When leaving the teller station, what is the first action a teller should take?

When leaving the teller station, the first action a teller should take is to lock the cash drawer and take the keys. This is crucial for maintaining security and safeguarding the monetary assets involved in the teller's transactions. Locking the cash drawer helps prevent unauthorized access to cash, reducing the risk of theft or loss. Additionally, holding onto the keys ensures that only authorized personnel can access the cash, contributing to the overall security protocols within the bank.

While notifying a supervisor, counting the cash again, and completing a transaction log are important tasks, they are typically secondary to securing the cash. Safeguarding cash should always be prioritized to maintain the trust and safety of the banking environment. Thus, the process of securing the cash drawer is the essential first step that underpins the teller's responsibilities in order to protect both the bank’s assets and their own accountability.