What does an inventory control clerk do?
An inventory control clerk is responsible for managing the stock inventory, recording incoming and outgoing deliveries, and inspecting proper labeling before moving the products to the storage areas. Inventory control clerks resolve inventory discrepancies, checking and reviewing product details and reports from the warehouse software database. They also monitor shipment details, confirm orders, and process payments. An inventory control clerk must have excellent knowledge of data processing since this job requires them to perform various administrative and clerical tasks as needed to ensure the smooth operations within the department.
Inventory control clerk responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real inventory control clerk resumes:
- Manage, review, analyze, verify, and ship raw, stock, purchase, QA, and manufacture materials.
- Manage incoming delivery of all FedEx and containers containing serviceable material.
- Handle payroll through ADP, as well as benefits and orientation.
- Rout all interoffice mail, schedule daily FEDEX deliveries, maintain all offices supplies
- Use WMS to research product, part number, shipping, bin and adjustment history to find error.
- Verify tracking numbers, trailer numbers, carrier, and vendor on bills of lading to WMS worksheets.
- Process all invoicing through AS400 on a daily basis as well as all inventory requisitions and cost transfers.
- Run AS400 downloads to review/ count transfer, credit, call-in, return, and negative quantity relate discrepancies.
- Used the RF scanner to associate the material with the tote to send to put away on the proper shelf.
- Count all finish and raw materials in the warehouse on a daily basis using an RF scanner to maintain accurate inventory.
- Receive authorization orders by communicating with medical professionals regarding medical needs for patients.
- Maintain professional relationship with customers and identify patients with potential need for case management services.
- Maintain working knowledge and location of all inventory and logistics business processes documentation and modifications to existing procedures.
- Provide assistance to various departments to troubleshoot inventory and promotion issues that require higher level consideration and knowledge.
- Provide inventory control support for the daily logistics operation in order to facilitate a high level of inventory accuracy.
Inventory control clerk skills and personality traits
We calculated that 18% of Inventory Control Clerks are proficient in Inventory Control, Customer Service, and Data Entry. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Customer-service skills, and Detail oriented.
We break down the percentage of Inventory Control Clerks that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Inventory Control, 18%
Cycle count verification, receipt verification, inventory verification, expiration date verification and loss prevention via RF inventory control program.
- Customer Service, 14%
Implement and enhance all merchandise directives from Caesars Entertainment Retail buyers and directors Various awards for inventory results and internal customer service
- Data Entry, 9%
Make recommendations for inventory control best practices/solutions and assists with procedural changes to improve accuracy 10 key/data entry
- Math, 7%
Present strong mathematical knowledge and various math applications.
- Management System, 5%
Cycle counted inventory in the warehouse to ensure physical inventory matches inventory recorded in the Warehouse Management System.
- Forklift Training, 5%
Completed forklift training and also have experience stocking warehouse.
Most inventory control clerks use their skills in "inventory control," "customer service," and "data entry" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential inventory control clerk responsibilities here:
Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an inventory control clerk to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "production, planning, and expediting clerks are frequently in contact with suppliers, vendors, and production managers and need to communicate the firm’s scheduling needs effectively." Inventory control clerks often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "created purchase orders andconfirmed/revised per vendor and buyer communications. "
Customer-service skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling inventory control clerk duties is customer-service skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "stock clerks sometimes interact with customers in retail stores and may have to get the item the customer is looking for from the storeroom." According to an inventory control clerk resume, here's how inventory control clerks can utilize customer-service skills in their job responsibilities: "inventory cycle counts and reconciliation, processing customer returns for credit. "
Detail oriented. inventory control clerks are also known for detail oriented, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to inventory control clerk responsibilities, because "material and product inspecting clerks check items for defects, some of which are small and difficult to spot." An inventory control clerk resume example shows how detail oriented is used in the workplace: "operated computers, data entry, maintained accurate records, prepared detailed reports and located. "
Math skills. For certain inventory control clerk responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "math skills." The day-to-day duties of an inventory control clerk rely on this skill, as "some material recording clerks use math to calculate shipping costs or take measurements." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what inventory control clerks do: "maintain inventory files using systems 34 computer, accurate and efficient 10-key by touch and data entry process with math aptitude. "
The three companies that hire the most inventory control clerks are:
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Compare different inventory control clerks
Inventory control clerk vs. Warehouse receiving
The duties of a warehouse receiving worker include interacting with delivery couriers, such as DHL and FedEx/UPS, while generally simplifying the customer service delivery process. They are expected to closely inspect all goods and products for damages, verify the quantities of products ordered, and enter these into inventory using RF or WMS system. The responsibility of determining the designated method of shipment of products may also fall to them.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an inventory control clerk are more likely to require skills like "customer service," "data entry," "management system," and "ex." On the other hand, a job as a warehouse receiving requires skills like "pallets," "warehouse receiver," "load trucks," and "warehouse environment." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Warehouse receivings tend to make the most money working in the transportation industry, where they earn an average salary of $33,909. In contrast, inventory control clerks make the biggest average salary, $36,946, in the technology industry.The education levels that warehouse receivings earn slightly differ from inventory control clerks. In particular, warehouse receivings are 0.8% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an inventory control clerk. Additionally, they're 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Inventory control clerk vs. Warehouse technician
A warehouse technician is responsible for monitoring the incoming and outgoing goods and services in the warehouse or distribution centers. Warehouse technicians verify shipment details, assist with packaging items, move merchandise to storage areas, inspect the quality of items for release, and escalate defective products for immediate replacement. They also operate various warehouse equipment and machinery, conduct maintenance repairs, and loading and unloading items from the delivery trucks. A warehouse technician must have excellent time-management and organizational skills, especially on processing orders and creating reports for inventory receipts.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real inventory control clerk resumes. While inventory control clerk responsibilities can utilize skills like "math," "management system," "ex," and "third-party logistics," warehouse technicians use skills like "pallets," "warehouse environment," "logistics," and "patients."
Warehouse technicians may earn a lower salary than inventory control clerks, but warehouse technicians earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $36,898. On the other hand, inventory control clerks receive higher pay in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $36,946.warehouse technicians earn similar levels of education than inventory control clerks in general. They're 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Inventory control clerk vs. Shipping and receiving associate
Usually, shipping and receiving associates work in retail or a warehouse to manage the incoming and outgoing materials and products. Shipping and receiving associates keep records of all the materials received and shipped. They develop the mailing labels as well as the shipping documents. It is their job to make sure that orders are filled appropriately. The skills necessary for this job include basic math, communication, organization, and attention to detail.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, inventory control clerks are more likely to have skills like "data entry," "math," "basic math," and "management system." But a shipping and receiving associate is more likely to have skills like "pallets," "hand tools," "logistics," and "good communication."
Shipping and receiving associates earn the highest salary when working in the technology industry, where they receive an average salary of $35,683. Comparatively, inventory control clerks have the highest earning potential in the technology industry, with an average salary of $36,946.shipping and receiving associates typically earn similar educational levels compared to inventory control clerks. Specifically, they're 0.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Inventory control clerk vs. Warehouse coordinator
A warehouse coordinator is responsible for monitoring the supply and distribution operations of a warehouse, loading and unloading merchandise from the delivery trucks, and storing items appropriately on the facility. Warehouse coordinators assist in packing and labeling items, pulling out products from delivery, and ensuring the correct quantity and quality of the items before release. They also inspect the efficiency and performance of warehouse tools and equipment, especially on schedule for regular maintenance, and call for repairs as needed.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between inventory control clerks and warehouse coordinators, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, an inventory control clerk might have more use for skills like "ex," "inventory issues," "inventory adjustments," and "fedex." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of warehouse coordinators require skills like "warehouse functions," "warehouse operations," "warehouse equipment," and "outbound shipments. "
The health care industry tends to pay the highest salaries for warehouse coordinators, with average annual pay of $36,509. Comparatively, the highest inventory control clerk annual salary comes from the technology industry.In general, warehouse coordinators hold similar degree levels compared to inventory control clerks. Warehouse coordinators are 1.2% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of inventory control clerk
Updated January 8, 2025
