What Does An Inventory Clerk Do?

WHAT DOES AN INVENTORY CLERK DO?

Published: Oct 13, 2025 - The Inventory Clerk maintains accurate inventory levels through regular counts, variance audits, and documentation of issues and resolutions. This role supports the management of obsolete and excess inventory, including donations, write-offs, and disposal processes. The clerk also ensures quality inspection, restocking, and coordination of distribution and warehouse activities to optimize operational efficiency.

A Review of Professional Skills and Functions for Inventory Clerk

1. Inventory Clerk Duties

Inventory Management: Perform cycle counts, reconcile inventory and recommend corrective actions
Transaction Monitoring: Monitor all inventory transactions for potential system problems
Feedback Delivery: Provide feedback to the appropriate parties
Report Generation: Run daily and month-end reports and processes
Policy Development: Prepare policies and procedures for the effective control of inventory items
Project Assistance: Assist the warehouse manager and the inventory analyst with reports and projects
Meeting Participation: Attend inventory accuracy meetings and provide a summary of current problem or improvement trends
Inventory Support: Assist in internal as well as outside inventories
Regulatory Compliance: Complies with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations
Rule Compliance: Follows all Company rules and regulations, including health and safety rules
Employee Interaction: Successfully interacts with employees at all levels
Performance Reliability: Regular, reliable performance of all job duties

2. Inventory Clerk Details

Order Fulfillment: Assembling and filling requests for materials by picking parts to fulfill customer orders, sales orders, or part requests, to determining items to be moved from receiving or storage areas to production or to other designated areas
Material Sorting: Sorting and placing materials or items in designated storage areas on racks, shelves, or in bins according to predetermined sequence, such as size, type, style, color, or product code
Item Counting: Weighing and counting items for distribution within the plant to ensure conformance to company standards
Area Maintenance: Organizing, sweeping, dusting, and mopping the work area for orderliness at all times
System Entry: Entering, documenting, tracking, etc, through the MRP system
Receiving Support: Assist in receiving, unloading trucks, checking in merchandise, and opening containers matching purchase orders for processing
Inventory Counting: Assisting in the counting of physical inventory
Cross Collaboration: Work effectively with all departments for material needs to support production as well as Customer Service
Cycle Counting: Conducts inventory cycle counts and physical inventory counts to ensure data is accurate
Record Maintenance: Compiles and maintains records of all inventory expected and actually received
Discrepancy Resolution: Perform thorough research and document inventory discrepancies and identify the need for recounts
Inventory Planning: Work closely with the wave planning team to manage inventory needs pursuant to work orders and production schedules
Order Review: Review work orders and release inventory accordingly
Report Delivery: Provide regular reports on the results of cycle counts
Daily Reporting: Run daily reports, including morning report, daily work order club count, etc.
Monthly Reporting: Run reports for the end of the month, making sure all work orders are accurately closed and any WIP is accounted for

3. Inventory Clerk Responsibilities

Shelf Restocking: Restocking Central Service storage shelves with supplies received
Cycle Counting: Performing periodic cycle counts and annual physical inventory
Supply Maintenance: Maintaining adequate amounts of supplies (CS/IV and Nursing units) to meet patient care area needs
Device Utilization: Utilizing PMM handheld devices and the PMM requisitioning module
Equipment Handling: Pick up, clean, and put away equipment
Equipment Cleaning: Cleaning of equipment based on Infection Control Policies and Procedures
Order Pulling: Pulling PMM, CS, and Meditech-generated orders
Request Assistance: Assisting staff in making requests via the walk-up window
Phone Fulfillment: Filling phone orders promptly
Item Labeling: Sticker Patient chargeable items
System Navigation: Utilize PMM functions to navigate through requisitions, edit par forms and handheld modules
Material Distribution: Distribute delivered materials

4. Inventory Clerk Job Summary

Function Processing: Completing administrative and electronic functions for and materials received and issued
Inventory Counting: Inventory preparation and cycle counting
Issue Communication: Communicate problems with the supervisor or the warehouse manager
Area Cleanliness: Maintaining the cleanliness of the material staging area
Machinery Operation: Operate forklift, guillotine cutters, other machinery and various hand tools
Department Support: Assisting in other warehouse areas or departments
Order Verification: Pulling IMS orders, verifying part numbers, promotions, and quantities
Signage Counting: Cycle count any signage with less than 10 left in inventory, including and up to the last sign
Email Communication: Sending Box approval and IMS shortage emails
GTR Handling: Pulling GTRs and debiting promptly
Signage Relocation: Pulling customer-supplied signage and relocating remaining signage to the customer's designated FG area
Inventory Storage: Putting away new inventory and overage promptly
Reship Fulfillment: Pulling reship orders accurately and promptly
Overage Management: Ensuring overage is tagged and put away in the designated rack for each customer
Request Handling: Handling special requests from Account Managers
Asset Monitoring: Monitoring the Asset Manager for requests from customers
Issue Resolution: Tracking down missing signage from overage and resolving any issues
Signage Entry: Entering new signage into inventory when overage signage is purchased by the customer

5. Inventory Clerk Accountabilities

Inventory Accuracy: Responsible for accurate counts of all inventory items on hand
Inventory Coordination: Responsible for organizing, planning, coordinating, facilitating and managing all aspects of physical inventory and storage area
System Operation: Operates computer terminal and other computer-related equipment relevant to job duties
Product Movement: Responsible for moving product and warehousing of all items regarding inventory accuracy
Process Improvement: Responsible for identifying areas of improvement and establishing and updating existing work procedures and practices regarding inventory accuracy
Cycle Counting: Conduct daily cycle counts and reconcile all counts
Data Reporting: Establish spreadsheets, reports and communications of inventory accuracy
Equipment Maintenance: Ensuring warehouse equipment is maintained and in proper working order
Tool Maintenance: Ensure proper maintenance of all equipment used
Forklift Operation: Operate a forklift to move inventory
Team Leadership: Leads and directs the work of other employees
Task Management: Working independently and managing multiple tasks simultaneously

6. Inventory Clerk Functions

Item Storage: Storing items in an orderly and accessible manner in warehouses, tool rooms, supply rooms, or other areas
Item Packing: Packing and unpacking items and stocking them on shelves in stockrooms, warehouses, or storage yards
Inventory Control: Managing inventory control utilizing RFP scanners
Merchandise Inventory: Inventorying merchandise and identifying items to be ordered and restocked
Order Completion: Completing customer orders
Data Verification: Verifying inventory computations and investigating discrepancies or adjusting errors
Stock Labeling: Labeling stock items and preparing merchandise for shipment
Inventory Accuracy: Perform and control cycle counts, physical inventory, discrepancy research and sanitation
Work Coordination: Plan, organize, schedule and coordinate work to meet production schedules
Process Enhancement: Maintain current and implement plans, procedures, programs and strategies to enhance performance, accuracy levels and interdepartmental perceptions
Problem Resolution: Researches and resolves inventory and/or system problems
Client Liaison: Serve as the departmental liaison with account management, operations, external/internal accounting auditors and clients
Issue Response: Respond to issues by email, phone or direct communication promptly and perform other related duties

7. Inventory Clerk Job Description

Inventory Reconciliation: Compares and reconciles physical inventory counts to those maintained in the inventory system every period
Financial Reconciliation: Reconciles physical and financial inventories in M3
System Maintenance: Completes necessary system maintenance to ensure accurate inventory accountability
Documentation Finalization: Finalize all required cycle count documentation with appropriate signatures
Discrepancy Reporting: Perform thorough research and document inventory discrepancies and report them to the appropriate managers
Weekly Recap: Recap cycle count losses or gains weekly to the Plant Manager / Production Manager / Plant Office Supervisor
Report Monitoring: Reviews and monitors daily reports including Negative Report, Production Report, Cycle Count History, Measures
Inventory Adjustment: Process Inventory adjustments
Order Review: Reviewing all sales orders completed
Cycle Completion: Ensure the inventory process is complete for each monthly cycle count
Report Generation: Run completed cycle count period end reports
Office Assistance: Assist with general office duties including backup for other office staff for vacations and absences
Visitor Management: Assist with greeting visitors who come to the front office and ensure GMP policies are enforced before entering the plant

8. Inventory Clerk Overview

Inventory Maintenance: Maintain manufacturing inventory
Record Organization: Organizes and maintains accurate records of manufacturing inventory data and information
Stocking Execution: Perform inventory restocking and perform inventory acceptance sampling
Cycle Counting: Perform inventory cycle count
Label Assurance: Ensure all inventory is clearly labeled
Form Verification: Verify and maintain material inventory forms and sample request forms
Transaction Processing: Process manufacturing inventory transactions manually and electronically
Level Monitoring: Monitors and maintains current inventory levels and processes purchasing orders
Order Tracking: Tracks orders and investigates problems
Stock Reconciliation: Records purchases, maintains database, performs physical count of inventory, and reconciles actual stock count to computer-generated reports
Goods Receiving: Receives, unpacks, and delivers goods
Shelf Restocking: Restocks items and labels shelves
Return Processing: Processes and documents returns following established procedures
Clerical Support: Performs routine clerical duties, including data entry, answering telephones, and contacting vendors
Team Relations: Relate to team members, supervisor and manager in an ethical manner
Workplace Cleanliness: Maintain a clean and orderly work area
Issue Identification: Perceive problems as they develop and communicate them to the Manufacturing Manager and/or Supervisor

9. Inventory Clerk Details and Accountabilities

Inventory Posting: Counts material, property, equipment, merchandise or supplies and posts totals to inventory/property records
Count Verification: Verifies record computations against the physical count of inventory
Discrepancy Adjustment: Adjusts errors in computation or count or investigates and reports reasons for discrepancies
Inventory Comparison: Compares inventories to office records or computes figures from records such as sales orders, production records or purchase invoices to obtain current inventory
Inventory Compilation: Compiles information on receipt or disbursement of material, equipment, merchandise or supplies and computes inventory balance, price and cost
Report Preparation: Prepares reports such as inventory balance, price lists and shortages
Depletion Review: Prepares a list of depleted items and recommends a survey of defective or unusable items
Machine Operation: Operate various office machines
Material Issuing: Stock and issue materials or merchandise
Record Accuracy: Ensuring accurate records of all inventory within the facility in the WMS system
Damage Reporting: Reports damages to customer service for timely disposition with supporting pictures
Instruction Following: Following the instructions of the warehouse supervisor or site manager
Deadline Compliance: Consistently meeting deadlines for the completion of assigned tasks
Stock Handling: Proper storage and handling of the received stock
Inventory Organization: Ensuring cleanliness and proper organization of the inventory
Product Tagging: Making sure all product has appropriate tags and are in the system correctly

10. Inventory Clerk Tasks

Material Coordination: Compiles and maintains material and parts inventory and status information to expedite movement of material and parts between production areas, according to predetermined production schedules and order priorities
Schedule Reading: Reads production schedules, inventory reports and work orders to define the type and quantity of materials required, availability of stock and order priority
Supervisor Communication: Confers with department supervisors to define overdue material and parts, and to inform supervisors of material status
Material Distribution: Locates and distributes materials to specified production areas, manually or using a handcart, hand truck, or forklift
Inventory Recording: Records and maintains perpetual inventory of quantity and type of materials and parts received, stocked, and distributed, manually or using a computer
Record Compilation: Compiles and maintains records, like material inventory records, production records
Material Inspection: Examine the material received, verify part numbers, and check discrepancies, like damaged or unmarked parts
Specification Comparison: Compare work ticket specifications to the material used at work stations to verify appropriate assignment

11. Inventory Clerk Roles

Inventory Placement: Put all finished goods into inventory as per their assigned locations (HPLC, GC, SPE, and accessories)
Order Pulling: Pull domestic, international, and subsidiary sales orders from inventory
System Transactions: Perform inventory transactions on the computer system
Accuracy Maintenance: Maintain 99% or better inventory accuracy
FIFO Management: Maintain FIFO system in HPLC, GC, and SPE finished goods to ensure inventory is accurate and up-to-date
Report Implementation: Work with the Planning department to implement annual/semi-annual analysis reports promptly (min/max and stock/non-stock changes)
Issue Communication: Communicate with the Planning department any inventory issues (items over max, new products, changes to packaging, etc.)
Goods Transport: Transport finished goods between buildings
Team Collaboration: Maintain superior teamwork effort and attitude
Safety Compliance: Work safely, adhering to all Phenomenex policies
Inquiry Response: Answer telephone and email inquiries
Area Cleanliness: Keep warehouse area clean, neat and organized
Work Accuracy: Ensures all work is accurate and free of errors/defects

12. Inventory Clerk Additional Details

Perform prompt and accurate inventory recording activities, i.e., input pricing sheet, input new pricing / PV / BV, and substitution
Conduct input Purchase Order and GRN into the system for incoming product
Conduct a verification process for all inventory transactions
Conduct the in-transit and confirmation process for the warehouse transfer order
Monitor BO at ADC / APC and inform the Planner and the related department regularly
Monitor and ensure the availability of free items at ADC / APC
Perform an accurate stock reconciliation as per the timetable
Ensure damage/shortage/request/employee order adjustment is done timely and correctly
Ensure the filing system is well implemented
Provide customer support

13. Inventory Clerk Essential Functions

Inventory Recording: Perform prompt and accurate inventory recording activities, i.e., input pricing sheet, input new pricing / PV / BV, and substitution
PO Entry: Conduct input Purchase Order and GRN into the system for incoming product
Transaction Verification: Conduct a verification process for all inventory transactions
Transfer Confirmation: Conduct the in-transit and confirmation process for the warehouse transfer order
Backorder Monitoring: Monitor BO at ADC / APC and inform the Planner and the related department regularly
Free Item: Monitor and ensure the availability of free items at ADC / APC
Stock Reconciliation: Perform an accurate stock reconciliation as per the timetable
Adjustment Handling: Ensure damage/shortage/request/employee order adjustment is done timely and correctly
File Management: Ensure the filing system is well implemented

14. Inventory Clerk Role Purpose

Material Handling: Receives incoming materials or prepares materials for shipment, ensuring quantities of incoming and outgoing shipments are correct
Shipping Duties: Performs a combination of manual and clerical shipping and receiving duties, uses a computer system for tracking, logging, verifying and reporting
Quantity Verification: Verifies quantity, weight, and conformance of materials to stated identifications
Item Logging: Logs receipt of items on the system, packing sheets, and other documents
Material Inspection: Uses various measuring devices and testing equipment with predetermined methods, operations, setups and prescribed specifications to inspect visually raw materials
Unit Rejection: Accepts or rejects defective or malfunctioning units or systems using blueprints, diagrams, dial indicators, preset micrometers, scales, fixtures, customer specifications, drawing or inspection instructions and checklists
Line Clearance: Performs line clearances after each lot to ensure all materials from the previous lot have been removed
Schedule Review: Assists in reviewing the production schedule to determine possible and actual shortages and alerts the buyer of potential problems
Damage Notification: Takes appropriate action to notify the buyer when damaged material or shortages are identified
Production Support: Provides support in manufacturing operations
Machine Operation: Set up and operate automatic or semiautomatic machines and related equipment in a continuous production/processing operation

15. Inventory Clerk General Responsibilities

Logistics Support: Involved in shipping, receiving, inventory control, or storage of products
Task Execution: Established and productive individual contributor
Work Supervision: Works under moderate supervision, with general supervision and instructions given for routine work and detailed instructions for new activities
Equipment Knowledge: Knows operating equipment and established operational procedures
Clerical Tasks: Works on clerical assignments in the inventory room
Judgment Application: Performs intermediate activities requiring judgment and decision-making in manufacturing/production operations or the inventory room
Routine Problem: Problems faced are routine and typically exist in current work processes and systems
Internal Communication: Communicates typically with internal contacts within and outside of the immediate team
Information Exchange: Obtains and provides information requiring some explanation or interpretation
Employee Guidance: Provide guidance and assistance to new or entry-level employees

16. Inventory Clerk Key Accountabilities

Safety Compliance: Maintain a safe working environment and maintain all Penske policies and processes
System Utilization: Utilize LOGICS WMS and SAP to evaluate inventory accuracy
Personnel Communication: Communication with Penske/Whirlpool inventory personnel
SOX Verification: Completion and verification of SOX required paperwork (reports, documentation, etc)
Report Completion: Completion of various reports daily
RF Operation: Utilize LOGICS RF equipment for a variety of functions
Data Monitoring: Monitor and verify the accuracy of data entry
Issue Reporting: Report any operational, systemic, or other items that impede the successful tracking of inventory to the supervisor
Merchandise Handling: Loads/unloads merchandise or material from cars or trucks
Order Processing: Packs and unpacks shipments, processes, scans and shelving of parts, pulls orders, and data entry into computerized inventory control systems
Transaction Verification: Processes and verifies inventory movement transactions, and maintains the overall accuracy of inventory levels
Space Planning: Plans layout, maintenance and upkeep of stockroom and other storage areas and consolidates existing stock to maximize space utilization
Lift Operation: Operates all lift equipment safely to ensure personal protection and to ensure the protection of other personnel and company property
Area Housekeeping: Maintains housekeeping in and around the back stock storage areas
Inventory Entry: Uses a scanner and a computer to enter data and maintain inventory

17. Inventory Clerk Roles and Details

Inventory Review: Review and apply inventory activities, including movements and deletions
Record Maintenance: Maintain and update inventory records including item replenishment and storage
Discrepancy Reconciliation: Reconcile inventory discrepancies
Stock Reporting: Report any stock issues to management and place product orders
Product Survey: Prepare a list of depleted products and a survey of unusable products
Goods Accounting: Properly accounting for the location of incoming goods
Damage Prevention: Assuring no damaged items are sent or received
List Comparison: Comparing packing lists to company purchase orders and ensuring that the products in each delivery match the packing list
Inventory Update: Updating the product inventory as products are received and added to the inventory
Product Return: Packaging products for return to vendors and filling out any paperwork
Quantity Verification: Verifying the accuracy of the quantity of incoming deliveries

18. Inventory Clerk Responsibilities and Key Tasks

Product Labeling: Labeling every product and placing them accordingly
Item Identification: Identifying and locating the right products during the delivery process
Stock Tracking: Keeping a well-maintained and updated account of stock and inventory
Return Handling: Handling returns by completing technical documentation and other required communication
Issue Resolution: Collaborating with internal departments to locate missing packages, fix incorrect deliveries and replace damaged products
Order Picking: Picking out ordered items from storage shelves in the warehouse
Equipment Operation: Operating sit-down and stand-up handling equipment according to industrial safety regulations
Inventory Updating: Updating stock inventory after each item is retrieved
Warehouse Duties: Performing general warehouse duties
Safety Compliance: Perform all work in accordance with all applicable safety procedures

19. Inventory Clerk Duties and Roles

Count Support: Support the coordination and completion of regular inventory counts
Audit Support: Support and complete audits for SKUs with significant variances
Issue Documentation: Document issues found or variances resolved
Assembly Support: Support frame and salvage assembly based on inventory needs and excess part inventory
Inventory Removal: Support the removal of obsolete inventory
Donation Management: Manage resulting donation shipments
Writeoff Documentation: Support the documentation for the inventory write-off of frames and parts to support accounting requirements
Inventory Disposal: Manage the disposal of write-off inventory
Audit Execution: Support daily audits of high usage SKUs
Inventory Gatekeeping: Act as a gatekeeper for inventory stored in bulk warehouses
Quality Inspection: Support the quality inspection of existing inventory
Lab Restocking: Complete the restocking of Labs every week
Task Assistance: Support Distribution tasks on an as-needed basis

20. Inventory Clerk Roles and Responsibilities

Inventory Completion: Completing daily inventory assignments
Location Maintenance: Organizing and maintaining inventory locations in the warehouse
Order Pulling: Pulling parts for orders or part inquiries
Station Organization: Organizing and maintaining the assigned inventory station
Warehouse Upkeep: Maintaining the warehouse
Parts Issuing: Responsible for supplying issue parts and making corresponding adjustments in the system
Safety Compliance: Maintain general food safety and plant safe housekeeping within designated areas
Stock Review: Collaborate with warehouse management staff to review current stock and obsolete stock to ensure a consistently relevant and useful shelf stock
Cycle Counting: Cycle count the production warehouses and review necessary adjustments with warehouse management for approval
SAP Processing: Performing all SAP-related aspects on inventory control to include goods issues, posting changes, batch mergers, reconciling COGIs and technically complete process orders after backflush procedure
Discrepancy Resolution: Reviewing goods issues for raw materials and finished goods, resolve and process discrepancy transactions
COGI Handling: Performing COGI resolution
Log Organization: QA/QC, organize, and store production logs and HACCP forms for food safety compliance
Order Completion: Completing technical process orders
Counter Assistance: Assisting Inventory Counters and liaising with Purchasing for supplies/equipment
Forklift Training: Learning to drive a stand-up forklift to be able to count materials in the warehouse

Relevant Information

What Does An Inventory Accountant Do?