Inventory Clerk

Inventory Counting & Reconciliation

Execute scheduled cycle counts by location, item, ABC class, or process area to meet the defined count frequency.

Perform ad-hoc counts triggered by transactions, hot parts, negative balances, or exception reports.

Prepare a report for inventory reconciling variances by verifying units of measure, counting methods, and transaction history; make a proposal for inventory reconciliation with dollar figures.

Segregate and tag discrepant inventory and send out daily reports.

Root-Cause Analysis & Continuous Improvement

Investigate discrepancies (e.g., wrong location, over-production, packaging/UoM conversions, BOM/Backflush inaccuracies, scrap accounting, transfers, scheduling, rework)

Document root causes and implement corrective/preventive actions (5 Whys, fishbone, standard work updates).

Recommend improvements to storage practices, labeling, bin zoning, and transaction discipline.

Transaction Integrity & Documentation

Audit recent transactions (receipts, issues, transfers, returns, adjustments) to validate accuracy against physical stock and paperwork.

Maintain complete records of counts, variances, approvals, adjustments in compliance with internal controls and audit requirements.

Support physical inventory and cycle-count program governance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Coordinate with Receiving to ensure proper labeling and put-away accuracy.

Partner with Production/Scheduling on WIP counts, backflush accuracy, and scrap reporting.

Communicate findings, risks, and status to Materials/Operations leadership.

Safety & 5S

Follow all safety policies, PPE requirements, and equipment operating procedures.

Maintain clean, organized, and clearly labeled inventory locations; champion 5S in assigned zones.

Daily / Weekly Activities

Daily: Complete assigned count list; investigate and reconcile variances; record and route adjustments for approval; update trackers and dashboards; perform spot checks on problem SKUs/locations.

Weekly: Review KPIs; analyze top variance drivers; validate new or reconfigured locations; participate in tier meetings; propose improvements.

Monthly/Quarterly: ABC review, count frequency tuning, and program effectiveness review; support audits and inventory risk assessments.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Inventory Accuracy (By Location & Item): ? 98%

Count Compliance: ? 95% of scheduled counts completed on time

Variance Resolution Lead Time: ? 48 hours for standard discrepancies

Root-Cause Closure Rate: ? 90% of investigated variances

Required Qualifications

High school diploma or GED

Strong math skills and attention to detail

Basic Excel/Google Sheets skills for variance analysis and reporting

Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., stand/walk for extended periods, and operate material handling equipment

Preferred

Experience in manufacturing or distribution with ABC cycle count programs

13 years in inventory control, warehouse, or materials management

ERP experience (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics, Infor, Epicor, NetSuite)

Familiarity with lean/5S, Kanban, backflush processes, and lot/serial control

Forklift certification

Skills & Competencies

Analytical: Root-cause thinking; comfortable with transaction trails and audit logs

Organization: Prioritizes counts by risk/impact

Communication: Clear written documentation; concise variance summaries to leadership

Systems: ERP navigation

Quality Mindset: Escalates discrepancies, respects segregation and traceability rules