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what kind of math classes do you need to become a banker?

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Jeff’s Answer

Don't neglect good communications skills as something required for banking. In addition to being able to solve problems of varying difficulty depending on one's role, the ability to communicate those answers, or to ask for guidance, is extremely valuable. One could solve the most complex problem, but without the ability to clearly communicate the answer, the work could be underappreciated
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Rebecca’s Answer

It really depends on the banker you are referring to to. There are Corporate Banking, Investment Banking, Retail Banking, etc. And, within different type of banking, there are different departments. It may have different demand.
Generally speaking, for Corporate Banking, Retail Banking, etc., the maths you may usually use is arithmetics. But, you may need to use it with some finance and accounting skills.
However, for investment banking, if you are in the trading front desk, advance mathematics knowledge and skill may be required especially they may need to build some finance model, etc.
I would suggest you can explore more in the kinds of banking you are interested and would like to pursue. You may determine the level of maths knowledge it is required.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
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Vanessa’s Answer

It really depends on what part of banking you want to work in. If you want to go into commercial lending or wealth management you need to be able to understand and analyze financial statements, etc. Search the bank web sites for jobs and read the descriptions. That will help you better define the educational/skill requirements.
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kelly’s Answer

I started as a teller with only a High School Diploma and some college. At the branch level you are exposed to professionalism, motivation, teamwork, and overall inspiration to achieve any path you take with the bank. Throughout the years I actually went back to college, while working at the bank, to enhance my communication, math, and management skills. A degree in finance, accounting, banking, so on... would give you an advantage to get into a corporate position and more opportunities. I know some people at the bank I work for that started as a teller and spent years clawing their way up to a corporate role.
Overall college can only help you achieve your goals faster. And like others before me said, it really depends on what sort of banking you would like to get into. College will help you navigate what direction will be best for you.
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Vijay’s Answer

For investment banking the math courses you would need to take in college are really just the pre-requisites for the corporate finance courses you will take. So map out the finance path you would like: sales & trading, investment banking, corporate banking, etc. and if you go to a business school, they will recommend a group of finance and accounting classes you should take for each path. Those classes will have specific math pre-requisites. Many trading classes will require an entry level of Calculus, the other fields will likely not.
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Stephanie’s Answer

This depends on the position you’re applying for. If you are seeking a position that is entry level than you truly only need basic math. Your day to day will consist of ensuring you can understand a ledger. Giving exact change and the correct cash back. Depending on what type of financial institution you apply for and it’s location will determine the volume of transactions you may encounter. Just be prepared to double check your work and slow down and focus on one task at a time. You will be fine!
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julissa’s Answer

It truly depends! I received my bachelors in Psychology and got a career as got a teller position. Worked my way up to a banker. I only took basic math in college. What really helped was my communication skills, being detail oriented and always being open to learn beyond my role requirements.
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Kenya’s Answer

Retail banking is an entry level role and does not require extensive math knowledge. Teller roles generally require a basic ability to count currency which is very different from math. Also with today's technology physically counting currency is becoming obsolete. Book keeping and learning how to reconcile a balance sheet would be a helpful skill to have as a teller.
Roles in bank branches can be entry level as the bank will provide training on how they require you to interact with clients. Having an awareness of what happening in the finance world is also helpful as a lot of branch roles are driven by your ability to provide advice to clients.

Some thing to think about for branch banking roles.
Can you interact with diverse people on a daily basis and provide exceptional customer service?
Do you have strong conflict resolution skills?
Can you communicate effectively and provide advice?
Are you someone who can work in a team environment?
Are you someone who can achieve performance goals and targets?
Can you adapt in fast paced and fluid environments?

Roles outside of branch positions or roles that do not restrict you to one branch would require specific skills or a higher education degree. I would focus on finance and analytics or even technology related fields of study. Also if you are more interested in investments look into the licensing in your state required to sell and provide advice around securities.

Hope this helps!
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Andrew’s Answer

Banking is a relatively broad term but foundationally speaking courses for financial literacy/familiarity would be more important (higher level math requirements are more specific to explicitly quantitative roles like anything involving more complicated products/derivatives). Would prioritize taking some kind of accounting class and corporate finance class at first
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