They also spend time training to refresh and upgrade their skills. Tellers process numerous mail transactions. Head tellers supervise the work of other tellers and ensure that ATM's function properly. Because banks offer more and increasingly complex financial services, most bank tellers are now being trained to act as customer service representatives in addition to their other duties. These tellers can briefly explain to customers the various types of accounts and financial services offered by their bank, and refer customers to more experienced customer service representatives or bank managers.
Tellers explain banking products and services to customers.
Some tellers work outside the traditional bank setting in shopping malls, supermarkets, or other large retail establishments. Continual communication with customers, repetitive tasks, prolonged standing within a fairly small area, and a high level of attention to security also characterize the job. The overwhelming majority, about 96 percent, worked in commercial banks, savings institutions, or credit unions. In hiring tellers, banks seek people who have good numerical, clerical, and communication skills, and enjoy public contact. Tellers must feel comfortable handling large amounts of cash and, since their work is highly automated, working with computers and video terminals.