What Does an Inventory Clerk Do?
Find out what an inventory clerk does, how to get this job, and what it takes to succeed as an inventory clerk.
Inventory clerks are responsible for maintaining the inventory of a company or organization. They commonly work in a warehouse or storage facility, where they keep track of all the items that need to be stored and organized.
Inventory clerks typically use specialized software or computer systems to track the location and status of all the items in their area. This allows them to easily find any item that needs to be retrieved by employees or customers.
Inventory Clerk Job Duties
Inventory clerks have a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:
- Keeping track of inventory levels by recording incoming and outgoing shipments to ensure that the inventory is properly managed
- Auditing inventory records to ensure that they are accurate
- Issuing purchase orders for new inventory items when necessary
- Maintaining records of all inventory transactions, including purchase orders, sales, receipts, shipments, and deliveries
- Maintaining an up-to-date record of all inventory items in storage locations, including their location, value, and condition
- Conducting physical inventory counts at regular intervals as required by company policy
- Assisting with the creation of purchase orders and other purchasing documentation
- Ensuring that all new inventory items are stored properly in designated areas
- Updating computer inventory systems with new information as needed
Inventory Clerk Salary & Outlook
Inventory clerks are typically paid hourly, and their salaries can vary depending on a number of factors, including their level of education, years of experience, and the size and industry of the company.
- Median Annual Salary: $39,500 ($18.99/hour)
- Top 10% Annual Salary: $54,500 ($26.2/hour)
The employment of inventory clerks is expected to grow slower than average over the next decade.
Demand for inventory clerks depends on the demand for their employers’ products or services. As e-commerce continues to grow, more inventory will be needed to keep up with online orders. However, automation may limit the need for inventory clerks in some industries.
Inventory Clerk Job Requirements
The following are some of the requirements for becoming an inventory clerk:
Education: Inventory clerks are typically required to have at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may prefer an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in inventory management or a related field.
Training & Experience: Inventory clerks typically receive on-the-job training. This training may include learning the company’s inventory management software and procedures. Training may also include learning how to use the equipment and supplies necessary for the job.
Certifications & Licenses: Inventory clerks do not require any certifications to earn their position. However, some certifications can help an inventory clerk advance in their career by demonstrating a higher level of competence than other candidates.
Inventory Clerk Skills
Inventory clerks need the following skills in order to be successful:
Attention to detail: Inventory clerks must be able to notice small changes in numbers or data. This is because they often handle large amounts of data and information. Attention to detail can help you notice if a product is missing or if a number is incorrect. It can also help you notice if a customer’s order is correct or if a product is priced correctly.
Time management: Inventory clerks often work with a set schedule and deadlines. Managing their time effectively can help them meet their goals and complete their duties on time. This can also help them prioritize their tasks and make sure they don’t miss any deadlines.
Communication: Communication skills are important for inventory clerks because they often interact with a variety of people, including customers, managers and other clerks. Effective communication skills can help you convey information clearly and answer questions. You can also use communication skills to help you work with others to solve problems and complete tasks.
Problem-solving: Inventory clerks often work with multiple departments and may be responsible for ensuring that all of the company’s needs are met. This may include tracking down items that are out of stock or finding alternative solutions when a product isn’t available. Problem-solving skills can help you identify and resolve issues quickly.
Organization: Organization is the ability to keep track of multiple tasks and responsibilities at once. Inventory clerks often have to manage multiple inventory records, so it’s important that they have strong organizational skills. Organization can also help you keep track of receipts and other important documents.
Inventory Clerk Work Environment
Inventory clerks work in a variety of settings, including warehouses, manufacturing and distribution centers, retail stores, and office buildings. They may work indoors or outdoors, depending on the type of facility and the products being inventoried. Most inventory clerks work full time, and some may work evenings or weekends to complete inventories or to meet deadlines. The work can be physically demanding, and inventory clerks may be required to lift heavy objects, climb ladders, or use other equipment to reach high shelves. The work can also be repetitive and may require standing for long periods of time.
Inventory Clerk Trends
Here are three trends influencing how inventory clerks work. Inventory clerks will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.
The Use of Technology to Improve Efficiency
The use of technology in the workplace is becoming increasingly common, as businesses look for ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs. This trend is especially evident in the area of inventory management, where computers can be used to track and manage stock levels more effectively.
As businesses continue to adopt this approach, inventory clerks will need to learn how to use technology to their advantage. This includes learning how to use computer systems to track inventory, as well as learning how to use software to manage stock levels.
More Collaboration Between Supply Chain and Logistics Teams
As businesses become more complex, the role of the inventory clerk is changing. In order to keep up with the demands of the market, inventory clerks are now being asked to collaborate more with other teams, such as supply chain and logistics.
This trend is likely to continue as businesses strive to become more efficient and competitive. By working together, inventory clerks and other teams can create a more streamlined process that allows them to get products to customers faster.
Greater Focus on Data Analytics
As businesses become more reliant on data analytics, the role of the inventory clerk will change.
In the past, the job of the inventory clerk was simply to keep track of what was in stock and where it was located. However, as businesses have come to realize the value of data analytics, they have begun to demand more from their inventory clerks. Now, inventory clerks are often responsible for collecting and analyzing data in order to make better business decisions.
How to Become an Inventory Clerk
There are many different paths you can take to become an inventory clerk. You could start by working in a warehouse, where you would learn how to organize and manage stock. You could also work as a shipping and receiving clerk, where you would learn how to process orders and shipments.
You could also pursue a career in accounting or finance. This would give you the skills needed to manage inventory systems and processes. Or you could get a degree in business administration with a focus on supply chain management. This would give you the knowledge needed to plan and manage the flow of goods from supplier to customer.
Advancement Prospects
An inventory clerk may advance to a supervisory position, such as inventory control manager. With experience, an inventory clerk may also move into purchasing or materials management. Some inventory clerks with experience in a particular industry may move into sales or marketing for the same industry.
Inventory Clerk Job Description Example
At [CompanyX], we are looking for an inventory clerk to join our team. The inventory clerk will be responsible for maintaining accurate records of all incoming and outgoing inventory, as well as conducting regular audits to ensure accuracy. He or she will also be responsible for investigating and resolving any discrepancies that may arise. The ideal candidate will have experience working with inventory management software, as well as strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Perform daily inventory audits to ensure accuracy of stock levels
- Investigate and report any discrepancies in inventory records
- Update computerized inventory records with new stock information
- Generate reports detailing inventory levels, trends, and needs
- Coordinate with purchasing department to order new stock as needed
- Receive and unload incoming shipments
- Inspect shipments for damage or defects and report any issues
- Store inventory items in an organized and safe manner
- Pull inventory items as needed for production or sales orders
- Keep work area clean and free of safety hazards
- Follow all company policies and procedures
- Perform other duties as assigned
Required Skills and Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Proven experience as inventory clerk or similar position
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to lift heavy objects
- Forklift certification a plus
Preferred Skills and Qualifications
- Associate’s degree in business administration or related field
- Experience with inventory software programs
- Working knowledge of MS Excel
- Strong math skills
- Ability to work independently with little supervision
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