Clerk Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced world of business, the role of clerks has never been more critical.

As organizations continue to grow and evolve, the demand for efficient individuals who can manage, organize, and maintain our administrative systems increases.

But let’s delve deeper: What is truly expected from a clerk?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply intrigued by the behind-the-scenes of clerical work,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable clerk job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Clerk Duties and Responsibilities

Clerks play a pivotal role in office administration and perform various tasks to ensure smooth operations.

They are essentially responsible for data management, document handling, and customer service among other tasks.

Their key duties and responsibilities include:

• Maintain and update files and databases
• Answer phones and direct calls to appropriate personnel
• Perform data entry tasks
• Prepare and distribute documents such as memos, invoices, and reports
• Schedule and confirm appointments and meetings
• Manage incoming and outgoing office mail
• Assist with basic accounting and bookkeeping tasks
• Provide general support to visitors
• Maintain office supplies and place orders when necessary
• Keep the office clean and organized
• Operate office equipment such as photocopiers, fax machines, and scanners

 

Clerk Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a competent Clerk to perform various administrative and clerical tasks to support our offices.

Clerk responsibilities include maintaining files and records, managing correspondence, answering the phone, and completing forms.

Our ideal candidates have excellent communication skills and are familiar with office equipment and procedures.

Ultimately, the role of the Clerk is to ensure that our office operations run smoothly and efficiently.

 

Responsibilities

• Maintain and update files and records
• Answer phone calls and redirect them when necessary
• Manage office correspondence (e-mail, letters, packages etc.)
• Support bookkeeping and budgeting procedures
• Create and update records and databases with personnel, financial and other data
• Track stocks of office supplies and place orders when necessary
• Submit timely reports and prepare presentations/proposals as assigned

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Clerk or similar role
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office and office management software
• Familiarity with office procedures and basic accounting principles
• Excellent communication skills
• Very good organizational and multi-tasking abilities
• High school diploma; BSc/Ba in office administration or relevant field is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Clerk
• Work Environment: Office setting with standard office hours. Some overtime may be required during busy periods.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Office Manager or Administration Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $40,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Clerk Do?

Clerks are administrative professionals who typically work in an office setting, but can also be found in retail environments, government offices, and educational institutions.

Their main responsibility is to ensure the smooth running of the office by carrying out various clerical and administrative tasks.

This can include tasks such as filing, typing, copying, and scanning documents.

They are often responsible for answering telephones, taking messages, and directing calls.

Clerks may also handle financial transactions, such as processing payments or assisting in the preparation of budgets.

Additionally, they may be responsible for sorting and distributing incoming mail and preparing outgoing mail.

In a retail setting, clerks may assist customers by answering questions, locating items, and processing purchases.

They may also be responsible for maintaining stock and carrying out inventory checks.

Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multi-task are crucial for a clerk.

They often serve as the first point of contact for clients or customers, so excellent communication skills and a customer-service-oriented attitude are also important.

 

Clerk Qualifications and Skills

A proficient clerk should possess the following qualifications and skills that align with the job description:

• Exceptional organizational skills to manage and maintain files, documents and important paperwork
• Strong attention to detail to ensure accuracy in reporting, record-keeping and data entry
• Good communication skills to interact with clients, suppliers, and other staff members effectively
• Proficient in office software like Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) for creating documents, spreadsheets and presentations
• Basic mathematical skills to assist in financial tasks such as budgeting, invoice processing, and other calculations
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines while managing multiple tasks simultaneously
• Customer service skills to answer queries and provide assistance to clients, staff, and visitors
• Typing skills for fast and accurate data entry

 

Clerk Experience Requirements

Entry-level clerk positions typically require no previous experience, though some employers may prefer candidates with a few months to a year of experience in a similar role.

In such a role, individuals will gain firsthand experience with clerical duties such as filing, data entry, answering phones, and other administrative tasks.

Those with 1 to 2 years of experience may have developed efficiency in handling routine tasks, familiarity with office software, and may have taken on more complex duties such as record management or assisting with financial reports.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience are often trusted with more significant responsibilities such as overseeing lower-level clerical staff, liaising with other departments, and managing sensitive information.

Clerks with more than 5 years of experience are often highly proficient in their roles and may be ready for supervisory or managerial positions in their departments.

They may also have gained specialized industry knowledge, making them invaluable assets to their organizations.

 

Clerk Education and Training Requirements

Clerks typically require a high school diploma or equivalent education.

Some positions may require additional training or a bachelor’s degree, depending on the nature of the job.

Clerks should have basic computer literacy, with knowledge of software applications like Microsoft Office Suite being a common requirement.

In some roles, clerks may need to have a working knowledge of specific software or systems related to their industry or field.

For example, accounting clerks may need experience with accounting software.

On-the-job training is common for most clerks, where they learn about specific tasks, procedures, and software relevant to their position.

This training is typically supervised by a manager or a more experienced staff member.

Excellent customer service skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail are often necessary for this role.

In some specialized fields, clerks may pursue certifications or additional training to enhance their knowledge and skills.

While not always required, fluency in a second language can also be beneficial for clerks who deal with diverse populations or international correspondence.

 

Clerk Salary Expectations

A Clerk earns an average salary of $31,500 (USD) per year.

This salary can vary based on factors such as experience, skills, the size of the company, and location.

 

Clerk Job Description FAQs

What skills does a clerk need?

Clerks should possess strong organizational skills to maintain files and records efficiently.

They must have good communication and interpersonal skills to interact with clients, customers, or staff.

Basic computer skills, such as proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite, are also important.

Attention to detail and the ability to multitask are crucial in this role.

 

Do clerks need a degree?

While some employers may prefer clerks with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a field related to the industry they are working in, many clerical positions only require a high school diploma or equivalent.

Clerks often receive on-the-job training to learn specific policies and procedures.

 

What should you look for in a clerk resume?

Look for evidence of excellent organizational skills, such as experience in record keeping or file management.

Proficiency in computer skills, especially those relevant to your industry, is also important.

Some roles may require specialized knowledge or skills, so look for relevant education or experience.

Lastly, check for qualities such as reliability, attention to detail, and good communication skills.

 

What qualities make a good clerk?

A good clerk is meticulous, organized, and can handle multiple tasks at once.

They have strong communication skills to interact effectively with customers, staff, or other stakeholders.

An excellent clerk is also reliable, punctual, and able to maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information.

 

What are the daily duties of a clerk?

On a typical day, a clerk might perform tasks such as answering phone calls, responding to emails, filing documents, maintaining records, and processing paperwork.

They may also be responsible for scheduling appointments, data entry, and providing customer service.

The specific duties of a clerk can vary significantly depending on the industry and the organization they work for.

 

Is it difficult to hire clerks?

Hiring for the position of a clerk might not be as difficult as for other roles, given that the requirements are often less stringent.

However, finding a clerk who is reliable, meticulous, and possesses excellent organizational and communication skills can be a challenge.

Offering a competitive salary and a healthy work environment can attract high-quality candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the inner workings of the role of a clerk.

And guess what?

It’s not just about filing paperwork.

It’s about keeping the engine of an organization running smoothly, one document at a time.

With our comprehensive clerk job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step into action.

But why stop there?

Delve further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to tool for creating detailed job listings or perfecting your resume to its utmost potential.

Remember:

Every document managed is a piece of the larger puzzle.

Let’s keep that engine running. Together.

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