Financial services people handle money, from simply cashing checks and making deposits, to managing estates worth millions. If you're a math whiz and like handling cash, this could be the job field for you.

Beyond a Bank Teller:

Financial Service Representative—These folks help people get approved for car loans and home mortgages. Financial service representatives also balance checkbooks and open new accounts. And unlike a typical bank teller, you’re able to take a seat iin your own cubicle or office space.

Mortgage Loan Officer—Professionals in this position deal mainly with individuals in need of a mortgage. You'd work with numbers, percentages, and people—and you’d likely need a business degree. Although you'd have an office, you'd be on-the-go much of the time, traveling to homes, businesses, and other banks.

Bank Operations Manager—Maybe you're more of the boss-type person and like to oversee things. As a bank operations manager, you'd have several employees under you, but you'd also be in charge of making sure everything at the bank stays “balanced”, and runs smoothly.

Money Manager—This is a great position for someone who likes to look beyond the numbers. You'd advise people of financial trends, and how to make the most from their investment dollars.

Stockbroker—As a stockbroker, you'd also advise people on where to invest, particularly when it comes to the stock market. Most people in this position enjoy keeping up with what's hot and what's not--and don't mind taking a gamble on the ups and downs of Wall Street.

Interview with Financial Services Representative, Melissa Clark:

Melissa has had her hands in money since she was a little girl. She's always liked saving her cash, first in her piggy bank, and then through the bank teller program at her school in first grade.

"I really loved that program. I couldn't wait to bring my next week's allowance to deposit," she says.

Today, as a financial service representative, Melissa is in charge of that same teller program.

"I love working with the kids. And it's really neat to see how excited they get about making a deposit."

Like most kids, Melissa didn't know what she wanted to do when she grew up. But she loved math and office management. She even worked as a secretary for her last two years of high school, through a co-op program. As soon as she graduated from high school, she got a job in a clothing store. And finally at 24, a teller position at the bank opened up.

"It was only part-time at first and I had to work a lot of odd ball hours, do fill-ins, and work Saturdays. Plus I had to take lots and lots of tests," she says.

But just a year later she was full-time, and could do nearly any job in the teller department. And a few years after that, she became the financial service rep she is today.

"It's great working with people and helping them get loans. But sometimes it's heartbreaking when people come to you really needing money and you can't give it to them."

And that's why Melissa gives this last suggstion. "If you're not a people person, find a different job. Because the people who come through that door need money, but they also need someone to care."

What You Can Do to Get Ready:

As in Melissa's case, you may be able to take advanced math and even do a co-op at a bank. Whether or not you need a college degree will depend on what level you want to achieve in this industry. But if your school has a teller program, that's a great place to start.

What it Pays:

Melissa says the salary varies, depending on the job itself and how long you've worked in a related position. When she began working at the bank she made minimum wage. Today she gets top dollar in her department. Bank employees can work part-time and make anywhere from $15,000-$25,000. Full-timers can get more: $30,000-$60,000, or much more in fields like money management.

Other Resources:

Kids Bank: A interesting place to learn about general banking terms.

Dollars and Sense Site: A hands-on place to learn about the history of money and money terms. Use a money calculator, play fun games about money, and read great money-making tips..

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