This post presents complete information on the inventory clerk job description to help increase your knowledge of the tasks, duties, and responsibilities they commonly perform, as well as templates employers can use.
It also provides detailed information on how to become an inventory clerk and the requirements you need to meet to be hired for the role, as well as the various career opportunities opened to inventory clerks.
What Does an Inventory Clerk Do?
An inventory clerk is the person that keeps track of stock that moves in and out of a particular location, popularly referred to as a stockroom.
He/she may work in retail or wholesale outlet, a factory, warehouse or distribution center.
Though many inventory clerks work alone, they may have an assistant when working in large operations, who will help them in maintaining the inventory levels.
The duties and responsibilities of shipping, receiving, and inventory clerks are same however the difference in the job title.
According to O*NET OnLine, inventory clerks are responsible for recording weight, space availability, discrepancies, charges, and damages, and other shipping data for recordkeeping purposes, accounting, and reporting.
Most companies depend on adequate and accurate inventories to keep their revenues profitable and their customers happy.
The inventory clerk job description usually entails tracking the movement of goods in their charge in order to avoid lost sales and prevent production delays.
Good record keeping is generally considered important to a successful inventory control.
The clerk will be responsible for managing incoming and outgoing products and supplies within a business.
This may involve tasks like ordering the necessary raw materials for a business or stocking showroom floors, of course this depends mostly on the industry.
While some clerks may be responsible for receiving shipments on a loading dock, most inventory clerks work indoors.
However, the majority of clerks responsible for inventory work on regular business hours.
Inventory and purchasing clerks process transactions and maintain inventories of equipment, materials, and stock.
Their employers are wholesale and retail establishments, manufacturing companies and other establishments.
Inventory clerks are people who are detail-oriented, people with strong clerical skills to help with organizational and recording responsibilities.
They might work with customers as part of their job or work behind the scenes ordering supplies. Either way, the clerk needs excellent communication skills.
Not only does the clerk count items on hand, he may also be required to assign values to the property. His physical counts must correspond with computer records.
The clerk may need to prepare reports for his supervisor as regards the inventory balance, defective items, shortages, price lists.
He/she may also be responsible for recording barcode information in the computer and attaching price labels to merchandise.
Their role in an organization may also include removing obsolete equipment from service and preparing it for sale or disposal.
Inventory Clerk Job Description Example/Sample
Below is a job description sample for the role of inventory clerk.
It shows a list of tasks, duties, and responsibilities someone in that position will be expected to perform while working for a company:
- Compile and maintain records of type, quantity, and value of material, sale, equipment, merchandise or supplies stocked in establishment.
- Count equipment, merchandise, material, or supplies in stock and posts totals to inventory records using computer or manually.
- Compare inventories with what’s on office records.
- Compute figures from records, such as production records, sales orders or purchase invoices to obtain current inventory.
- Verify computer data with physical count of stock and adjusts errors in computation, then count, or investigate and report reasons for discrepancies if there is any.
- Compile information on receipt equipment, merchandise or disbursement of material, or supplies and cost.
- Prepare reports on price lists, inventory balance, and shortages.
- May operate office machines, such as calculators, photocopy machines, and typewriters.
- May stock and issue merchandise or materials.
Inventory Clerk Requirements: Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge for Career Success
- Record-keeping (computerized) and purchase order experience.
- Retail sales experience, especially in marine services industry.
- Excellent customer service skills
- Ability to know customer needs.
- Strong computer proficiency in applications like DockMaster, Internet, MsOffice.
- Willingness/ability to work overtime and weekends.
- Must be reliable and responsible; and must have the ability to work independently with little direct supervision.
Inventory Clerk Job Description Templates
Here are inventory clerk job description templates employers can simply edit and use in their job postings to attract the best talents to their companies:
TEMPLATE 1.
Position Title: Inventory Clerk
Reports To: Inventory Manager / Warehouse Supervisor / Operations Manager
Location: [Company Location]
Employment Type: Full-Time or Part-Time
Company Overview
[Your Company Name] is a growing organization dedicated to efficient operations, accurate inventory control, and exceptional customer service. We ensure products are properly managed, stored, and distributed to support smooth business operations. Our team is committed to reliability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
Position Overview
We are seeking a detail-oriented and reliable Inventory Clerk to support inventory accuracy by tracking, organizing, and documenting all incoming and outgoing products. The Inventory Clerk plays a key role in maintaining proper stock levels, reducing discrepancies, supporting warehouse and store operations, and ensuring inventory data is accurately recorded in company systems.
The ideal candidate has strong attention to detail, basic computer skills, and experience working in inventory, retail, warehouse, or logistics environments.
Key Responsibilities
Inventory Tracking & Data Entry
- Record and update inventory counts, product numbers, and stock levels in company databases.
- Verify accuracy of incoming shipments and outgoing orders.
- Maintain inventory logs, cycle counts, and related documentation.
- Ensure inventory data is current and entered correctly into software systems.
Receiving & Stocking
- Inspect and receive incoming shipments; verify quantities and product condition.
- Label, organize, and store items in designated warehouse or stockroom locations.
- Assist in unloading trucks and organizing pallets or stock shelves.
- Report damaged, missing, or incorrect items to supervisors.
Cycle Counts & Audits
- Perform regular cycle counts to ensure inventory accuracy.
- Assist with monthly, quarterly, or annual inventory audits.
- Identify and reconcile discrepancies between physical counts and system records.
Order Fulfillment Support
- Help prepare and pack items for shipment or store distribution.
- Ensure the correct items and quantities are selected for outgoing orders.
- Coordinate with shipping, receiving, and warehouse teams.
Inventory Accuracy & Loss Prevention
- Monitor stock rotation (FIFO) and help reduce shrinkage or expired items.
- Alert management of low stock levels or overstock conditions.
- Assist with implementing inventory control processes and improvements.
General Warehouse Support
- Keep inventory areas clean, organized, and free of hazards.
- Operate warehouse equipment (pallet jacks, carts, scanners) when trained and authorized.
- Follow all safety guidelines and company policies.
Skills & Qualifications
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry.
- Basic computer skills, including inventory software or spreadsheets.
- Good organizational and time-management abilities.
- Ability to count, record, and verify large quantities of items.
- Effective communication skills and teamwork abilities.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced warehouse or stockroom environment.
- Problem-solving skills for identifying and resolving discrepancies.
Education & Experience Requirements
- High school diploma or GED required.
- Previous inventory, warehouse, retail, or logistics experience preferred.
- Familiarity with scanners, handheld devices, or inventory management systems is a plus.
- On-the-job training provided for qualified candidates.
Eligibility to Work in the United States
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring employer sponsorship now or in the future.
Work Environment
- Warehouse, stockroom, or retail backroom setting.
- Requires standing, walking, lifting (up to 40ā€“50 lbs.), bending, and reaching.
- Exposure to varying temperatures depending on facility type.
- Shifts may include mornings, evenings, weekends, or holidays.
Equal Opportunity Statement
[Your Company Name] is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any protected characteristic.
Additional Information
- Uniforms, safety gear, or equipment may be required and provided.
- Opportunities for career advancement may be available.
- Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.
How to Apply
Submit your resume and application to [Insert Application Email or Job Link].
TEMPLATE 2.
Location: [City, State]
Employment Type: Full-Time or Part-Time
About the Role
We are looking for a detail-oriented Inventory Clerk to track stock levels, record inventory data, and support warehouse or stockroom operations. This role helps maintain accurate inventory records and ensures products are properly received, stored, and distributed.
Key Responsibilities
- Record inventory counts and update data in inventory systems
- Receive, inspect, and organize incoming shipments
- Perform cycle counts and help with inventory audits
- Identify and report stock discrepancies or damaged items
- Label, store, and restock products in designated areas
- Assist with picking, packing, and preparing orders
- Maintain a clean and organized inventory environment
- Follow safety policies and warehouse procedures
Requirements
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Basic computer and data entry skills
- Ability to lift 40ā€“50 lbs. and stand for long periods
- Good organizational and problem-solving skills
- Previous inventory, warehouse, or retail experience preferred
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and as part of a team
Eligibility to Work in the U.S.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
How to Apply
Submit your resume to [Insert Email or Job Link].
Inventory Clerk Job Description for Resume
If you have worked previously or presently working as an inventory clerk and are now making a new resume or CV, then you can craft a compelling Professional Experience part of the resume by utilizing the sample inventory clerk job description provided above.
You can express the duties and responsibilities you have carried out as an inventory clerk by applying the ones in the above job description.
This will show to the employer that you have been successful performing the role of an inventory clerk, which can greatly enhance your chances of being hired for the new position that you are seeking, especially if it requires someone with some inventory clerk work experience.
Conclusion
Even though a company may have good products or services, they still need to track their inventory effectively.
An accurate inventory system is essential for planning, marketing and decision-making.
This article has helped you understand more about the inventory clerkā€™ s job description and career, and also provided you with some useful information on how to become an inventory clerk.
