Teller Job Description Template: Duties & Skills

Overview

Use this teller job description to quickly draft a clear, compliant posting that attracts accurate, customer-focused candidates.

A bank teller (also called a teller or credit union teller) processes routine financial transactions, provides frontline service, and supports branch sales while following strict risk and compliance rules.

A precise JD improves customer experience, sets measurable expectations, and reduces compliance and hiring risks.

Tailor the language by institution type (community bank, retail bank, credit union) and branch profile (high-volume urban, relationship-driven suburban, or ITM/video-enabled).

Role summary and mission of a Teller

A Teller delivers fast, accurate cash handling and everyday banking support while safeguarding customer information and the institution’s assets.

The role balances speed and service with controls. Tellers verify IDs, follow BSA/AML procedures, and escalate red flags. Customers complete transactions confidently, and the branch meets accuracy, service, and risk goals.

Teller job description template

Copy, paste, and adapt this teller job description template to fit your brand, branch needs, and compliance requirements.

Job overview paragraph

We’re hiring a Teller to deliver friendly, accurate service to our customers/members. In this frontline role, you’ll handle cash and routine transactions, answer questions, and guide customers to digital tools or specialists when needed.

You’ll balance your cash drawer daily, follow identity verification and BSA/AML procedures, and spot potential fraud while keeping wait times low. Success looks like consistent accuracy, helpful communication, and timely referrals that connect customers with the right banking solutions.

Responsibilities

1. Greet customers, verify identity, and process deposits, withdrawals, payments, and check cashing accurately and efficiently
2. Balance cash drawer daily; research and resolve discrepancies within defined variance thresholds
3. Issue cashier’s checks, money orders, and official checks per policy
4. Follow BSA/AML procedures, including CTR/SAR escalation and customer due diligence per branch guidelines
5. Perform OFAC name checks and adhere to funds availability rules (e.g., Reg CC) and error-resolution steps (e.g., Reg E)
6. Identify and escalate fraud red flags (altered checks, structuring, phishing/social engineering indicators)
7. Educate customers on self-service options (ATMs/ITMs, mobile deposit, online banking) and assist with basic troubleshooting
8. Make needs-based referrals to bankers/loan officers; support sales campaigns without pressure tactics
9. Maintain branch security protocols: dual control, key/vault access, and secure handling of negotiables
10. Support opening/closing procedures and assist with branch operations as needed (coin machine, night drop, ATM balancing)

Qualifications

1. High school diploma or equivalent; 1+ year of cash-handling or customer service experience preferred
2. Proven accuracy with cash and basic math; comfortable reconciling drawers and researching variances
3. Strong customer service, active listening, and clear verbal/written communication
4. Familiarity with teller systems and Microsoft Office; ability to learn new banking software quickly
5. Integrity and judgment to follow policies, confidentiality, and escalation procedures
6. Comfortable standing for extended periods and handling repetitive transactions
7. Team-oriented; able to work in a fast-paced, high-traffic environment
8. Bilingual skills a plus; prior banking/credit union experience or coursework in finance is helpful
9. Must meet background check and bondability requirements

Compensation, schedule, and benefits

Set your range using local market data and role scope, and note schedule expectations up front.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for tellers was $36,310 in May 2023, with a projected -15% employment change from 2022–2032, largely due to automation and digital channels; both can influence local supply and pay dynamics (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/tellers.htm).

Include hourly rate or range, whether the role is full- or part-time, weekend/holiday rotation, and standard benefits (health, retirement match, paid time off, tuition assistance).

EEO statement and application process

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or protected veteran status. Learn more about employer EEO responsibilities at the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: https://www.eeoc.gov/employers.

How to apply:

1. Submit your resume and a brief note on your cash-handling and customer service experience.
2. Complete a short skills assessment (basic math and accuracy).
3. Finalists will complete an interview and background check.

Core duties and responsibilities

Use this section to clarify what “great” looks like: fast, accurate transactions; consistent control over cash; and proactive, friendly service.

Start with high-volume work—deposits, withdrawals, and check cashing—then show how tellers protect the institution by following identity verification, BSA/AML, and funds availability rules.

Tellers reconcile their cash drawers daily and research discrepancies immediately to keep loss within allowable variance thresholds. They watch for fraud red flags such as altered checks, repeated large cash transactions just under reporting limits, or social engineering attempts. Escalate promptly.

Guide customers to the right channel—self-service for simple needs, a banker or loan officer for complex requests—and document referrals for tracking. The result is smooth transactions, short wait times, secure operations, and a trust-building experience.

Modern branches add digital support to the role. That can include walking customers through mobile deposit enrollment, troubleshooting online banking logins, or operating interactive teller machines (ITMs) as a video teller during extended hours. These tasks extend access while maintaining accuracy and security standards.

Skills and qualifications

Focus your teller qualifications on accuracy, integrity, and service. Must-haves typically include proven cash-handling accuracy, basic math, comfort with teller systems, and the judgment to follow policies consistently.

Nice-to-haves include prior banking or credit union experience, bilingual skills, and experience in high-volume retail or hospitality environments.

Screen for accuracy with a short, timed cash-counting or currency-identification exercise and a basic math test that includes making change. Assess service through a role-play: de-escalating a fee dispute or explaining funds availability while maintaining rapport.

Ask about following rules under pressure—e.g., refusing an exception when a queue is long—to test policy adherence and integrity. Candidates who communicate clearly, escalate appropriately, and ask clarifying questions typically succeed in the role.

Compliance and risk requirements to include

State compliance expectations plainly so candidates understand the seriousness of controls. Tellers support Bank Secrecy Act/Anti-Money Laundering requirements with customer due diligence and escalation to BSA officers as needed (FinCEN BSA/AML overview: https://www.fincen.gov/resources/statutes-regulations/bank-secrecy-act).

Examiner expectations and control examples are summarized in the FFIEC BSA/AML Examination Manual: https://bsaaml.ffiec.gov. OFAC sanctions screening applies to relevant transactions and name checks: https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/office-of-foreign-assets-control-sanctions-programs-and-information/sanctions-lists.

For funds availability and error resolution, reference Regulation CC (Funds Availability) and Regulation E (Electronic Fund Transfers) from the CFPB: Reg CC — https://www.consumerfinance.gov/rules-policy/regulations/cc/; Reg E — https://www.consumerfinance.gov/rules-policy/regulations/e/.

Include concise lines like these in your JD to set expectations:

1. Follow BSA/AML, OFAC, and ID verification procedures; escalate CTR/SAR concerns per policy.
2. Apply funds availability (Reg CC) and error-resolution (Reg E) requirements accurately and document actions.
3. Maintain dual control, confidentiality of customer information, and secure handling of negotiable instruments.

Experience, education, and training

Most teller roles require a high school diploma or equivalent, with 0–2 years of cash-handling and customer service experience. Employers typically provide structured on-the-job training covering teller systems, cash controls, fraud red flags, and compliance procedures (BSA/AML, OFAC, Reg CC/Reg E).

Additional cross-training on digital channels and ITM/video teller operations is increasingly common. Note the physical demands and work style upfront: standing for long periods, repetitive transactions, and a fast-paced environment with frequent customer interaction.

If you prefer industry exposure, phrase it as “prior banking or credit union experience preferred” rather than a hard requirement to keep entry-level pathways open.

Compensation, schedule, and work environment

Set pay using local market data, role scope (volume, vault/ATM responsibilities, ITM duties), and competitive conditions, then calibrate to national benchmarks. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides current wage data and job outlook for tellers, which can inform your range and talent strategy (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/office-and-administrative-support/tellers.htm).

Include an hourly range, any shift differentials, and clear promotion pathways (e.g., Senior Teller, Universal Banker). Scheduling typically includes a rotating Saturday schedule and occasional holidays, with part-time coverage for peak traffic or extended ITM hours.

Describe branch operations—security protocols, dual control, and customer volume—and any expectations for travel to nearby branches for coverage.

KPIs and performance standards to set in your JD

Use measurable, realistic KPIs to set expectations without creating undue sales pressure.

1. Transaction accuracy rate: ≥99.5% monthly
2. Cash-drawer variance: within ±$X per day and $Y per month (set values appropriate to your controls)
3. Average transaction handling time: meet branch target while maintaining accuracy and service
4. Referral activity: X qualified referrals per week to bankers/loan officers (quality over quantity)
5. Compliance adherence: 100% completion of required trainings and on-time CTR/SAR escalations
6. Customer satisfaction: meet branch CSAT/NPS targets for teller interactions

State that goals are reviewed regularly and adjusted for branch volume and seasonality.

Variations by institution and role level

In many retail banks, a Teller focuses on transactions, referrals, and basic digital support. A Universal Banker combines teller duties with account opening, simple lending, and platform sales.

Credit unions often title similar roles as Member Service Representatives. The emphasis is relationship-building and broader member education alongside teller work.

Senior/Head Tellers add leadership: overseeing cash limits and vault/ATM processes, mentoring new tellers, and coordinating daily balancing and controls.

Choose the title that matches scope and customer expectations. If the role includes account opening and platform sales, “Universal Banker” may attract the right talent. If it’s primarily transactions and referrals, “Teller” or “Member Service Representative” keeps expectations clear.

How to tailor this teller job description to your branch

Align the template to your risk appetite, traffic patterns, and digital maturity so candidates see a realistic day-to-day. Calibrate responsibilities (e.g., ITM coverage, vault duties) and KPIs to what your branch can coach and measure reliably.

Checklist to finalize your JD:

1. Define must-have skills (accuracy, cash handling) and preferred experiences (bilingual, prior banking).
2. Insert compliance lines (BSA/AML, OFAC, Reg CC/Reg E) and specify escalation expectations.
3. Set a pay range using local data plus the BLS median for context; state bonus/referral incentives clearly.
4. Specify schedule (full-/part-time, Saturdays/holidays, ITM/video shifts) and physical demands.
5. Add inclusive EEO/ADA language and a simple 2–3 step application process.

Interview screening criteria aligned to this JD

1. Cash accuracy and math: “Walk me through how you would count back $X in mixed bills and coins for a customer.” Scoring: clear method, double-checks, and calm under time pressure.
2. Policy adherence and judgment: “Describe a time you had to say no to a customer due to policy. What did you say and what happened?” Scoring: uses policy language, offers alternatives, maintains rapport.
3. Fraud awareness and escalation: “Tell me about a situation where something felt ‘off’ in a transaction. What clues did you notice and what did you do?” Scoring: identifies specific red flags and follows escalation steps.
4. Service and de-escalation: “A customer is upset about a fee. How do you handle it at the window?” Scoring: listens, empathizes, explains options (including fee review), and sets next steps.
5. Digital and channel support: “How would you help a customer enroll in mobile deposit or use an ITM for the first time?” Scoring: simple explanations, safety tips, and confidence with tech.
6. Teamwork and pace: “How do you stay accurate when the lobby and drive-up are both busy?” Scoring: prioritization, pacing, asks for backup appropriately.

FAQs

What background checks and bondability are typical? Most institutions require a criminal background check, employment/education verification, and may review credit history consistent with job-relatedness and applicable law. Tellers must meet bondability requirements under the institution’s fidelity bond; candidates with certain financial crimes may be disqualified. For fair, consistent practices, review EEOC employer guidance: https://www.eeoc.gov/employers.

What are common weekend and holiday practices? Many branches run a rotating Saturday schedule and limited holiday hours, with comp time or differentials as applicable. State expectations clearly, including any ITM/video shift coverage during extended hours.

How should we word sales expectations without compliance risk? Emphasize needs-based referrals and education rather than quotas or pressure. For example: “Make qualified referrals to specialists based on identified customer needs; meet weekly referral activity goals focused on quality and documented outcomes.”

How do we incorporate digital skills (ITM/video teller) into the JD? Add lines such as: “Assist customers with online/mobile banking enrollment and troubleshooting,” and “Operate ITM/video teller systems during extended hours, maintaining service and security standards.” Provide training during onboarding and reflect any shift differentials.

How do we screen for cash-handling accuracy in interviews? Use a short, timed cash-count and make-change exercise; include currency authentication (e.g., spotting security features). Combine with scenario questions on reconciling a variance and documenting the research steps.

When should we use Senior/Head Teller versus Teller? Use Senior/Head Teller when the role includes vault/ATM oversight, dual control leadership, mentoring, schedule coordination, and resolving balancing exceptions. If the role is primarily transactional with referrals and standard controls, “Teller” (or “Member Service Representative” for credit unions) is appropriate.