Bank Teller Job Description Guide for Hiring Managers

Overview

A bank teller is the frontline of a branch—processing transactions accurately, safeguarding cash, and delivering consistent customer service that reflects the institution’s brand. If you’re hiring, this guide gives you a complete bank teller job description, performance standards, and interview prompts. If you’re a candidate, you’ll get a realistic preview of the work, tools, and growth path.

What follows includes a copy‑ready job description template, a KPI menu with suggested targets, and practical compliance cues. We cite authoritative sources where it matters—such as FinCEN for CTRs, the eCFR for CIP/KYC, the Federal Reserve for Regulation CC, and the BLS for salary and job outlook.

What a bank teller does day to day

Tellers handle the majority of in‑branch transactions: cash deposits and withdrawals, check cashing, payments, money orders, and account inquiries. They verify IDs, reconcile drawers, and spot issues early—such as counterfeit currency, suspicious activity, or errors that could escalate.

On a typical day, a teller alternates between fast‑paced customer windows and back‑counter tasks like balancing, batch processing, and dual‑control vault access. Increasingly, tellers also assist with digital banking—helping customers enroll in mobile apps, set up alerts, or navigate self‑service tools. The role blends accuracy, service, and risk control to protect both customers and the institution.

Core responsibilities and duties

Great bank teller responsibilities are crisp, measurable, and easy to scan. They prioritize accuracy, customer experience, and adherence to policy, with clear handoffs to supervisors or the BSA/AML team when risks appear.

Process cash and non‑cash transactions accurately (deposits, withdrawals, check cashing, loan payments, transfers).
Balance cash drawer daily within policy tolerance; research and resolve variances promptly.
Verify customer identity and account ownership; follow CIP/KYC procedures on every new relationship.
Detect and escalate suspicious activity, fraud red flags, or counterfeit currency per BSA/AML policy.
Apply funds‑availability rules (Reg CC) and disclose hold notices when required.
Promote relevant products and services; generate quality referrals to bankers based on customer needs.
Maintain accurate records, receipts, and logs; safeguard negotiables under dual control.
Support branch operations (vault, ATM settlement, night depository, cash recycler) with proper controls.
Deliver professional, empathetic customer service; resolve issues or route them to the right specialist.
Comply with branch security protocols (access controls, audits, confidentiality, and incident reporting).

These duties set clear expectations for both job seekers and hiring managers. They also anchor performance metrics like drawer balancing, transaction quality, and referral effectiveness.

Required qualifications and essential skills

Teller job requirements combine baseline education, customer‑facing skills, and strong cash‑handling discipline. Hiring managers should tie skills directly to the day‑to‑day duties to avoid mismatches.

High school diploma or equivalent (associate degree a plus).
6–12 months of customer service or cash‑handling experience (retail, hospitality, or financial services).
Proven accuracy with basic math, currency counting, and reconciliation.
Comfort with banking systems, point‑of‑sale tools, and Microsoft Office; quick to learn new software.
Strong communication, active listening, and de‑escalation skills.
Integrity and risk awareness; follows procedures exactly and documents thoroughly.
Sales/service mindset: identifies needs and makes appropriate referrals without pressure.
Bilingual skills a plus in multilingual markets; notary or NMLS not required for teller roles but helpful for growth.

For candidates without direct teller experience, highlight transferable skills—till balancing in retail, PCI or ID checks in hospitality, or high‑volume service in call centers.

Compliance, security, and risk controls every teller follows

Every teller touches regulated processes, and the branch’s safety depends on consistent adherence. Customer Identification Program (CIP) is required for banks under 31 CFR 1020.220, which sets minimum identity verification steps for opening accounts. That means every new relationship must meet documentary or non‑documentary standards before transactions occur.

Cash reporting is another core control. A Currency Transaction Report (CTR) is required for cash transactions over $10,000 in a single business day, including aggregating related transactions. Tellers verify identity, aggregate appropriately, and escalate for filing to the BSA team, per FinCEN guidance and 31 CFR 1010.311.

Regulation CC governs funds availability and hold disclosures. Tellers must provide timely, accurate hold notices and follow exception policies as outlined by the Federal Reserve’s Reg CC framework.

Security extends beyond AML: tellers screen against OFAC sanctions lists when applicable, maintain dual control for vault and negotiables, and treat confidentiality (PII, account data) as non‑negotiable. The takeaway is simple: follow policy every time, document clearly, and escalate whenever something looks off.

Sources:

eCFR CIP rule (31 CFR 1020.220): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-31/subtitle-B/chapter-X/part-1020/section-1020.220
eCFR Currency reporting (31 CFR 1010.311): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-31/subtitle-B/chapter-X/part-1010/section-1010.311
FinCEN CTR overview: https://www.fincen.gov
Federal Reserve Reg CC: https://www.federalreserve.gov/supervisionreg/regcc.htm
OFAC Sanctions Lists: https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/sanctions-lists-and-files
FFIEC BSA/AML Manual: https://bsaaml.ffiec.gov/

Tools, systems, and cash‑handling equipment used on the job

Modern tellers rely on a mix of software and hardware to work quickly without compromising controls. Candidates who learn these tools faster ramp up sooner and make fewer errors.

Teller platform/core banking (account lookups, holds, transactions, journal entries).
Cash recycler/cash dispenser for automated counting and secure storage.
Currency counters and counterfeit detectors (UV/MG/IR checks, serial scanning).
Check image capture (teller capture/branch capture) with endorsement controls.
Identity verification tools (ID scanners, knowledge‑based authentication, watchlist checks).
Dual‑control vault/ATM access logs and branch alarm systems.

These tools reduce manual steps, speed up service, and add layered controls that protect against fraud and loss. When screening candidates, ask about prior exposure to POS systems, reconciliations, or document scanners as proxies for quick tool adoption.

Work environment, schedules, and physical demands

Branch schedules typically mirror retail banking hours with peak traffic during lunch and late afternoons. Expect rotating shifts that may include Saturdays, occasional holidays, and extended hours near month‑end or local pay cycles. Part‑time and float teller roles often cover multiple locations based on volume.

The job is active: tellers stand for long periods, lift cash bags or coin boxes (within policy limits), and move between the teller line, vault, and back office. Security and dual‑control procedures add short, deliberate steps to everyday tasks—worth the time because they prevent both financial and compliance losses.

Salary and job outlook

Compensation varies by market, institution size, and whether the role includes sales incentives. Urban branches and high‑cost regions typically pay more; roles with stronger referral goals may include bonuses or spot incentives for qualified leads.

For current pay and outlook, see the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics profile for Tellers, which tracks national wages and employment trends. Use the BLS data to set a local pay band and supplement with regional surveys to stay competitive.

Reference: BLS Tellers profile: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/tellers.htm

Bank teller KPIs and performance standards

Clear KPIs turn a bank teller job description into a day‑to‑day playbook and help managers set fair, consistent expectations. Calibrate targets to branch volume, complexity, and training stage.

Drawer accuracy/variance: 0 variance target; investigate any over/short; escalation threshold often set at $10–$50 per incident or repeated patterns.
Transaction quality: ≥99.5% error‑free rate (no corrections, misposts, or missing documentation).
Balancing timeliness: drawer balanced within X minutes of close; unresolved items escalated same day.
Transaction speed: throughput target tailored to branch mix (e.g., average 3–5 minutes for standard transactions without holds).
Compliance adherence: 100% completion of required trainings; 100% correct use of holds, CTR aggregation, and ID verification where applicable.
Referrals: quality referrals per shift/week aligned to branch strategy (e.g., 1–3 meaningful referrals per day).
Customer experience: post‑visit survey satisfaction at or above branch threshold; minimal service complaints.

Use these as starting benchmarks and refine quarterly. Track trends rather than one‑off misses; invest coaching time where accuracy or compliance dips.

Copy‑ready bank teller job description template

Use this copy‑paste template and adjust the scope (service vs. sales emphasis) to your branch’s strategy. Add your location, pay band, and any role‑specific tools in your tech stack.

About the role

This teller role is the face of our branch—processing transactions with accuracy, protecting customer information and cash, and delivering friendly, efficient service. You’ll work closely with the branch team to solve problems, make quality referrals, and keep daily operations running smoothly.

If you’re detail‑oriented and enjoy helping people, this is a strong entry into banking.

Responsibilities

These responsibilities define what success looks like on the teller line and guide day‑to‑day priorities.

Process deposits, withdrawals, check cashing, loan payments, and transfers accurately.
Balance your cash drawer daily; research and resolve any variances promptly.
Verify identity and account ownership; follow CIP/KYC procedures on new relationships.
Apply funds‑availability rules (Reg CC) and issue hold notices when required.
Identify and escalate suspected fraud, structuring, or counterfeit currency.
Maintain accurate records and safeguard negotiables under dual control.
Provide professional, empathetic service; de‑escalate issues and route complex needs.
Generate quality referrals to bankers based on customer needs and eligibility.
Support branch operations (vault/ATM settlement, night drop, cash recycler) per policy.

We emphasize accuracy, compliance, and service; training and coaching are provided.

Qualifications

These qualifications reflect essential teller job requirements; we welcome equivalent experience.

High school diploma or equivalent; college coursework a plus.
6–12 months of customer service or cash‑handling experience.
Strong math skills with proven accuracy and attention to detail.
Comfortable using banking or POS systems; quick to learn new software.
Clear communicator with active listening and problem‑solving skills.
Integrity and sound judgment; follows procedures and documents work.
Sales/service mindset with appropriate, needs‑based referrals.
Bilingual skills and notary commission are a plus, not required.

If you have retail or hospitality experience with till balancing or ID checks, tell us.

Schedule & compensation

This is a [full‑time/part‑time] on‑site role aligned to branch hours, with rotating coverage for Saturdays and occasional holidays. We offer a competitive hourly rate with potential incentives for quality referrals, plus benefits for eligible employees.

For context on national pay and outlook, see the BLS Tellers profile; our specific range is [insert local range] based on experience and market.

Performance metrics

We use a small set of clear KPIs to coach and recognize performance.

Drawer accuracy and variance control (target: zero; immediate research on any over/short).
Error‑free transaction rate (target: ≥99.5%).
Balancing timeliness at close.
Compliance adherence (training completion, correct holds, CTR aggregation).
Quality referrals generated per shift/week.
Customer satisfaction and professional conduct.

We adjust targets for training periods and support growth with regular feedback.

EEO & compliance note

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status.

All employees are expected to follow bank security procedures and AML/KYC policies, including CIP, Reg CC disclosures, and escalation of suspicious activity.

Variations by institution and role

“Bank teller” can mean slightly different things depending on where you work. Understanding the differences helps employers set the right scope and helps candidates pick the right fit.

Credit union vs retail bank

Credit union tellers are often called member service representatives and may spend more time on education, community events, or niche products like shared branching and specialty loans. Product sets can differ (e.g., member rewards, seasonal skip‑a‑pay programs), and the sales approach is usually advisory versus quota‑driven.

Retail bank tellers often work within a larger branch network, with more defined referral pathways and technology variations across the core banking stack.

Teller vs personal banker vs universal banker

Tellers focus on transactions, cash control, and quick problem solving. Personal bankers handle appointments, accounts, and loans—more time on consultative sales and documentation.

Universal bankers combine both: they can cover the teller line and then sit for an account opening or card dispute. Hiring managers should decide whether the role is service‑centric (teller), sales‑centric (personal banker), or blended (universal) and write the job description accordingly.

Hiring guidance for employers

Start by deciding your emphasis: high‑volume service, sales/referrals, or universal coverage. Then tune the bank teller job description to reflect the mix—especially in the Responsibilities and KPIs.

Screen early for integrity and accuracy (cash handling, reconciliation stories), plus coachability on systems and procedures.

Use behavioral prompts to reveal habits and judgment:

Tell me about a time you balanced a cash drawer or till—what was your process and result?
Describe a situation where you followed a policy that a customer didn’t like. How did you handle it?
Walk me through how you would handle a cash deposit of $11,000 that comes in two transactions an hour apart.
Share an example of spotting a mistake before it became a problem. What did you do?
How do you make a needs‑based referral without being pushy? Give a recent example.

Close interviews with a simple accuracy exercise (countback, mock receipt check) and a short role‑play on Reg CC hold disclosure. This aligns hiring with real teller work.

Career path and development for tellers

The teller role is a strong launch point in retail banking. Within 12–24 months, many progress to head teller/lead teller, personal banker, or operations specialist.

Strong performers who love service and controls often move into assistant branch manager or loss prevention within a few years. Training that accelerates growth includes advanced cash‑handling and reconciliation, Reg CC and BSA/AML refreshers, customer de‑escalation, and product knowledge.

Optional credentials like notary, or later NMLS for lending‑adjacent roles, expand what you can do in‑branch and improve internal mobility.

A realistic day in the life

Openers arrive before the doors, run branch security checks, load cash recyclers, and count drawers under dual control. Once open, the first rush brings deposits and withdrawals; tellers verify IDs, apply holds as needed, and watch for red flags like unusual cash patterns or altered checks.

Midday often blends customer queues and back‑counter work—ATM settlement, night drop processing, and resolving a balancing discrepancy with a manager. A customer asks about mobile deposit limits; a teller walks them through the app and sets up alerts.

At close, tellers balance drawers, investigate any over/short, log negotiables, and secure the branch. Throughout, the common threads are accuracy, service, and consistent compliance.

References and regulatory sources

Authoritative sources strengthen your bank teller job description and training plans. Use these for policy writing, onboarding, and refreshers.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Tellers (wages and outlook) — https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/tellers.htm
FinCEN: Currency Transaction Reports (CTR) and BSA resources — https://www.fincen.gov
eCFR: Customer Identification Program rule (31 CFR 1020.220) — https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-31/subtitle-B/chapter-X/part-1020/section-1020.220
eCFR: Currency reporting (31 CFR 1010.311) — https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-31/subtitle-B/chapter-X/part-1010/section-1010.311
Federal Reserve: Regulation CC (Availability of Funds) — https://www.federalreserve.gov/supervisionreg/regcc.htm
FFIEC: BSA/AML Examination Manual — https://bsaaml.ffiec.gov/
OFAC: Sanctions lists and compliance resources — https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/sanctions-lists-and-files

These links anchor your JD and SOPs to current rules and best practices. Revisit them annually to reflect policy updates or technology changes in your branch network.