Math Skills Needed to Become a Successful Bank Teller

[mouse]

howdy,


i am wondering what kind of math i should learn and focus to become a successful competent bank teller?

 

[honestrosewater]

Counting? Arithmetic should be enough. You might also want to have your multiplication tables memorized to the point that you don't even need to think, so you can count quickly by whatever unit you're counting (2, 5, 10, 20, etc.). I was never a teller, but I counted lots of money on a regular basis, and this was all I ever used. Or you could just use- what's that called- oh, yeah- a calculator.
Actually, if you practice for a while only using a calculator, you will not only become faster on the calculator but can also memorize the most common calculations you make (so you won't have to punch them in anymore). So I would just grab a calculator and not even bother working without one.
And remember that speed doesn't matter if you're inaccurate! For some calculations, you are probably less likely to make a mistake punching in numbers on a calculator than doing calculations in your head. So figure out when you can just work in your head and when you need a calculator.

 

[whozum]

Learn some economics, interest, lots of interest.

 

[honestrosewater]

Really, for a teller?
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos126.htm
http://jobprofiles.monster.com/Cont...ks/JOB_408_teller/jobzilla_html?jobprofiles=1

 

[HallsofIvy]

Well, hopefully an AMBITIOUS teller!

 

[mouse]

howdy,

thanks for the tips. any of you know any counting tricks to make counting seem more effortless...magical? any math tricks or shortcuts that can be practically useful to the job? i desire to become an above average teller.

 

[honestrosewater]

howdy,

thanks for the tips. any of you know any counting tricks to make counting seem more effortless...magical? any math tricks or shortcuts that can be practically useful to the job? i desire to become an above average teller.

Memorization is the only "trick" I know of for counting. When calculating in my head, I find it's usually faster to do more easier steps rather than fewer harder steps. And take advantage of things you already know. For instance, for 83 * 7, I would multiply first 80 * 7, then 3 * 7 and add them together. Or for 25 * 6, I happen to already know that 5³ = 125. So I would just add 125 + 25. Things like that. You can probably find tips for fast calculation at other places on the internet.
I think you'll rather easily get faster and more efficient with practice; If you want to be a really great teller, I would focus on customer service.