Education
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What does a Teller Manager do?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

A teller manager or head teller supervises tellers working at a bank. To work in this position, people generally need to have teller experience and in some cases may have college degrees, although this is not necessarily required. Banks screen their employees carefully for risks that might make them poor candidates for employment in a banking environment and tend to prefer people with clean criminal histories and good personal references. Generally, good people skills are also useful for job applicants, as this job requires customer service.

To become a head teller, people usually start by applying for basic teller positions. Many banks will hire people without any education beyond a high school degree, providing training on the job. People with college degrees in finance and related fields may be more successful in a competitive job market. In addition, many banks actively seek out bilingual or multilingual tellers and people with facility in two or more languages may be preferentially hired.

Teller managers may train new hires how to deposit cash and checks.
Teller managers may train new hires how to deposit cash and checks.

Once people start work as tellers, they acquire experience and skills while learning the bank's policies. Over time, people can apply for supervisory positions and rise to the position of teller manager. The teller manager is involved in hiring and firing, staff scheduling, and disciplining of employees. Head tellers may work as tellers when the bank is busy or a shift needs coverage, but they more commonly circulate to assist with customer service issues, offer training, and perform related tasks.

A teller manager may be tasked with ensuring all employees' funds are balanced at the end of the shift.
A teller manager may be tasked with ensuring all employees' funds are balanced at the end of the shift.

Depending on how a bank is organized, a head teller may also supervise the safe deposit boxes and handle large transactions and special requests. People in this position can also be responsible for ordering and checking on supplies, checking drawers at the end of the day, filing legally mandated reports, and other management activities. The teller manager also works with other bank personnel like loan officers and financial advisors to provide complete services to bank customers.

Honesty and attention to detail are considered important qualities for bank tellers and their managers to posses.
Honesty and attention to detail are considered important qualities for bank tellers and their managers to posses.

Working as a teller manager can be a life-long career. This job usually comes with good benefits, as banks want to retain skilled and experienced employees. Tellers typically get access to retirement accounts and may be offered health care and other perks, like paid vacation time. The salary varies depending on the region and a teller's level of experience and education. Salary renegotiations are advisable for people who have not gotten raises recently or who believe that they are not being paid on par with people in similar positions in the region.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon216500

Being a teller manager is challenging, as you have to perform many duties. It typically pays $13-17 per hour, depending on experience level. A small bank is generally easier to work for than a large bank due to less red tape and more personal service.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Teller managers may train new hires how to deposit cash and checks.
      By: JJ'Studio
      Teller managers may train new hires how to deposit cash and checks.
    • A teller manager may be tasked with ensuring all employees' funds are balanced at the end of the shift.
      By: tashka2000
      A teller manager may be tasked with ensuring all employees' funds are balanced at the end of the shift.
    • Honesty and attention to detail are considered important qualities for bank tellers and their managers to posses.
      By: zest_marina
      Honesty and attention to detail are considered important qualities for bank tellers and their managers to posses.