Arizona banks are faced with enough competition to warrant a serious focus on education and training among employees. Bankers in any position within Arizona banking institutions should dedicate themselves to obtaining continuing education in order to provide the best customer service possible. Due to the ease with which employees can find quality banks in Arizona education and training, there should be no reason for anyone in this field to be unaware of the latest issues.

Those who work with banking in Arizona can simply use the Internet to find training, and can choose between driving to a local course or seminar or taking advantage of online learning. The following options are available to employees of Arizona banks:

1. Obtain a college degree from a four-year school in a subject related to banking or finance.
   
2. Learn more skills needed in commercial banking in Arizona with a degree from a vocational school.
3. Look for online courses for people involved in Arizona commercial banking.
   

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Earn a college degree in a subject related to finance or banking in Arizona

Although most banks do not required that bankers have a bank-related degree, any degree that has to do with finance or banking can be helpful. Many four-year colleges in Arizona offer a bank-related degree. Any major that teaches the best ways to deal with customers, money and banking regulations is useful.

I recommend: Arizona State University, located in Tempe, offers a bachelor's degree in finance. The University of Arizona, located in Tucson, offers a similar degree in finance that would be helpful to any banking professional.

Get a degree from a vocational school to work for an Arizona banking institution

Employees do not have to attend a formal university to do well in the banking industry. Many vocational schools offer a bank-specific associate's degree or higher in just two years.

I recommend: Check out Tucson's Brown Mackie College to get a degree in accounting in just a few years. Everest College is one of several vocational colleges in Phoenix that offers an associate's degree in finance.

Investigate online courses to benefit your career with a bank in Arizona

Arizona bank employees should be able to find online continuing education courses easily that have to do with banking in the state. Internet courses conveniently allow employees to learn at their own pace without leaving their office.

I recommend: Check out courses that the Arizona Bankers Association offers for bankers of all levels. TrainUp.com offers the seminar called How to Establish Effective Internal Controls Training Class for those in the financial industry in Arizona.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Employees of Arizona commercial banks should consider joining a professional banking association. Most professional banking associations provide members with access to free or discounted courses, seminars and publications.

Locating a bank in Arizona that suits your business needs is not as difficult as it may seem. Most banks will work hard to get and keep your business. They understand that by helping your business to grow and succeed, they also benefit themselves.

Narrow down the choices to a single well established Arizona banking institution that will provide quality service, fair rates and ease of location. There is no shortage of banks in Arizona and there is sure to be one that satisfies all of your financial needs. When looking for an Arizona bank take the following actions:

1. Take a look at all of the choices and what they have to offer you.

2. Banking in Arizona is a service industry. Investigate the services offered and if those services can and will grow with your business.

3. Keep in mind features like online banking and deposit pickup. These will free up time for you to devote to the success of your business.

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Compile a listing of Arizona banking institutions in your area

Arizona commercial banking institutions are vast and the first step that must be taken is to narrow down the ones to choose from. The easiest way to do this is to find a selection that is convenient to your business' location. For businesses that have more than one location, search both areas for a common Arizona banking institution that is convenient for all concerned.

I recommend: Search by county for Arizona banks. LocalLender provides an easy to use search engine to find banks that are close by and fit your needs.

Examine the level of service needed from Arizona banking institutions

Banks in Arizona provide services to both small businesses and to large commercial and corporate accounts.

I recommend: A good resource for small business banking in Arizona is Fifth Third Bank. In addition, to checking and savings, they also offer merchant services, cash management and payroll services. First National Bank of Arizona offers free business checking, which is a great offer. This alleviates one expense from a new business while benefiting from merchant services and online banking.

Look for features in Arizona banks that offer the most ease and convenience

In as much as Arizona commercial banking focuses on large accounts, they also provide services much like other Arizona financial institutions that cater to ease of service. Arizona banks have taken full advantage of the technological age with the emergence of online banking. These additional perks and service can help to compare Arizona banks.

I recommend: I suggest that you take advantage of online banking and billpay services provided by the Bank of Arizona. In addition to these services they go the extra mile by offering an online banking guarantee. First Citizens Bank is new in commercial banking in Arizona. Their online banking services include netACCESS, online banking with QuickBooks, international banking and small business online workshops.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always remember that these banks are there to work for you, not for you to work for them. Select a bank that will make banking in Arizona easy and convenient.

Arizona banks provide the capital in the form of loans to small businesses so that they may start their ventures and grow them over time. As an Arizona based business, it is imperative that you stay on top of the latest news and trends of the banks within the state. News related to interest rates, mortgage products, the banks overall health and more are all things that may affect the capital a business might be able to secure.

Arizona banks and local news outlets release news related to all of this information in various places. Here are some resourceful links that will keep you up to date on the news regarding Arizona commercial banking.

1. Go to the news section of the website for banks in Arizona for the latest info.

2. Read newspapers that cover Arizona commercial banking and banking in general within the state.

3. Go to official state websites for information on Arizona banks.

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Read about Arizona banks on their official websites

Arizona banks have official websites that provide detailed news sections. If the bank is publicly traded, then the latest quarterly reports and earnings will be posted. Other news such as mortgage programs, new financial product offers and general banking business will be detailed.

I recommend: Visit the website for the Bank of Arizona and read their news section. This section details quarterly earnings reports and more. The website for Arizona Bank and Trust also has a "newsroom."

Find banks in Arizona news and trends by reading state newspapers

When it comes to finding news on business banking in Arizona, the local newspapers are a great resource. Use the search engine for the newspaper or scour the business section for the latest information on Arizona commercial banks. Remember to search archives if you're viewing the Internet version of the newspaper.

I recommend: Visit the websites for the Arizona Star or Arizona Republic (the online version being Arizona Central). These are the Internet versions of the published daily newspapers. Use the search engines to return results about banking industry news.

Read the official state websites for info on Arizona banks

There are a few state agencies that oversee the banks in the state of Arizona. They consistently post legislative changes and initiatives affecting the banking world within the state of Arizona on their websites. Take the time to read this info and see if any of the news and trends affects your business.

I recommend: Go to the website for the Arizona Department of Financial Institutions and read their latest press releases. Also, the Treasury Department oversees and has cooperative initiatives with many state banks. Read their website for the latest news affecting corporate banking in Arizona.