Relationship Banking Specialist

Community-Financial-System,-Inc.; City of Ithaca (NY); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Financial System, Inc. is seeking a Relationship Banking Representative to serve as a friendly frontline ambassador, blending teller duties with personalized banking conversations to build trust and deepen relationships in Upstate New York and nearby regions.

You will educate customers on digital tools, manage appointment flow, and support branch goals through needs-based conversations and proactive referrals to specialists for more complex financial needs.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Internal product knowledge, teller, and platform training preferred.
• Ability to attend a 5–7-day initial training program, which may involve overnight travel depending on distance; the company covers or reimburses applicable travel expenses, such as mileage and lodging.
• Reliable transportation

Responsibilities

• Deliver a welcoming, professional, and personalized customer experience during every interaction. Serve as a primary point of contact in the lobby, engaging customers proactively and guiding their in-branch journey.
• Build trust by actively listening, asking thoughtful questions, and understanding customers’ financial needs and goals.
• Process everyday banking transactions and routine inquiries accurately while maintaining a consultative, customer-first mindset. Open new accounts, close accounts, initiate wire transfers, and support service requests while educating customers on features, benefits, and tools.
• Assist customers with issues such as balance discrepancies, debit card fraud, and other service needs. Advocate for customers by coordinating with internal partners and operational teams to ensure timely, accurate resolution.
• Educate and guide customers on digital banking tools, self-service options, and best practices to enhance convenience and engagement.
• Manage customer flow and wait times by scheduling, coordinating, or facilitating appointments with appropriate team members.
• Identify customer needs through conversation and observation, recommending appropriate banking solutions without pressure-based selling.
• Generate and manage customer follow-ups, outreach calls, and appointment setting to strengthen relationships.
• Participate in branch prospecting efforts, campaigns, and community engagement activities.
• Collaborate with branch partners to refer customers to specialists for more complex financial needs.
• Contribute to branch goals by consistently modeling needs-based conversations and relationship-building behaviors.
• Act as a brand ambassador by modeling quality service in every customer interaction. Collaborate effectively with team members to support branch operations and customer experience goals.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and respectful work environment.
• Take ownership of personal performance, development, and continuous improvement. Adapt positively to change and actively support new tools, processes, and initiatives.
• Actively participate in branch meetings, training programs, and professional development opportunities, including travel to training locations as required, to enhance knowledge and skills.
• May assist with training or mentoring new team members, as needed.
• Accurately perform teller and platform transactions and balance cash drawers within established policies and procedures.
• Apply customer authentication, due diligence, and regulatory requirements to all transactions and account activities.
• Maintain the confidentiality and security of customer and bank information at all times.
• Follow dual control, open/close procedures, and security protocols consistently.
• Participate in audits, internal reviews, and regulatory requests, as required.
• Maintain proficient knowledge of, and demonstrate ongoing compliance with all laws and regulations applicable to this position, ensure ongoing adherence to pertinent policies, procedures and internal controls, and meet all training requirements in a timely manner.
• Provide support to other branches as needed to ensure proper staffing and service levels.
• Perform other related duties as assigned or directed to support branch and bank objectives.
• As an integral member of Retail Banking, this position is responsible to provide assistance wherever necessary to help the Branches and the Bank in achieving their annual goals. This may include supporting transactions, customer inquiries, or traveling to other branches in the area to provide support as needed and to ensure proper staffing and service levels

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Listening skills

Communication skills

Digital tools proficiency

Microsoft Office

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Banking systems

Job description

Community Financial System, Inc. is seeking a Relationship Banking Representative to serve as a friendly frontline ambassador, blending teller duties with personalized banking conversations to build trust and deepen relationships in Upstate New York and nearby regions.

You will educate customers on digital tools, manage appointment flow, and support branch goals through needs-based conversations and proactive referrals to specialists for more complex financial needs.