Education

• Typically, banks prefer to hire managers who have at least a bachelor's degree. Twenty-eight colleges and universities in the United States offer baccalaureate programs specifically in banking and financial services, reports the "College Board's 2011 Book of Majors." Other common majors for bank managers include business administration, management and finance. Banks may also consider applicants with degrees in other fields, provided they have previous banking or sales experience. Some financial institutions promote teller supervisors, customer-service representatives and new-accounts officers into management roles. These individuals may have less education, such as an associate degree or a high school diploma.
  
  

Professional Certification

• Many financial institutions prefer to hire managers who hold professional certification through the American Bankers Association. Others require managers to obtain the credential within a period of time after hiring. Depending on the manager's sales responsibilities, candidates may hold the Certified Lender Business Banker or the Certified Personal Banker credentials or both. Both certifications require candidates to a minimum amount of experience and to complete an ABA-sponsored training course. In addition, candidates must pass an examination.
  
  

Other Requirements

• Depending on their job duties, bank managers may need additional certifications and licenses. In institutions where managers must travel to meet with clients or attend training, a driver's license is often necessary. Some banks require managers to obtain an appointment as a notary public, enabling them to authenticate signatures on mortgages and other official documents. Financial institutions may also require managers to obtain a state-issued license to sell insurance or investments. Most financial institutions conduct a criminal background and credit check on applicants for management positions, as well as professional history check with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
  
  

Skills

• For success in their positions, bank managers must possess certain skills. The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with staff and clients is necessary. Managers must pay great attention to detail in order to audit the vault. Customer-service and sales skills are important to their interactions with clients. While performing their jobs, bank managers often rely on computer software, such as databases, accounting programs, spreadsheets, word processors, email and financial analysis programs. Managers must also know how to operate the vault, security systems and cameras, ATMs, drive-through windows and other equipment found in their branches.