Definition and Nature of the Work
Banks simplify people’s lives, but the business of 
banking is anything but simple. Every transaction — 
from cashing a check to taking out a loan — requires 
careful record keeping. Behind the scenes in every 
bank or savings and loan association there are dozens 
of bank clerks, each an expert at keeping one area of 
the bank’s business running smoothly.
New account clerks open and close accounts 
and answer questions for customers. Interest clerks 
record interest due to savings account customers, 
as well as the interest owed to the bank on loans 
and other investments. Exchange clerks, who work 
on international accounts, translate foreign currency 
values into dollars and vice versa. Loan clerks sort 
and record information about loans. Statement clerks 
are responsible for preparing the monthly balance 
sheets of checking account customers. Securities 
clerks record, file, and maintain stocks, bonds, and 
other investment certificates. They also keep track of 
dividends and interest on these certificates.
Other clerks operate the business machines on 
which modern banks rely. Proof operators sort checks 
and record the amount of each check. Bookkeeping 
clerks keep records of each customer’s account. In 
addition to these specialists, banks need general 
clerical help — data entry keyers, file clerks, mail 
handlers, and messengers — just as any other 
business does.
Education and Training Requirements
Bank clerks usually need a high school 
education with an emphasis on basic skills in typing, 
bookkeeping, and business math. Knowledge of 
computers and business machines is also helpful.
Prospective bank workers may be tested on their 
clerical skills when they are interviewed. Most banks 
provide new employees with on-the-job training.
Getting the Job
Sometimes bank recruiters visit high schools to 
look for future employees. High school placement 
offices can tell students whether this is the practice 
at their school. If not, prospective bank workers can 
apply directly to local banks through their personnel 
departments. Bank jobs may be listed with state and 
private employment agencies. Candidates can also 
check Internet job sites and the classified ads in local 
newspapers as well.
Advancement Possibilities and Employment 
Outlook
Banks prefer to promote their employees rather 
than hire new workers for jobs that require experience.
Clerks frequently become tellers or supervisors. Many 
banks encourage their employees to further their 
education at night.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 
employment of bank clerks was expected to decline 
through the year 2014, because many banks are 
electronically automating their systems and eliminating 
paperwork as well as many clerical tasks. Workers 
with knowledge of data processing and computers 
will have the best opportunities. In addition to jobs 
created through expansion, openings at the clerical 
level often occur as workers move up to positions of 
greater responsibility.
Working Conditions
Although banks usually provide a pleasant 
working atmosphere, clerks often work alone, at times 
performing repetitive tasks. Bank clerks generally 
work between thirty-five and forty hours per week, 
but they may be expected to take on evening and 
Saturday shifts depending on bank hours.
Earnings and Benefits
The salaries of bank clerks vary widely depending 
on the size and location of the bank and the clerk’s 
experience. According to the Bureau of Labor 
Statistics, median salaries ranged from $23,317 to 
$27,310 per year in 2004 depending on experience 
and title. Generally, loan clerks are on the high end of 
this range, whereas general office clerks are on the 
lower end.
Banks typically offer their employees excellent 
benefits. Besides paid vacations and more than 
the usual number of paid holidays, employees may 
receive health and life insurance and participate 
in pension and profit-sharing plans. Some banks 
provide financial aid so that workers can continue 
their education.

"proof operators" (line 23) and “bookkeeping clerks” 
(lines 24-25)

introduce the many categories of bank clerks one can 
find in a financial institution.

present an overview of the career of a bank clerk to an 
eventual future professional.

denounce the disadvantages associated with the clerk 
profession.

discuss all the benefits offered to employees who work 
in a bank.

ask for changes in the way bank recruiters select their 
future employees.

Questões de CESGRANRIO - Inglês - Compreensão de textos - Banco do Brasil