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What does a file clerk do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
What does a file clerk do

File clerks are employees who do a variety of clerical and administrative tasks, usually related to documents in the office. They are responsible for the safekeeping of various files, records, or documents of the company. They keep track of records, ensure that documents are properly stored, and maintain a system of organizing files. They are also in charge of managing digital files and also assist in the digitization of hard copies of documents. They ensure that documentary records are updated and filed or uploaded accurately. File clerks should be organized, should have a keen eye for detail, and should be trustworthy.

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File clerk responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real file clerk resumes:

  • Maintain and manage database with clinical details and digital radiology imaging.
  • Maintain current product device master and device history records per FDA and ISO regulations.
  • General office duties and experience with windows, excel, access PowerPoint, word, publisher.
  • Enter pleadings, request for productions and interrogatories into logs and clients files by dates of court filings.
  • Maintain EMR with current and accurate data.
  • Utilize scanning software such as AnyDoc and OCR.
  • Draft legal papers including complaints, summons and interrogatories.
  • Scan, import and export documents into PACS system.
  • Scan the prepared medical records/charts into the EMR system.
  • Prepare USPS certify, express, priority and mail processing.
  • Demonstrate extensive knowledge of both the billing cycles and billing windows.
  • Assist paralegal department in the preparation of all arbitration and trial matters.
  • Review incoming documents to determine if appropriate for filing in the OPF.
  • Verify and update information on scan documents in system prior to QC.
  • File UCC's with the secretary of state to secure other collateral.

File clerk skills and personality traits

We calculated that 25% of File Clerks are proficient in Data Entry, Office Equipment, and Numerical Order. They’re also known for soft skills such as Writing skills, Communication skills, and Interpersonal skills.

We break down the percentage of File Clerks that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Data Entry, 25%

    Verify student loan documentations for federal processing - data entry of incomplete information for document processing of loans.

  • Office Equipment, 10%

    Created and maintained student's permanent records* Ran errands for guidance counselors* Operated office equipment* Scheduled appointments with students* Maintained files

  • Numerical Order, 8%

    Responsibilities*Filed important documents in alphabetical and numerical order.

  • HR, 6%

    Collaborate & consolidated personnel documentation; Integrated supervisor files with HR files.

  • Office Machines, 5%

    File and operate standard office machines * Receptionist (temporary) * Convey information effectively

  • Patient Charts, 5%

    Resolved patient scheduling/billing issues, organized/created patient charts, ensured proper patient payments and billings

Most file clerks use their skills in "data entry," "office equipment," and "numerical order" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential file clerk responsibilities here:

Communication skills. Another essential skill to perform file clerk duties is communication skills. File clerks responsibilities require that "information clerks must be able to explain policies and procedures clearly to customers and the public." File clerks also use communication skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "direct communication with physician concerning patient's medical charts. "

Interpersonal skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of file clerks is interpersonal skills. This skill is critical to many everyday file clerk duties, as "information clerks who work with the public and customers must understand and communicate information effectively to establish positive relationships." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "composed and processed police reports performed administrative duties for multiple supervisors excellent interpersonal skills; strong computer skills"

Integrity. A big part of what file clerks do relies on "integrity." You can see how essential it is to file clerk responsibilities because "information clerks, particularly human resources assistants, have access to confidential information." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical file clerk tasks: "summer and winter breaks schedule appointments trusted with confidential files provided excellent customer service via telephone and at the front desk"

Organizational skills. Another common skill required for file clerk responsibilities is "organizational skills." This skill comes up in the duties of file clerks all the time, as "information clerks must be able to retrieve files and other important information quickly and efficiently." An excerpt from a real file clerk resume shows how this skill is central to what a file clerk does: "light data entry skills used data entry skills and organizational skills. "

All file clerk skills

The three companies that hire the most file clerks are:

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Compare different file clerks

File clerk vs. Data entry associate

Data entry associates are a group of professionals using computers and data processing programs to supply information into a database or documentation platform or to transcribe data via phone conversations or recordings. They can multitask effectively with excellent verbal and written communication skills and perform repetitive tasks accurately with excellent attention to detail. Part of their task is to maintain the database by encoding new and updated customer account information by preparing source data for computer entry, compiling, and sorting information. To be effective, typing speed and accuracy must be considered.

If we compare the average file clerk annual salary with that of a data entry associate, we find that data entry associates typically earn a $4,522 higher salary than file clerks make annually.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between file clerks and data entry associates are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like data entry, office equipment, and word processing.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, file clerk responsibilities require skills like "numerical order," "hr," "office machines," and "patient charts." Meanwhile a typical data entry associate has skills in areas such as "customer service," "computer database," "payroll," and "wpm." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Data entry associates really shine in the finance industry with an average salary of $52,978. Comparatively, file clerks tend to make the most money in the government industry with an average salary of $32,774.On average, data entry associates reach similar levels of education than file clerks. Data entry associates are 0.5% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.4% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

File clerk vs. Data entry operator

A data entry operator is someone responsible for entering collected information into a database using different computer software. Data entry duties include updating customer data, transcribing information, and entering accounting records. Also, it is their responsibility to organize collected data and maintain their accurate record on the database so it can be accessed at any time. Data operators must be proficient in typing skills, keen to details and able to manage a large amount of data. They must also be familiar with using spreadsheets, along with other word processing programs.

Data entry operator positions earn lower pay than file clerk roles. They earn a $276 lower salary than file clerks per year.A few skills overlap for file clerks and data entry operators. Resumes from both professions show that the duties of each career rely on skills like "office equipment," "office machines," and "word processing. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that file clerk responsibilities requires skills like "data entry," "numerical order," "hr," and "patient charts." But a data entry operator might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "data entry equipment," "customer service," "computer database," and "wpm."

Data entry operators earn a lower average salary than file clerks. But data entry operators earn the highest pay in the finance industry, with an average salary of $38,543. Additionally, file clerks earn the highest salaries in the government with average pay of $32,774 annually.In general, data entry operators achieve similar levels of education than file clerks. They're 0.9% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.4% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

File clerk vs. Receptionist/billing clerk

A receptionist/billing clerk is responsible for performing administrative and clerical duties as needed to maintain a smooth flow of operations for the business. Receptionist/billing clerks process the customers' payment transactions, manage account payables, releasing invoices, and immediately resolve account discrepancies. A receptionist/billing clerk must have excellent communication and analytical skills, responding to customers' inquiries and concerns, escalating high-level complaints to the billing management. They should also maintain records of financial documentation for reference and reconciliation as needed.

On average scale, receptionist/billing clerks bring in higher salaries than file clerks. In fact, they earn a $370 higher salary per year.By looking over several file clerks and receptionist/billing clerks resumes, we found that both roles require similar skills in their day-to-day duties, such as "data entry," "office equipment," and "office machines." But beyond that, the careers look very different.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, file clerks are more likely to have skills like "numerical order," "hr," "scheduling appointments," and "law firm." But a receptionist/billing clerk is more likely to have skills like "patients," "customer service," "appointment scheduling," and "medicaid."

Receptionist/billing clerks earn the highest salary when working in the technology industry, where they receive an average salary of $35,383. Comparatively, file clerks have the highest earning potential in the government industry, with an average salary of $32,774.When it comes to education, receptionist/billing clerks tend to earn similar degree levels compared to file clerks. In fact, they're 0.2% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.6% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

File clerk vs. Clerk typist

A clerk typist is responsible for data entry procedures and document transcriptions, alongside other clerical and administrative duties as required by the employer. Clerk typists create reports and presentation materials, transcribe audio meetings, write business drafts, and send documents to appropriate office personnel or clients. A clerk-typist must show excellent organizational and time-management skills, especially with handling various typing tasks under strict deadlines and minimal supervision. They also respond and take calls from clients and customers, assisting with their inquiries and concerns.

Clerks typist typically earn higher pay than file clerks. On average, clerks typist earn a $184 higher salary per year.According to resumes from file clerks and clerks typist, some of the skills necessary to complete the responsibilities of each role are similar. These skills include "data entry," "office equipment," and "hr. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A file clerk uses "numerical order," "patient charts," "law firm," and "user criteria." Clerks typist are more likely to have duties that require skills in "customer service," "payroll," "input data," and "office procedures. "In general, clerks typist earn the most working in the education industry, with an average salary of $32,312. The highest-paying industry for a file clerk is the government industry.The average resume of clerks typist showed that they earn similar levels of education compared to file clerks. So much so that theyacirc;euro;trade;re 0.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.5%.

Types of file clerk

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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