HOW TO GET THERE
Typical pathway
There is no single required school path for this occupation, and employers may value different combinations of education and experience. Many workers have a high school diploma, and some have college or university education. Courses in business, accounting, math, and computer use can be helpful because the work involves records, calculations, and customer service. Experience in customer-facing jobs may also be useful. Students interested in this career can look for entry-level office or bank-related positions and build skills in accuracy, communication, and technology. Requirements can vary by employer and region.
THE WORK
What you may do
Legacy duties
- Compile records of deposits, withdrawals, loan and mortgage payments, cheques and purchase, sale and exchange of securities
- Process loan and mortgage applications, loan and mortgage payments, retirement savings plan applications, term deposits, drafts and money orders
- Verify and balance automatic teller machine transactions and ledger entries, calculate service charges and interest payments and notify customers regarding account discrepancies and captured bank cards
- Answer enquiries and provide information on banking products, policies and services
- May sell drafts, money orders, travellers' cheques and foreign currency, rent safety deposit boxes and open and close savings, chequing and other accounts.
A DAY IN THE LIFE
What a day can include
A typical day may start with checking account records, payments, and transaction reports for accuracy. A banking clerk might enter new information into a computer system, balance ledger entries, or compare ATM records with account files. During the day, they may answer customer questions at a counter, by phone, or through other service channels. They also explain common banking products and help people with applications or account changes. Some tasks involve careful follow-up, such as finding a mismatch in records or telling a customer that a bank card was captured. The work often mixes quiet detail work with face-to-face service.
SKILLS TO BUILD