The job of a Personal Banker involves customizing banking services and products for high-net individuals and businesses. They serve as a client’s financial adviser in developing a wealth management plan and assist clients in loan generation and investment referrals. As their job title suggests, personal bankers manage all aspects of a client’s portfolio, which includes insurance and investments.
A personal banker is responsible for the majority of client interactions at a bank. The job description of a personal banker focuses on the interpersonal interactions with the customers.
Education/Experience Requirements
A successful candidate must possess a high school diploma and a four-year degree in communication, marketing, finance, liberal arts, accounting or a related field. Those with a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) usually receive better opportunities.
Skills
Strong sales and marketing skills, effective written and verbal communication skills, interpersonal skills, organizational and management skills, excellent mathematical skills, advanced
computer skills, superb customer service skills, advanced knowledge in banking, credit, business banking and various types of investments; and ability to show motivation, confidence, and reliability while on the job.
Specific work elements
Opening and closing customer accounts; selling banking products to current and prospective clients; referring clients to departments such as loan, mutual funds and trust management; processing loan documents; updating and managing client portfolio; resolving client problems; recommending banking services based on customer needs; and representing the bank at various events, among others.
Position Description
A personal banker works directly with the customers and clients of the bank, supporting the branch’s general goals and highlighting the benefits of the banks products and services in meeting customer needs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities of a Personal Banker
- Recognizes and discovers financial needs of customers at all levels and works to find the best solutions for each.
- Develops and maintains positive long term relationships with customers.
- Listens to and resolves customer complaints. If needed, escalates to branch manager or corporate supervisors.
- Processes deposits, withdrawals, and cash flow at a teller window as needed.
- Sells appropriate banking services and products, including convenience services, certificates of deposit, bonds, investment services, and asset or portfolio management.
- Identifies investment needs of customers and provides guidance for reaching investment goals.
- Allocates assets for maximum investment potential and reports on gains and losses to customers and management.
- Analyzes customer information to identify opportunities for growth and expansion of services.
- Follows legal and regulatory requirements in all actions as established by the bank as well as state insurance providers, securities regulators, FINRA, SEC, and other applicable government and nongovernmental agencies.
- Performs clerical duties including accounting and data gathering for governmental reports.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Must possess exceptional interpersonal skills with people from all walks of life.
- Must have a desire to help customers with their financial needs, using knowledge about their clients to discover the best ways to serve.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Must have capacity for leadership and an enterprising approach to problem solving.
- Must demonstrate strong listening skills and ability to create rapport with customers.
- Must be comfortable selling a wide range of financial products and services to customers who will best benefit from them.
- Knowledge of a wide range of financial strategies and the ability to research and learn more about everything the bank has to offer their customers.
- Must possess a professional demeanor including business dress, courtesy, tact, and conflict management skills.
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or a General Education Development degree required. Bachelor’s degree with courses in accounting, finance, or business recommended.
- College level coursework in banking, finance, or accounting or experience as a bank teller.
- At least one year of experience in sales and cash handling.
- Certificate in Banking and Finance from the American institute of Banking or AIB is recommended.
Work Environment
- Indoor environment with time divided between deskwork and working at the teller window.
- Will spend almost all time at the assigned branch.
- Must be able to spend long hours standing and interacting with the general public.
- Must be willing to work branch hours including some weekends and evenings.
Salary
- Starting salary of $24,000 a year.
- Median yearly earnings between $30,000 and $40,000.
- Management positions can earn upwards of $60,000 a year.
