Bank managers occupy an important role in overseeing the operations of bank branches. If you’re interested in pursuing this career path, here is a step-by-step guide to becoming a bank manager.
Becoming a bank manager offers the appeal of a prestigious career with great earning potential. But it also requires substantial education, training and work experience
Follow these key steps to maximize your chances of landing this rewarding managerial role.
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Most banks require branch managers to have at minimum a bachelor’s degree.
Helpful majors include finance, accounting, business administration, economics or other business-related fields. These provide a strong base of relevant knowledge.
Some roles may accept candidates with any degree plus equivalent work experience. But a business-focused bachelor’s remains ideal preparation
A degree signals analytical abilities crucial for managerial and customer-facing work. Coursework builds essential skills in areas like:
- Financial management
- Accounting
- Risk analysis
- Marketing
- Business operations
- Statistics
Also develop communication and interpersonal skills through writing and presentation assignments. Seek leadership experience on campus through clubs or jobs.
Achieving a strong GPA demonstrates academic aptitude banks seek in managers. Supplement learning with finance internships.
Step 2: Choose a Bank to Begin Your Career
With degree in hand, apply for entry-level positions at banks to gain on-the-job experience.
Look for roles like:
- Teller
- Customer service representative
- Loan officer
- Credit analyst
- Branch operations specialist
Retail banking jobs involve assisting consumers with transactions and accounts. Commercial banking means serving business clients including lending.
Weigh options at big national banks versus local community banks. Large banks offer structured training while smaller ones provide broader exposure.
Gain well-rounded experience before specializing in management. Pursue internal promotions as you demonstrate readiness.
Step 3: Complete Exams If Required
Some banks mandate managers pass certification exams to prove competency. Common credentials include:
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Certified Bank Auditor (CBA): Tests accounting, auditing and banking knowledge. Offered by the Bank Administration Institute (BAI).
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Certified Operational Risk Professional (CORM): Focuses on assessing operational risks. Offered by The Institute of Operational Risk (IOR).
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Credit Risk Certification (CRC): Covers managing credit risk. Offered by the Risk Management Association (RMA).
These certifications require an exam plus experience and education prerequisites. They demonstrate immersion in key banking subject matter.
Check your target employers to see which designations they prefer. Then register for one tailored to your goals.
Step 4: Gain Professional Experience
Extensive hands-on experience prepares you to oversee branch operations. Timeframes vary but plan for 5+ years before reaching manager level.
Rotate through roles to amass well-rounded expertise:
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Tellers learn customer-facing services and cash handling.
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Customer service builds communication and problem-solving abilities.
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Lending provides credit risk and portfolio management skills.
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Operations teaches behind-the-scenes processes crucial for management.
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Supervisor/assistant manager roles groom direct leadership talents.
Document achievements and seek mentorship from current managers. Join industry groups to expand your network.
Step 5: Develop Relevant Skills
Sharpen skills vital to bank management success including:
Sales and marketing: Promote services to customers. Achieve individual and team revenue targets.
Operations excellence: Understand processes top to bottom. Identify improvements. Audit for compliance.
People management: Motivate, coach and develop staff. Foster teamwork and accountability.
Financial analysis: Forecast trends. Spot issues. Make data-based decisions. Manage lending risk.
Customer service: Handle inquiries and complaints. Strengthen retention through exceptional service.
Leadership: Inspire staff performance. Communicate vision. Manage change. Make tough calls decisively.
Pursue professional development like bank-sponsored training programs. Volunteer for special projects to gain visibility and experience.
Step 6: Apply for a Bank Manager Role
Once you meet education and experience criteria, seek open bank manager job postings. Highlight relevant background and skills in your application.
Interviewers will assess your:
- Banking and management knowledge
- Leadership presence and communication skills
- Customer service mindset
- Analytical thinking
- Achievements and growth potential
Also prepare to discuss strategy for attracting new business, retaining customers, developing staff, and more.
With dedication to lifelong learning, bank managers can advance to head even larger branches, regions or departments over time.
Is Becoming a Bank Manager Right for You?
Before pursuing this goal, ensure the realities of the role align with your professional needs and preferences:
Pros
- Prestige and compensation
- Make an impact on your community
- Interact with customers and staff daily
- Problem-solve complex financial issues
- Combine big picture strategy with day-to-day operations
Cons
- Long hours including evenings and weekends
- Demanding sales and revenue targets
- Responsible for branch performance
- Rapid pace with constant interruptions
- Drive to continually improve and innovate
Banking offers a rewarding career for those willing to work hard, take initiative and think strategically. If this motivates you, follow the steps above to become a successful bank manager.
Other Education or Training
Participating in continuing education (CE) classes and webinars is a good way to keep your skills up to date and stay abreast of industry developments (e.g., new types of loans, new compliance-related legislation, etc.). The American Bankers Association is a major provider of CE opportunities. It offers diploma programs in financial management, bank operations, consumer banking, general banking, and other areas, as well as classes and webinars. The Independent Community Bankers of America’s Leadership Academy offers in-person classes and webinars that focus on topics such as communication, customer service, bank compliance, management and leadership, and financial operations for community banks. State and local banking associations also provide professional development opportunities.
Education and Training Requirements
To prepare for a career as a branch manager, take as many business, economics, mathematics, statistics, and accounting classes as possible. English and speech classes will be extremely useful because as a branch manager you’ll constantly be communicating with your employees, higher-ups, and the general public face to face and in writing. Taking a foreign language—such as Spanish—will allow you to interact with customers who do not speak English fluently. Other important classes include computer science, psychology, advertising, marketing, history, and social studies.
Some banks hire branch managers with only a high school diploma and some experience in management, banking, and financial service, but the majority of employers prefer applicants who have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or economics, or business administration with an emphasis on accounting or finance. Most programs also require an internship at a bank, credit union, or other finance-related business.
The American Bankers Association (ABA) offers a branch manager certificate that covers banking essentials, business management, sales, and employee relations. To earn the certificate, applicants must complete 66 classes, including Banking Basics, Employment Law, Ethical Issues for Bankers, Fundamentals of Consumer Lending, Fundamentals of Small Business Banking, and Overcoming Objections. The ABA estimates that it will take 14 hours to complete the certificate program. Visit http://www.aba.com/training/dc/pages/bmcertificate.aspx for more information.
how to become a bank manager || how to become a bank manager after graduation – Beyond Edu
How do I become a banker?
These programs typically provide training and place you in a given track within the bank, such as finance and accounting, corporate banking, retail banking, or mortgage banking. Continuing education is provided and after a few years, you can apply for a management position. Network with other bankers.
How do I become a bank manager?
To become a bank manager, gain work experience in the field. Employers typically look for applicants with 3 or more years of experience to fill bank management positions. Apply for entry-level banking jobs to gain experience, learn about day-to-day operations and build a network of contacts to reference in the future.
Do bank managers need a degree?
Bank managers need a degree to learn about financial laws and regulations and to thoroughly understand all aspects of banking in general. To become a more competitive candidate, think about pursuing a master’s degree in accounting or finance as this can show employers you’re more than qualified for the job.
What Certifications should a bank manager have?
Certifications such as the Certified Bank Manager (CBM) or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) can also enhance a candidate’s qualifications and demonstrate a commitment to the banking profession. Practical experience is crucial for aspiring Bank Managers.
