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 representing typical tasks they are likely to perform in their roles.

  • 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 Traits
Writing skills
Writing skills is important when it comes to clearing expressing yourself in any written document.
Communication skills
Communication skills shows that you are able to relay your thoughts, opinions and ideas clearly to those around you.
Interpersonal skills
Interpersonal skills involves being able to communicate efficiently with multiple people regarding your thoughts, ideas and feedback.

File Clerk Jobs You Might Like

  • High Paying File Clerk Jobs - $38K and Up
  • Entry Level File Clerk Jobs
  • Part Time File Clerk Jobs
  • Actively Hiring
  • No Degree File Clerk Jobs
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File Clerk Job Description

Perhaps the hardest question to answer when deciding on a career as a file clerk is "should I become a file clerk?" You might find this info to be helpful. When compared to other jobs, file clerk careers are projected to have a growth rate described as "little or no change" at 0% from 2018 through 2028. This is in accordance with the Bureau of Labor Statistics. What's more, is that the projected number of opportunities that are predicted to become available for a file clerk by 2028 is -7,300.

On average, the file clerk annual salary is $31,562 per year, which translates to $15.17 an hour. Generally speaking, file clerks earn anywhere from $25,000 to $38,000 a year, which means that the top-earning file clerks make $12,000 more than the ones at the lower end of the spectrum.

As is the case with most jobs, it takes work to become a file clerk. Sometimes people change their minds about their career after working in the profession. That's why we looked into some other professions that might help you find your next opportunity. These professions include a data entry associate, data entry operator, receptionist/billing clerk, and clerk typist.

Learn More About File Clerk Job Descriptions

File Clerk Jobs You Might Like

12 File Clerk Resume Examples

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Roger King
File Clerk
Contact Information
New York, NY
(580) 555-0987
Skills
  • Image Quality
  • Company Policies
  • Sanitation Regulations
  • New Materials
  • QA
  • Subway Operations Manual
  • Computer System
  • Health Information
  • Court Proceedings
  • Special Events
Employment History
File Clerk
2018 - Present
Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker
New York, NY
  • Filed pleadings and correspondences Indexed documents into computer system
  • Assisted attorneys in preparing for trial and court proceedings.
  • Reorganized client files for partner.
  • Greeted and dismissed voters with a positive attitude.
  • Create new records for new patients, as well as retire old ones.
File Clerk
2017 - 2018
Citi
New York, NY
  • Inputted and resolved debit and credit via an internet program FileNet.
  • Process various legal documents with the courts, attorneys and the public regarding procedures for accepting these documents.
  • Placed at McLaren Healthplan Enter repricing data into software from repricing program in the claims department
Sandwich Artist
2016 - 2017
Subway
New York, NY
  • Prepared meals specifically to customer's order providing excellent customer service.
  • Prompt customer service with satisfaction Timely food preparation and rotation Excellent store closer, including cash drops and store cleanliness
  • Inspect and clean food preparation areas.
  • Serviced guests, prepared food, maintained food safety and sanitation standards, cashier, and handled light paperwork.
  • Greeted guests/prepared orders while maintaining food safety and sanitation standards.
Education
High School Diploma
2016 - 2016
 
 
Terry Olson
File Clerk
Contact Info
Memphis, TN
(430) 555-2504
Skills
Word ProcessingPersonal HabitsCPRAge-Appropriate ActivitiesMedical RecordsOLD FilesPayrollPatienceFile RecordsOffice Machines
Employment History
File Clerk
2017 - Present
Robert Half International
Memphis, TN
  • Composed and revised legal documents, including letters, depositions and court documents.
  • Processed legal documents Research Processed Fed Ex and UPS packages Copy Quality Control
  • Prepared files for off-site storage and liaison with off-site storage company.
  • Generated Court reports; drafted correspondence using computer word processing software.
File Clerk
2016 - 2017
LAW OFFICES OF WINN SIMS
Houston, TX
  • Maintain file records, file and retrieve documents for attorneys.
  • Filled in as paralegal and made bank deposits for the firm.
  • Prepared legal documents such as pleadings and affidavits.
  • Pull and file documents requested by attorneys.
Daycare Provider Assistant
2015 - 2016
Na
San Antonio, TX
  • Provide child care when needed for various friends and family Offer both daily care and/or overnight care
  • Provided child care to different families after school, weekends, and during school vacations.
Education
High School Diploma
2015 - 2015
 
 
Jacqueline Dixon
File Clerk
Suitland, MD
(940) 555-5068
Experience
File Clerk2017 - Present
Social Security Administration•Suitland, MD
  • Maintain an accurate recording of the workload in record books; also mailed important notices and documents to the general public.
  • Added additional data on file records, completed reports, kept files current and supplied information from file data.
  • Filed and stored important documents.
  • Produce labels and sales receipts to ensure proper delivery.
  • Add new material to the claimant folder or create a new folder.
  • Assembled and analyzed all patient care records.
Office Assistant/File Clerk2014 - 2017
U.S. Census Bureau•Suitland, MD
  • Managed payroll for 25+ employees.
  • Used the Paper-Based Operational Control System (PBOCS) program to process the citizens' questionnaires into a database.
  • Carried out employee selection and hiring functions Processed personnel actions with payroll Maintained personnel files and administrative records
  • Prepare enumeration demographic materials and organizing database information according to systematic needs.
  • Maintain personal information of employees and job applicants.
Sandwich Artist2008 - 2014
Subway•Saint Louis, MO
  • Conducted store management activities such as staff scheduling and sales report and customer service analysis Shift Leader
  • Greeted every customer, prepared food, maintained food safety and sanitation standards, provided exceptional customer service and served customers.
Skills
Positive AttitudeCompany PoliciesFood PreparationFile PapersCustomer OrdersProper DeliveryGreeting GuestsCustomer ServiceImage QualityComplete Understanding
Education
High School Diploma 2008 - 2008
 
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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 list "data entry," "office equipment," and "numerical order" as skills on their resumes. We go into more details on the most important file clerk responsibilities here:

  • Another commonly found skill for being able to perform file clerk duties is the following: communication skills. According to a file clerk resume, "information clerks must be able to explain policies and procedures clearly to customers and the public." Check out this example of how file clerks use communication skills: "direct communication with physician concerning patient's medical charts. "

  • Another skill that is quite popular among file clerks is interpersonal skills. This skill is very critical to fulfilling every day responsibilities as is shown in this example from a file clerk resume: "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"

  • A thorough review of lots of resumes revealed to us that "integrity" is important to completing file clerk responsibilities. This resume example shows just one way file clerks use this skill: "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"

  • Another common skill for a file clerk to be able to utilize is "organizational skills." Information clerks must be able to retrieve files and other important information quickly and efficiently. A file clerk demonstrated the need for this skill by putting this on their resume: "light data entry skills used data entry skills and organizational skills. "

    • See the full list of file clerk skills.

    We've found that 31.4% of file clerks have earned a bachelor's degree. Furthermore, 2.1% earned their master's degrees before becoming a file clerk. While it's true that some file clerks have a college degree, it's generally possible to become one with only a high school degree. In fact, one out of every three file clerks did not spend the extra money to attend college.

    Those file clerks who do attend college, typically earn either business degrees or general studies degrees. Less commonly earned degrees for file clerks include criminal justice degrees or health care administration degrees.

    Once you've obtained the level of education you're comfortable with, you might start applying to companies to become a file clerk. We've found that most file clerk resumes include experience from Robert Half, Randstad North America, Inc., and Penske Automotive Group. Of recent, Robert Half had 18 positions open for file clerks. Meanwhile, there are 6 job openings at Randstad North America, Inc. and 4 at Penske Automotive Group.

    If you're interested in companies where file clerks make the most money, you'll want to apply for positions at Williams Parker, Beacon Hill Staffing Group, and Internal Revenue Service. We found that at Williams Parker, the average file clerk salary is $41,323. Whereas at Beacon Hill Staffing Group, file clerks earn roughly $36,409. And at Internal Revenue Service, they make an average salary of $35,870.

    View more details on file clerk salaries across the United States.

    If you earned a degree from the top 100 educational institutions in the United States, you might want to take a look at Law Office, Levorse Debra E Atty, and King & Spalding. These three companies have hired a significant number of file clerks from these institutions.

    For the most part, file clerks make their living in the professional and technology industries. File clerks tend to make the most in the government industry with an average salary of $32,774. The file clerk annual salary in the insurance and finance industries generally make $32,303 and $32,239 respectively. Additionally, file clerks who work in the government industry make 5.7% more than file clerks in the professional Industry.

    The three companies that hire the most prestigious file clerks are:

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    File Clerk Jobs You Might Like

    • High Paying File Clerk Jobs - $38K and Up
    • Entry Level File Clerk Jobs
    • Part Time File Clerk Jobs
    • Actively Hiring
    • No Degree File Clerk Jobs
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    What Data Entry Associates Do

    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.

    In this section, we compare the average file clerk annual salary with that of a data entry associate. Typically, data entry associates earn a $4,522 higher salary than file clerks earn annually.

    While their salaries may differ, one common ground between file clerks and data entry associates are a few of the skills required in each craft. In both careers, employees bring forth skills like data entry, office equipment, and word processing.

    There are some key differences in responsibilities as well. For example, a 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 how truly different these two careers really are.

    Data entry associates really shine in the finance industry with an average salary of $52,978. Whereas 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.

    What Are The Duties Of a 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.

    The next role we're going to look at is the data entry operator profession. Typically, this position earns a lower pay. In fact, they earn a $276 lower salary than file clerks per year.

    A similarity between the two careers of file clerks and data entry operators are a few of the skills associated with both roles. We used resumes from both professions to find that both use 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, several resumes showed us that file clerk responsibilities requires skills like "data entry," "numerical order," "hr," and "patient charts." But a data entry operator might use skills, such as, "data entry equipment," "customer service," "computer database," and "wpm."

    It's been discovered that data entry operators earn lower salaries compared to file clerks, but we wanted to find out where data entry operators earned the most pay. The answer? The finance industry. The average salary in the industry is $38,543. Additionally, file clerks earn the highest paychecks in the government with an average salary of $32,774.

    In general, data entry operators study at 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.

    How a Receptionist/Billing Clerk Compares

    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.

    The third profession we take a look at is receptionist/billing clerk. On an average scale, these workers bring in higher salaries than file clerks. In fact, they make a $370 higher salary per year.

    By looking over several file clerks and receptionist/billing clerks resumes, we found that both roles utilize similar skills, such as "data entry," "office equipment," and "office machines." But beyond that the careers look very different.

    As mentioned, these two careers differ between other skills that are required for performing the work exceedingly well. For example, gathering from file clerks resumes, they are more likely to have skills like "numerical order," "hr," "scheduling appointments," and "law firm." But a receptionist/billing clerk might have skills like "patients," "customer service," "appointment scheduling," and "medicaid."

    Additionally, receptionist/billing clerks earn a higher salary in the technology industry compared to other industries. In this industry, they receive an average salary of $35,383. Additionally, file clerks earn an average salary of $32,774 in the government industry.

    When it comes to education, receptionist/billing clerks tend to earn similar education levels than 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.

    Description Of a 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.

    The fourth career we look at typically earns higher pay than file clerks. On average, clerks typist earn a difference of $184 higher per year.

    According to resumes from both 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 requires different skills like "numerical order," "patient charts," "law firm," and "user criteria," which might show up on a file clerk resume. Whereas clerk typist might include skills like "customer service," "payroll," "input data," and "office procedures."

    In general, clerks typist make a higher salary in the education industry with an average of $32,312. The highest file clerk annual salary stems from the government industry.

    The average resume of clerks typist showed that they earn similar levels of education to file clerks. So much so that the likelihood of them earning a Master's Degree is 0.8% more. Additionally, they're less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree by 0.5%.

    What Similar Roles Do

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    Updated October 2, 2020