How to Be Inventory Control Clerk - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Inventory control clerks are responsible for ensuring that companies maintain the correct level of stock in their stores. This is important to ensure that customers can access the products they need and that companies don't overstock items that aren't selling. In order to achieve this, inventory control clerks must count and record the number of items in store, track stock levels, compare sales and inventory figures, and order new stock when levels are low. If these duties are not carried out correctly, it can lead to lost sales, overstocking or understocking, increased storage costs, and a decrease in customer satisfaction.

Steps How to Become

1. Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Becoming an Inventory Control Clerk requires at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
2. Consider a Degree in Business or Supply Chain Management. Although a degree is not always required, having a degree in business or supply chain management can be helpful in pursuing an Inventory Control Clerk role.
3. Gain On-the-Job Experience. Many employers prefer to hire inventory control clerks with some experience. Try to gain experience in a warehouse or related environment.
4. Obtain Certification. Certification is not always required, but it could make you more competitive in the job market. Consider obtaining a Certified Inventory Clerk certification through the Institute of Supply Management.
5. Develop Skills. In addition to on-the-job experience, develop skills that are important to the role such as accuracy, attention to detail, organization, problem solving, and communication.
6. Apply for Open Positions. Once you have the necessary education and experience, begin applying for open positions as an Inventory Control Clerk.

In order to stay ahead and qualified as an Inventory Control Clerk, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest technology, trends, and regulations in the industry. Regularly attending seminars and webinars, reading professional journals and books, and networking with other professionals are great ways to stay informed. Additionally, having a strong understanding of inventory management software, basic accounting principles, and supply chain processes can make a big difference in staying qualified for the job. With strong knowledge in these areas and sound analytical and problem-solving skills, an Inventory Control Clerk will be able to stay ahead and remain qualified in the ever-changing industry.

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Job Description

1. Monitor and maintain inventory levels.
2. Perform regular cycle counts to ensure accurate inventory records.
3. Receive and process incoming goods, including verifying quantity and quality of items received.
4. Pick, pack, and ship orders to customers in a timely manner.
5. Maintain accurate records of all inventory items.
6. Monitor stock levels and ensure stock rotation as required.
7. Assist in the development and implementation of inventory management strategies.
8. Troubleshoot and resolve inventory discrepancies.
9. Develop and generate reports related to inventory activities.
10. Provide advice and guidance to internal customers on the most cost-effective ways to order or stock inventory items.

Skills and Competencies to Have

1. Strong organizational and time management skills
2. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
3. Ability to work independently and in a team environment
4. Ability to lift heavy objects and operate a forklift
5. Knowledge of inventory management systems
6. Attention to detail
7. Knowledge of safety protocols
8. Knowledge of inventory auditing procedures
9. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
10. Ability to multitask and prioritize workload
11. Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and Word
12. Ability to reconcile discrepancies and resolve issues in a timely manner

Inventory control clerks play a vital role in the success of any business. Their ability to accurately track and maintain inventory is essential for the efficient and profitable operation of an organization. An inventory control clerk must possess strong organizational skills, the ability to multitask, and knowledge of inventory management software.

They must be able to efficiently manage and maintain accurate records of inventory levels and track product movement. they must have the ability to recognize discrepancies between orders, deliveries, and stock levels. Accurate inventory management is the key to reducing costs and avoiding costly mistakes, which is why having an organized and detail-oriented inventory control clerk is essential.

When done correctly, it can help businesses maintain a competitive edge by reducing waste, reducing inventory costs, and improving profitability.

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Frequent Interview Questions

• What experience do you have working in inventory control?
• How do you stay organized when managing large amounts of inventory?
• Describe a time when you had to quickly resolve an inventory issue.
• What strategies do you use to ensure accuracy when taking inventory?
• How do you handle discrepancies between physical and system counts?
• How do you stay up to date with changes in inventory management technologies?
• Describe a system or process you have implemented to improve inventory control.
• What experience do you have with using inventory control software?
• What have you done to minimize shrinkage or loss of inventory?
• How would you handle a situation where customer orders exceed available stock?

Common Tools in Industry

1. Inventory Management System. A system designed to track and manage inventory levels, orders, and deliveries. (eg: SAP)
2. Barcode Scanner. A device used to read barcodes and capture the data into a digital format. (eg: Motorola DS9208)
3. Inventory Counting Software. Software used to count the number of items in stock and compare it to the number in the inventory records. (eg: Acctivate Inventory)
4. Inventory Tracking Software. Software used to track inventory items from purchase to sale or delivery. (eg: Fishbowl Inventory)
5. Warehouse Management System. A system designed to optimize the storage, movement, and tracking of inventory items within a warehouse. (eg: JDA Warehouse Management)
6. Stock Replenishment Software. Software used to monitor stock levels and automatically reorder inventory when levels fall below a certain threshold. (eg: Breakthrough Replenishment)
7. Pick-to-Light System. A system that uses lights to guide workers to the exact location, item, and quantity of an order. (eg: Sato PTL)

Professional Organizations to Know

1. Institute for Supply Management
2. Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals
3. Association for Operations Management
4. American Production and Inventory Control Society
5. International Supply Chain Education Alliance
6. National Association of Purchasing and Materials Management
7. National Inventory and Materials Management Association
8. National Inventory Certification Association

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Common Important Terms

1. Cycle Counting. A process of counting physical inventory items on a regular basis, typically by item or location, to identify any discrepancies between the actual count and the recorded count.
2. Stocktaking. A physical count of a company’s inventory, typically done at the end of a quarter or year.
3. Inventory Management. The process of managing a company’s inventory to ensure that it is properly tracked, stored, and replenished when needed.
4. Barcoding. The use of barcodes to track inventory and manage the supply chain.
5. Reorder Point. The minimum amount of inventory that must be kept in stock to ensure that the demand for products can be met.
6. Lead Time. The time from when an order is placed until it is received by the customer.
7. Bill of Materials (BOM). A document that lists all the components needed to create a finished product.
8. Forecasting. The process of predicting future demand for products by analyzing past sales data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary responsibilities of an Inventory Control Clerk?

The primary responsibilities of an Inventory Control Clerk include ordering and receiving inventory, checking shipments for accuracy and quality, keeping track of stock levels, monitoring stock movement and maintaining accurate records of all inventory transactions.

How often should an Inventory Control Clerk conduct a physical inventory?

The frequency of a physical inventory conducted by an Inventory Control Clerk should be determined by the organization's specific needs, but is typically conducted on a quarterly or annual basis.

What tools are used by an Inventory Control Clerk to track inventory?

Inventory Control Clerks typically use computer software, such as Microsoft Excel or specialized inventory tracking software, to keep track of inventory levels and movements. Barcoding and RFID systems may also be used to track inventory.

What qualifications are required to become an Inventory Control Clerk?

The qualifications to become an Inventory Control Clerk vary depending on the organization, but most employers require applicants to have at least a high school diploma or GED and prior experience in inventory management or related field.

What is the average salary for an Inventory Control Clerk?

According to PayScale, the average salary for an Inventory Control Clerk is $33,722 per year as of July 2020.

What are jobs related with Inventory Control Clerk?

• Process Control Inspector
• Cost Control Manager
• Environmental Control Officer
• Inventory Control Associate
• Water Control Technician
• Control Systems Technician
• Inventory Control Manager
• Traffic Control Supervisor

Web Resources

• Inventory Control Clerk - Job Descriptions - Human Resources :: … jobdescriptions.unm.edu
• Purchase, Receiving, and Inventory Control Clerks gcd.extension.msstate.edu
• Inventory Control / Capitalization | Accounting Office accountingoffice.uconn.edu