Banker
Job overview
Banks have existed since time immemorial as places where people can keep their money in safety.
Over the centuries their functions have increased and diversified, but it is in very recent times, with the advent of computers, the internet and other ultra-rapid means of communication, that the role of banking has expanded enormously.
What do people do in this profession?
Almost all beginners start working at a branch under the supervision of trained and experienced professionals. In rural areas bank clerks work in more than one division, while the work in bigger cities is much more specialized.
Bankers provide services to the public and to commerce and industry. They record all the transactions the bank handles, particularly money deposited and withdrawn.
They ensure that payment of money by stop order from a client?'?s account to institutions such as insurance companies are made. They also provide services in respect of wills, shares, travellers?' ?cheques, credit notes, estates and so on.
Bankers also handle investments, pension schemes, estate development, insurance, hire-purchase, international merit transactions and import and export payments.
Specialised training given in the big banking conglomerates includes instruction in the following departments:-
All business under the care of a bank, such as intern accounts, computer programmes and the effectiveness of the bank's specialist services, is examined during audit.
Responsible for the administration of credit and debit card holder's purchases.
Into and from foreign languages. An opportunity for people with an aptitude for languages.
Making quick decisions about the buying and selling of transferable money market assets.
Buying and selling currency on behalf of the client at a fast rate. Investigating stock markets to ensure the best terms for clients.
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Advanced office machinery is used to process daily transactions and provide information to all departments.
Interest rates are controlled in this department and all transferable money-market assets are bought and sold.
Provides instalment credit and loan facilities to industries, commerce and professional people.
Marketing includes large advertisement campaigns, promotions, sponsorships and design of stationery and packaging.
Personnel teams ensure that the workers are motivated and can expect to realise their career ambitions.
Giving professional financial planning advice to individuals.
Relaying messages to various groups, e.g. to bank employees?'? organisations, potential employees, clients and the media.
The preparation of bereaved estates and trustee funds?
Advising farmers and branch managers on farming finances.
What kinds of people are suitable for this career?
Accuracy, responsibility, honesty, integrity and an aptitude for computational work are basic requirements for people who want to follow a career in banking.
They should also be able to communicate well with both colleagues and clients.
What qualifications are needed?
Satisfactory school-leaving certificates are normally required from young people starting as bank clerks in a branch.
Higher qualifications such as a degree in accountancy, commerce, computer studies etc can give entry to the higher, more specialised departments and for these an MBA can be a definite asset.
