In banks or financial institutions, primarily the one who has charge of the cash or securities. This title is most commonly used in connection with national banks, but seldom in the case of savings banks. The "cashier" of a national bank is an extremely important man, as he is the head executive officer, having direct charge of all the work of the bank, and to him are responsible all the bank's employees.

He usually signs checks, statements, and various other papers of the institution; buys and sells exchange to a very large extent; he may discount paper and pass upon collateral securities. He must have every detail of the bank's condition at his fingers' ends, and be in a position to answer questions upon almost any subject in connection with the bank's affairs at any time. He acts as secretary whenever the directors' meetings are held, and, in general, is the most important active man in the institution.

Of course the customs of various banks differ. In some the president, possibly the vice-president, may take very active parts and take over more or less of the work usually done by the cashier, but the above fairly describes a cashier's duties and responsibilities.