teller

bank clerk

customer service manager

bank officer

branch manager

Westamerica Bank

I took the job as the Customer Service Manager knowing the branch had  staff issues and was in serious danger of not being able to pass an audit. I was informed that they were having trouble keeping a manager there and that the staff had behavior and performance issues! Understatement for sure! Upper management is a joke and has ZERO clue how to run this dilapidated institution properly. The people who run this bank are in the way of the company succeeding as a great place to work. Most of them are   ancient and have been there too long to realize their way of doing things is outdated and antiquated. Including their people skills. I was there a month, of which I was in the branch a total of 10 days once you consider the days I was in Fairfield for training. The tellers did whatever they felt like doing and responded very poorly to authority or direction. The BSO that was acting as the CSM refused to step up and take responsibility for anything and constantly complained about everything. What made me run as fast as I could was when I had to correct one of my tellers because of behavior. This teller made false accusations about me which I was not even able to defend myself against because I was in training the day my manager came to see what was going on. I reported the teller and had to go through HR due to the seriousness of the tellers behavior. My manager was sent to talk to myself and the teller to see what was going on. I told my manager that I would like to be in branch when this happened so I could avoid the he said she said game. My manager assured me she would wait for me to return to the branch after my training. Well, she didn’t. She showed up first thing in the morning and talked to the teller while I was in Fairfield. I was later that day pulled out of my training class and led into a room with 3 people sitting at a table. I felt like I was “put on trial” as they questioned like a criminal. I was blown away that my upper management was conduction themselves in this manner. I quickly realized that they did not have my back and that the issues in the branch (as well as the company as a whole) were far more serious than I wanted to be responsible for. I should have know there was a reason they couldn’t keep a manager in there. Over the past 2 years they have had 3 different managers in that branch with a total of 1 year without a manager at all.  That speaks volumes. Draw your own conclusions about this company and then hit the back button on the job posting.

Overall, working at this company is a viable stepping stone to other paths in the financial/banking industry. With that said, WestAmerica pay scales are not competitive at all; Most of the competition pays significantly more than West America on average. The company is very old fashion and frugal in the oddest ways, every thing is done on paper, sent via fax machine or physical Courier mail. There is no EMAIL. The recurring theme with this company is, "do more with less."

Despite all that, you'll learn a lot from the employees and customers. If paired with the right staff, you may even like your job. Especially, if you're an on-call teller. That position gives you a wider glimpse of the company due to the traveling required. Being an on-call teller allows you to visit different offices and branches, the company does compensate for drive time and mileage. If you are unsure about working for this company, work as an on-call teller and within a few short months you'll find out if its for you. If history is any indication, the rate of turn over this company has had should allow for consistent hours. (The company of course will say that they can't guarantee a fixed amount of hours, but that's never been an issue unless they don't like you). If you are seeking a position above a teller, read the warning at the end.

The one positive aspect this company has is its ethos on how it views their customers. You're encouraged to know your clients by first name, develop rapport, which will enable you to sell bank products for a meager incentive payout; better than 0 i guess. The ethos of the "customer comes first" enables a "personal banker" atmosphere but without having to actually pay for it, which at times can be a boon and/or detriment.

As the title implies, this is one of those companies that you either move up or move on. They don't give raises, you have to ask for them, and even then... you can still be denied or offered pocket change. Upper management has stated in the past that if you want higher wages "sell more products." Take that as you will. Promotions can be described as "its not what you know, its who you know and if they like you." 

One thing to be aware of in particular; Branch Service Officers, and Tellers III's with any kind of "authority" are horribly compensated for the responsibilities they take on. Be aware, tread carefully and know your worth $$$.

It can get your foot in the door for a lot of different positions. You can take lunches when you want before the fifth hour, and you work pretty independently. I’ve met some nice people. But the pay is outrageously low for the amount of work your going to be doing, plus the National averages for every position. Like other reviews have said, it is like your stuck in the 80’s. Everything is by hand & paper mostly. It’s super unorganized. You only use your computer for a system called rumba, for printing the checks, that has been around SINCE THE 80’s. There are plenty of new systems that could be used that use way less paper, help organization, ect. You also will use your computer to print more paper to process. THERE IS NO TRAINING. They just throw you in and say that’s the best way to learn, but will then complain about all the mistakes you will be making. They are trying to cross train everyone in our department (I’m sure to save money.) So you will be doing double the work, and not be compensated. And in every position  you have A TON of work already. Myself and multiple people that I have spoken to that work here, cry every other day from being over loaded. It’s very hard to move up and around here, as it needs to be approved by your manager, and you have to be favorited. And most of the time they won’t let you because every position here is in desperate need of staffing, so they will not just let you move. You can explain all of this to upper management, as I did. But they will dismiss you and say that’s how it was for them when they started so to just hang in there, and eventually it will be easy after a year or two. You will be absolutely exhausted everyday after work. And my work days are pretty much 9 and a half hour days. Not counting getting ready and getting here. If you leave for sick and vacation, there is no one to cover your work, or if there is it’s a small percentage. So you come back to a monstrous size of paperwork. I’m sure this bank, will go out of business soon. Get your experience and get out, if you chose to apply. 

This bank use to be very family oriented. In the past 15 years the higher ups stopped caring about their employees. It's sad. The employees didn't get raises for over five years even though WAB is one of the most profitable and healthiest bank, for its size, in the United States. They took away Christmas parties and summer parties. The things that show employees that they matter. The managers are over worked and spend a lot of  time convincing employees that they have it good so they don't leave. There is no human compassion. So many rules are broken and people turn a blind eye. It takes an act of God to get a raise or even a "good job". If you are someone that needs positive feed back this is not the company for you. You can learn so much but if you voice an opinion then you are considered a trouble maker. It wasn't like this years ago. If you want good training this is a great place to start a banking career. The customers are great and if you are a self starter and a good sales person you'll be fine. Remember though that you are trying to sell things to customers that they can get free from other banks. WAB sells their great customer service!! Which they do have!! They are better than most banks!!  What would be great is if WAB treated their employees as well as their customers. I hope this was helpful!! I do like WAB I just think some changes need to be made!! The CEO needs to change with the times and realize that in the long run it's less money to keep people than to train and rehire constantly!! Also the customers love to see the same faces. Come on WAB get it together!! I'm pulling for you!! There are a lot of oldies but goodies that you don't want to lose just because you can't tell them "great job"!! I'm cheering for you!! I know you can turn this around!!

First off, 
I would like to say, that I really enjoyed ALL of my cowkers we were like family. My cowkers and I work so well with each other, we vibe off each other, we work GREAT Together=TEAM work makes a DREAM work. We all had fun together and kept a POSITIVE atmosphere. 

Overall, 
Westamerica is a negative and hostile environment esp. Direct Data Entry= Manager. Manager never happy, complaints every day, you're not good enough, you always doing something wrong, brings her personal life to work, NEVEEEERRRRR 'Thanks' US, if she thanks us it's forced, very rude, we always bump heads because I'm always honest and will tell the truth and she doesn't like when you stand up for yourself, has a controlling spirit, never helps us (lazy), not consistent with her answers when you ask her a question about dde maintenance or dde policies, never admit to her mistakes, will throw you under the bus in order to save herself (will make everyone look bad but herself). I don't TRUST anyone at Westamerica Bank. DDE would be successful if management have different people who is compassionate towards their employees, who want to see the department grow , take responsibilties and most of ALL help the department out:  when you see the dept lacking step in instead of being Negative ALL THE TIME with nothing GOOD to say. 

There's no growth nor advancement. 

God took me higher from negative to positive. I know God will do it for everyone there. God did it from me and he will do it for you. It's all about happiness and growth. I thank God for the years I spent at WestAmerica, it taught me alot to want more for my life and to humble myself. 

That's 
I can go on and on. 

But Lastly, 
God Bless everyone who is working at WestAmerica.

If you’re have no experience in banking and are provided a job opportunity I would recommend giving it a try. This bank is a great place to build experience. 

However, there are A TON of negatives. Like, a lot. Pay is super super low. You’ll be making far less than any counterpart at another bank. This is why I say take the opportunity to learn, and then perhaps move on. There are health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits, which is great. But they are pricier than I would expect. 

There are two types of management. Your direct supervisor and manager, and upper management. Direct supervisors and managers are hit and miss, you won’t know if they’re bad or good until you are in the department. I was fortunate to have an amazing supervisor and manager. Upper management needs help. They have bad communication and are bratty... my way or the highway mentality. 

The bank is pretty outdated. The technology being used is super old, so you won’t be building a modern or transferable skill set using their computers and software. Some desks still have type writers to paint a more clear picture. 

And some positive things are the people and job security. There are many great and fun people that work at this bank. And there is actual job security here. There are people working in the bank that have worked there for 20+ 30+ and even 40+ years! You receive your benefits and a consistent on time paycheck. 401k match is 6%, which is above industry average but, again, you’re making less than the average so that 6% is greatly offset. The bank also has a vesting schedule where you receive company stock. How this works? I do not know.

Lots of micromanaging from supervisor. Supervisor is extremely lazy, and doesn't know the duties of the processors. Due to laziness Supe refuses to learn how to process contracts in order to help out when people are out. Instead the Supe sits in their office with their feet kicked up on the desk on their phone and taking personal calls. The pay is extremely low for the amount of work, there's no schedule flexibility.you get in trouble for trying to leave early for doctors appt, even if you have sick leave. Any time you ask for time off in advanced , you're given a hard time, but the supervisor will leave anytime she pleases. .When taking personal calls Supe acts annoyed that you would dare ask a question.  . When dubbing the supervisor constantly interrupts you to fix tiny mistakes instead of doing it herself. Missing a stamp? Walk to her desk to stamp it. Misspelled the address? Walk to her desk to fix it. Make a big mistake due to constantly changing policies? It's your fault for not knowing the new policy jusy instated in the few minutes she was funding.  Inconsistent with answers, who'll tell you one thing,  a week later she never said that. Always tries to throw processors under the bus,  makes us do things that shouldn't be done. Extremely passive aggressive, and is a bully. Constantly writes down mistakes and gives us out mistakes every month, but you cannot hold her accountable for her mistakes. When funding she uses profanity and says "are you kidding me?" , when finding a mistake, minor or otherwise.  There'

Running a teller drawer including a drive up teller window. Answering the phone within 3 rings, facilitating telephone transfers and assisting customers with balance inquiries, looking up account history, etc.
Balancing the vault in dual custody, Processing both domestic and international wire transfers
Opening new accounts such as checking, savings, money market, certificate of deposit accounts, IRA's and disclosing the features and any applicable service charges as well as quoting rates.
Continually meeting or exceeding monthly sales goals.
Offering additional products and services to customers to ensure they are taking full advantage of all the products and services available to them.
Periodically audit reports (NSF, Overdraft, Kite) as well as auditing wires, signature cards for new and updated accounts, various logs and more to ensure audit readiness.
Currently in charge of Safe deposit boxes including auditing opened and closed Safe Deposit Box agreements and auditing the entry slips. Completing a monthly past due rent report. In addition, I created a binder that anyone can reference for any pending Safe Deposit Box issues such as past due rent, boxes that need to be drilled, etc.
Pulling and processing night drop and ATM transactions, servicing ATM's by ensure they are loaded with cash and envelopes.
Assisting new tellers and ensure they are adhering to company standards in both sales and operations.
Dealing with various types of legal issues that included deceased parties, Power of Attorneys, Trusts, etc.

west America is an amazing place to gather experience and knowledge to use for future career goals. as a bank teller i spend most of my day performing regulatory transaction for frequent customers. most of our clientele are elders who trust us to house their finances and offer money growth/protection opportunities. most of the staff are amazing and very helpful. management is okay, a lot of them have been there for a while which is good. some of them can be...micromanagers, but if you put that aside from yourself, (meaning don't take it to heart, just humor them), you'll be fine and supported. it is a bank so security and work consciousness is extremely important. but the are very forgiving and allow you chances to learn from your mistakes. West America a very mentally demanding job and can be very tiring at the end of the week; that being said its important to maintain a healthy work - life balance. they are currently heavily understaffed and sometimes that can interfere with your work day. i would say workers leave within a year to five, but NOT all. i enjoy my team the most. we are like a family. i will admit one thing i hate the most is the whispering and secret looks. its mostly happens in management. and honestly its not that serious, but i just feel like if im not suppose to here it why are you saying it very softly around me then. i just ignore it but is really annoying. also everyone has this tendency to talk about you, but right Infront of you. its bothers me a lot. if you need me to do something or go somewhere just ask....ME.

Turn over is extremely high! Since most custmers are older! They hate you cause they dont know you and you dont know them so have fun asking for their i.d. Alot of upset customers and alot of unhappy employees! This company is cheap! Changing a customers address and number has to be a call to another department in which they have to change it, if they remember! So ALOT of follow up!! Which you don't need outside of your normal work load. Sales sales sales!! Which is ok but if you never been in banking be afraid with this company! Technology is  pitifull!! (If its slow its not broken, so why fix it) you still need to use that ridiculous credit card metal swiping contraption with the carbon paper. Nothings digital! Paperwork paperwork paperwork!  Cause you have to do what computers wont here. One computer to sign up new accounts which is always taken so bye to your sales. A loss for your pocket and a waste of your time getting them to finally open an account! They breed con artists! They get new hires excited to start and run them to the ground. Regional manager is two faced, rude and wishy washy! Very Ungrateful! Expect to pick up more than an extra mile! Best quote used towards employees " Why are you here?" Nobody is secure here!! They are always hiring cause they are always firing!!! If anyone has nothing but good to say its only fake to make this company look something of what it truly is - TERRIBLE! Only good temporarily.

Top Job Titles	Average Salary
Teller 208 salaries reported	$18.36 per hour
Bank clerk 72 salaries reported	$19.28 per hour
Customer service manager 32 salaries reported	$71,643 per year
Bank officer 38 salaries reported	$73,344 per year
Branch manager 4 salaries reported	$70,018 per year

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