A cash handler is an individual designated to receive, count, track, record, secure, transport or deposit cash money on behalf of a business or organization. A cash handler may perform all of these duties as a part of her or his job description, or may only be assigned to conduct a few very specific duties involving cash handling. Increasingly, many cash handling procedures are being automated in an effort to expedite certain processes and to decrease human error, as well as theft.
In order to become a professional cash handler, an individual must have a solid math aptitude and a keen eye for detail. Handlers must also be trustworthy, reliable and highly focused. Some employers require cash handlers to have previous training in cash handler procedures and work experience, while others offer on-the-job training. In order to handle cash, many employers also require applicants to submit to a full background check, as well as become licensed according to any applicable state laws.
The amounts of money an individual may be responsible for in a cash handling job may vary. Some may only need to monitor petty cash, while others may be responsible for securing, transporting and depositing extremely large amounts of currency. Many cash handlers also work as part of a team, in that one person may be responsible for counting cash and preparing it for deposit, another may be responsible for transporting cash to a vault and another may be responsible for physically guarding a person in charge of transporting currency. Due to the increased likelihood of robbery attempts, some handlers may also be required to become licensed to carry a firearm for protection.
Some specific cash handler jobs include cage workers at a casino, armored transportation guards and drivers, bursars, bank employees and retail professionals. Job descriptions for handlers in these industries are vastly different, but each requires workers to assure that an employer’s cash currency is accounted for and protected at all times. It is not uncommon for people with experience as a cash handler to work in more than one industry during the course of her or his career.
While most cash handler positions involve working with paper currency, other financial instruments may be handled, as well. For instance, a cash handler may also be responsible for coins, tokens, casino chips, bank checks, money orders, invoices and receipts. Handlers are often required to work with special equipment and computer software to accurately conduct and record monetary transactions.