate knowledge of consumer and commercial lending activities, products, and terminology.
• Intermediate knowledge of state and federal banking compliance regulations and internal bank policies.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and account opening software such as CFI DepositPro.
• Effective oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management ability.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and handle complex, non-standardized situations.