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Inventory Auditor Duties and Responsibilities

Daily job duties for inventory auditors vary because they travel to different business locations and work in multiple types of industries. However, these core duties are common across most workplaces:

Count Merchandise Inventory auditors manually count all merchandise in stores. This includes moving inventory items and boxes to get full and accurate counts and may include counting inventory available for sale on store shelves.

Write Inventory Reports Inventory auditors write daily inventory reports and submit them to the home company either electronically or by hand.

Manage Inventory Inventory auditors check expiration dates on merchandise and inspect inventory for other issues that may affect quality or salability.They report inventory issues such as shortages, overages, misshelved products, and damaged items.They also rotate inventory items so that older stock is in the front.

Consult with Staff Inventory auditors consult with managers and supervisors in stores to get their reports of inventory issues, such as losses and damage.

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Inventory Auditor Skills and Qualifications

Inventory auditors carefully count inventory items for multiple businesses, using strong attention to detail and organization skills to ensure that stock is properly stored and placed. Employers hire inventory auditors who have the following necessary skills:

  • Data entry – because inventory auditors use keypads to count inventory items, some data entry skills are essential
  • Communication skills – inventory auditors use strong written and verbal communication skills to write inventory reports and interact with customers, in-store staff members, and supervisors
  • Math skills – inventory auditors count merchandise items, sometimes in large warehouses, which requires basic math skills
  • Attention to detail – inventory auditors need strong attention to detail to notice damaged products and other inventory problems that may ultimately affect sales
  • Computer skills – inventory auditors use basic computer skills to work with electronic tools and record inventory data
  • Physical fitness – inventory auditors spend their workday standing, lifting, bending, and squatting to count inventory, which requires strength and endurance
  • Organization skills – inventory auditors use organization skills to rotate stock and take accurate inventory counts
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Inventory Auditor Education and Training

Employers require inventory auditors to have a high school diploma or GED as a condition of employment. Because of the amount of travel required, inventory auditors must also have a driver’s license and a clean driving record. Candidates who have past warehouse experience stand out to employers among other applicants, though this is not commonly a requirement for this entry-level job. Inventory auditors go through paid on-the-job training. During the hands-on training period, inventory auditors work closely with a trainer or supervisor. This training may last several weeks depending on the employer.

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Inventory Auditor Salary and Outlook

Job statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that material recording clerks receive $27,600 in median yearly income. In addition to other tasks, material recording clerks ensure inventory control and keep records, duties very similar to those performed by inventory auditors. According to PayScale, the median hourly salary for inventory auditors is $13.46. There were more than 3 million jobs for material recording clerks in 2016, a number that is projected to rise 4 percent through 2026. This is slower than the average U.S. job growth rate. Employers provide inventory auditors with medical insurance benefits. These plans typically include dental coverage. Travel reimbursement is also provided by a majority of employers, so inventory auditors are responsible for saving receipts for their job-related travel expenses.

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Helpful Resources

Find career strategies, tips, and useful professional information for inventory auditors with these books and websites:

Cycle Counting & Inventory Accuracy – this book details the strategies of the cycle counting method for inventory auditors and other professionals who count inventory stock of all types. It also includes other tips for those who work with inventory daily

Warehouse Worker Resource Center – designed for all warehouse workers, this website provides news updates and other content to keep professionals in the industry loop

Essentials of Inventory Management – Max Muller provides tips and strategies for accurately counting inventory, including information about all aspects of inventory management

APICS: The Association for Supply Chain Management – APICS is designed for all supply chain workers, including inventory auditors, and features education information, event details, and other professional resources

Inventory Accuracy: People, Processes, & Technology – this book provides tips for properly counting and maintaining inventory accuracy, strategies every inventory auditor needs to know

National Inventory Certification Association – in addition to certification information for inventory professionals of all types, this website offers news updates and professional development information