Universal Bankers are responsible for establishing, maintaining and strengthening customer relationships. They are specially trained to handle a wide range of banking tasks, such as opening bank accounts, processing transactions and resolving complaints. Their job is to manage customer requests from beginning to end, reducing the number of steps a customer must take to get the services they need.

A Universal Banker is a hybrid position that combines teller duties with personal banker responsibilities. A teller typically handles account transactions. A Universal Banker performs basic transactions, handles loan applications and provides general customer service.

A Universal Banker must have at least a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate. Some employers prefer candidates with relevant banking experience or an educational background in finance, business or a related field.

Universal Bankers who want to work at an investment firm may need additional education and licenses to comply with federal regulations.

A Universal Banker helps banking customers with all their needs. They must be flexible and handle a range of tasks, including:

• Processing financial transactions.
• Opening and closing accounts.
• Researching and resolving account issues.
• Cross-selling and marketing services to current and potential customers.
• Performing teller duties.
• Responding to customer inquiries promptly and professionally.

Universal Bankers perform numerous duties to streamline the customer experience. To do their job successfully, a Universal Banker must have the following skills:

• Communication: Universal Bankers must communicate effectively to ensure customers are satisfied and various departments are on the same page.
• Customer service: Universal Bankers must provide prompt, helpful and friendly service.
• Math: Universal bankers must use math skills to perform financial transactions, balance accounts and calculate interest.
• Sales: Universal Bankers must sell and promote bank products and services.
• Conflict-resolution: Universal Bankers must resolve customer questions and problems professionally and effectively.
• Attention to detail: Universal Bankers must be thorough when helping customers and precise when dealing with financial transactions.

Typically, you'll need to have some experience handling cash and working with customers to secure a position as a universal banker. Many universal bankers also have an associate's or bachelor's degree in a related field like finance or business. The American Bankers Association offers industry certifications that may give you a competitive edge, as well.

You should have your high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certificate to become a Bank Teller. You should also have experience handling cash and using computers.

A college degree isn't required for most Bank Teller positions. But earning an associate's or bachelor's degree in math, finance or business can give you a competitive edge.

You can also earn bank teller certification through organizations like the American Bankers Association or the Independent Bankers of America. Certification isn't required to become a bank teller, but it can help you stand out from other applicants.

Before a bank hires you, you'll likely have to pass a background check. This check covers criminal and consumer reports.

Bank Tellers help customers complete monetary transactions. These exchanges can include making withdrawals, deposits and transfers. Some of a Bank Teller's primary duties include:

• Opening and closing accounts.
• Counting the cash drawer at the start and end of each shift.
• Issuing money orders, cashier's checks and other forms of payment.
• Recording transactions on customers' accounts.
• Ordering checks and bank cards.
• Recommending services for customer accounts.
• Referring customers to loan officers and other banking agents.

Bank Tellers serve as representatives of the bank, interact with customers and handle large amounts of cash daily. A Bank Teller must have the following skills to do their job effectively:

• Customer service: Tellers must be attentive to customers and maintain a pleasant demeanor.
• Basic math: Tellers must add, subtract, multiply and divide to assist customers with their transactions.
• Cash handling: Tellers must be comfortable performing cash transactions.
• Computer knowledge: Tellers must use banking software to look up, open and close customer accounts.
• Attention to detail: Tellers must quickly and accurately complete financial transactions and documents.
• Ability to multitask: Tellers must juggle tasks and work efficiently in a busy bank environment.

If you don't have any previous banking experience, you can start by getting a job as a cashier. As a cashier, you'll gain the customer service and money handling experience you need to become a Bank Teller.