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.

• 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
• 1–3 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