Purchasing Clerk
On this page
- What's it like to be a Purchasing Clerk?
- How to become a Purchasing Clerk
- Top skills and experience for Purchasing Clerks
What's it like to be a Purchasing Clerk?
A Purchasing Clerk orders office supplies, equipment, and raw materials. They work under Purchasing Supervisors with the main responsibility of creating accurate and comprehensive purchase orders of a company’s expenditures. They source a company’s needs by building relationships with suppliers and canvassing item prices to draft quotes for projects. Purchasing Clerks oversee the purchase of items from order to arrival, checking the accuracy of purchases and maintaining office inventory. Attention to detail, organization, calculation and spreadsheet skills are essential for the role. Purchasing Clerks work across all industries.
Tasks and duties
- Drafting, compiling and computing purchase orders for company needs.
- Canvassing and comparing supplier prices.
- Ordering items through telephone, email, or onsite.
- Conducting quantity and quality check of items upon delivery.
- Resolve purchasing disputes by contacting suppliers and buyers.
- Recording, reconciling and organizing transactions by date, project, and other categories.
- Coordinating with suppliers and delivery providers.
How to become a Purchasing Clerk
A bachelor degree is required to work as a Purchasing Clerk. Some clerical experience may be an advantage.
Graduate with a bachelor degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or another related field.
Complete an internship in the administrative department of a recognized company.
Gain cash-related administrative experience by volunteering as a Cashier or Payments Officer at school organizations, events, small businesses, or fundraisers.
Pursue promotion to higher positions such as Buyer or Purchasing Supervisor.
