How to Be Head Teller - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

When banks hire a head teller, they can expect to see increases in customer service satisfaction, employee morale, and financial performance. This is because a head teller provides guidance and leadership to the rest of the teller staff, helping them to become more efficient, professional, and knowledgeable. By setting a good example, they create an environment where tellers feel more comfortable and confident in their roles, leading to improved customer service satisfaction.

the head teller's ability to monitor and manage cash flow helps ensure the bank's financial stability and profitability. As a result, banks that invest in a head teller experience greater success in their operations.

Steps How to Become

  1. Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers require head tellers to have at least a high school diploma or GED.
  2. Take classes in accounting and finance. Most employers prefer head tellers to have some college-level education in accounting and/or finance.
  3. Gain experience as a teller. Employers typically require head tellers to have at least one to two years of experience as a teller.
  4. Obtain customer service experience. Employers often prefer head tellers to have some customer service experience, such as working in retail or hospitality.
  5. Pursue certification. The American Institute of Banking offers certification for bank tellers, which may be beneficial for aspiring head tellers.
  6. Develop strong communication skills. Head tellers must be able to effectively communicate with customers and other staff members.
  7. Demonstrate leadership skills. Head tellers must be able to manage and motivate the bank’s teller staff.
  8. Apply for job openings. Once you have the necessary qualifications and experience, you can start applying for open head teller positions at banks and other financial institutions.

Reliability and efficiency are two of the most important qualities for a Head Teller to possess. Ensuring that the customer service staff are well-trained and knowledgeable about bank policies and procedures is essential for providing reliable and efficient service. Having clear and consistent standards for customer service and regularly monitoring employee performance will help ensure that all customers receive a positive and consistent experience.

having a system in place to quickly and accurately process customer transactions will help ensure that customers’ transactions are handled in a timely manner. By ensuring that customers have a positive experience, a Head Teller can maintain both reliability and efficiency in their role.

You may want to check Float Teller, Lead Teller, and Relief Teller for alternative.

Job Description

  1. Greet customers in a friendly and professional manner.
  2. Process customer transactions, including deposits, withdrawals, payments, and check cashing.
  3. Balance the daily transactions and verify cash totals.
  4. Assist customers with online banking inquiries and troubleshooting.
  5. Monitor customer accounts for suspicious activity and report any discrepancies to management.
  6. Resolve customer complaints in a timely and efficient manner.
  7. Cross-sell bank products and services to customers.
  8. Maintain accurate records of customer interactions and transactions.
  9. Ensure compliance with banking regulations and policies.
  10. Maintain the security of the teller station and cash drawer at all times.

Skills and Competencies to Have

  1. Excellent customer service and communication skills.
  2. Ability to effectively handle customer complaints and inquiries.
  3. Strong math and money-handling skills.
  4. Knowledge of banking products and services.
  5. Ability to identify and establish customer relationships.
  6. Computer literacy, including experience with computerized banking systems.
  7. Attention to detail and accuracy in completing transactions.
  8. Thorough knowledge of banking regulations and compliance guidelines.
  9. Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
  10. Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

The ability to effectively communicate is the most important skill a head teller must possess. This requires the head teller to be able to express ideas clearly and concisely, both in speaking and writing, as well as listening and understanding the needs of customers and colleagues. This skill allows the head teller to build relationships with customers, identify customer needs, and provide relevant solutions.

Consequently, customers are more likely to do business with a bank or credit union where they are confident their needs are being met by a knowledgeable and capable head teller. Furthermore, strong communication skills help head tellers manage their staff efficiently, ensuring that all tasks are completed in a timely, organized, and accurate manner. effective communication skills are essential for the success of any head teller in the banking industry.

Remote Teller, Senior Teller, and Drive-up Teller are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

  • What experience do you have in customer service, banking, and sales?
  • What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful Head Teller?
  • How would you handle difficult customer service situations?
  • Describe a situation where you went above and beyond to provide exceptional customer service.
  • How do you stay organized and handle multiple tasks at once?
  • What strategies do you use to motivate staff?
  • What methods do you use to ensure accuracy when dealing with large sums of money?
  • What do you think are the biggest challenges facing Head Tellers today?
  • How do you handle pressure and stay calm in difficult situations?
  • How do you keep up with changes in the banking industry?

Common Tools in Industry

  1. Accounting Software. A software program that records, tracks, and manages financial transactions (eg: QuickBooks).
  2. Cash Management System. A system that automates cash flow and deposits, helping to reduce costs and improve efficiency (eg: CashPro).
  3. Digital Banking Platforms. A software platform for providing banking services online (eg: Chase Online Banking).
  4. Customer Relationship Management (CRM). A system for managing customer data and interactions (eg: Salesforce).
  5. Reporting Software. A software program designed to generate reports on financial performance (eg: Oracle Hyperion Financial Management).
  6. Fraud Detection Software. A system used to detect and prevent financial fraud (eg: FICO Falcon Fraud Manager).
  7. Customer Service Software. A software program used to help manage customer service inquiries (eg: Zendesk).
  8. Risk Management Software. A software program designed to help identify, evaluate, and manage risks (eg: Riskonnect).

Professional Organizations to Know

  1. American Bankers Association (ABA)
  2. Bank Administration Institute
  3. Consumer Bankers Association
  4. Credit Union National Association
  5. Financial Managers Society
  6. Institute of Financial Operations
  7. National Association of Professional Bankers
  8. Professional Risk Managers International Association
  9. Society for Human Resource Management
  10. National Automated Clearing House Association

We also have Foreign Exchange Teller, Exchange Teller, and Cash Teller jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

  1. Teller Window – A physical counter, typically located inside a bank or financial institution, where customers can conduct a variety of transactions, such as deposits and withdrawals.
  2. Cashier’s Check – A type of check issued by a financial institution, guaranteeing payment of a certain amount of money to the person named on the check.
  3. Money Order – A prepaid payment instrument, usually purchased at a bank or post office, that is used to transfer money from one person to another.
  4. ATM – A machine that allows customers to withdraw cash and transfer funds between accounts.
  5. Overdraft Protection – A feature offered by some banks that allows customers to overdraw their accounts up to a certain limit, without incurring fees or other penalties.
  6. Customer Service Representative – A person who provides assistance to customers with questions or problems related to their accounts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job of a Head Teller?

A Head Teller is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a bank's teller line, including supervising, training, and scheduling staff, ensuring accuracy in cash handling, providing superior customer service, and ensuring compliance with bank regulations.

What skills are required for a Head Teller?

Head Tellers must possess strong leadership and organizational skills, excellent customer service skills, problem solving abilities, and knowledge of banking regulations and procedures. They should also have strong cash-handling and math skills.

How many staff members do Head Tellers typically manage?

Head Tellers typically manage a team of 10-15 tellers.

What are the working hours of a Head Teller?

Head Tellers generally work full-time hours and can be expected to work evenings and weekends when necessary.

What is the salary of a Head Teller?

The average salary for Head Tellers is around $35,000 per year.

Web Resources

Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Albert
Submitted by our contributor
Teller Category