Special Offer 

Jumpstart your hiring with a $75 credit to sponsor your first job.*

Sponsored jobs are 4.5X more likely to result in a hire.**
  • Invite top candidates to apply with Instant Match
  • Get more visibility in search results
  • Appear to more candidates longer

Clerk Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Last updated: September 27, 2023

A Clerk, or Bookkeeper, is responsible for performing administrative tasks to support daily business operations. Their duties include responding to phone calls or emails, maintaining an organized filing system and restocking office supplies as needed.

Build a Job Description

Clerk Duties and Responsibilities

Clerks are responsible for tasks assigned to them by their office manager or other department employees. Most of these tasks involve working with company documents and internal and external communications. However, the duties of Clerks may also involve some accounting and inventory work, depending on the business. While duties vary according to the Clerk’s employer and industry, the following tasks are common:

  • Updating and storing business files to ensure they are accurate and accessible for other employees
  • Typing reports, letters and other business documents
  • Sorting mail and responding to it or distributing it to appropriate employees
  • Answering telephone calls and emails and redirecting them to other employees when appropriate
  • Issuing invoices and following up outstanding payments
  • Taking dictations and minutes during meetings
  • Making travel arrangements for other company employees’ business trips
  • Monitoring office supplies and reporting when stock levels are low to office manager
Build a Job Description

Clerk Job Description Examples

What Does a Clerk Do?

Clerks typically work for corporations across industries to provide administrative support to those that work in an office setting. They work closely with Managers and employees to run errands and assist them in maintaining a well-organized business. Their job is to complete a range of clerical tasks like making copies, faxing documents and writing invoices on behalf of company employees. They may also be responsible for organizing employee travel arrangements for business trips and conferences.

Clerk Skills and Qualifications

A good Clerk job description concisely explains the skills and qualifications the best candidates will possess. While this section should be brief, it must also be detailed enough for job applicants to understand whether they are the right person to fill the vacant Clerk position. Skills and qualifications for Clerks may include:

  • Familiarity with common office processes, including filing, handling mail and directing telephone calls
  • Computer literacy, including familiarity with common word processing, spreadsheet, database and basic accounting software
  • Accurate and efficient typing skills for data entry, taking minutes and dictations, answering emails and typing letters and other documents
  • Verbal communication for addressing other employees, customers and other business contacts
  • Customer service for dealing with members of the public
  • Organization and ability to multitask for filing and completing several clerical and administrative tasks at once
  • Attention to detail to ensure all tasks are completed to a high standard, such as taking sufficiently detailed minutes and telephone messages
  • Integrity and discretion when working with sensitive employee and customer details

Clerk Salary Expectations

Clerks make an average of $12.84 per hour. However, hourly rates can vary depending on the Clerk’s experience, employer and industry. Clerks working for government organizations and professional, scientific and technical services are among the most well-paid Clerks in the country. Including a salary or salary range on a Clerk job posting can attract more suitable applicants.

Clerk Education and Training Requirements

Clerks typically have at least a high school diploma or their GED. Some businesses also prefer hiring Clerks who have completed courses in typing and office software. Passing these courses shows Clerks can confidently perform some key office duties.

Clerk Experience Requirements

Experience requirements for Clerks vary depending on the business and the time they are prepared to invest in training a new employee. Clerks with at least two years’ experience working in a clerical or administrative role require the least training. Most companies prefer hiring Clerks who have experience working with the office software they use.

Job Description Samples for Similar Positions

If this Clerk job description sample does not exactly meet your needs, consider using one of the job description examples we have developed for similar roles:

Ready to Hire a Clerk?Build a Clerk Job Description

Frequently asked questions about Clerks

What is the difference between a Clerk and a Secretary?

Clerks and Secretaries both perform clerical duties within a business setting, but they differ in their level of seniority and their scope of job responsibilities. For example, Clerks typically perform clerical tasks like answering phones, making copies, organizing files and distributing mail for all office employees, including the Office Manager. In contrast, Secretaries perform clerical tasks specifically for a Manager, Director or Executive within a company.

Because they work closely with company leadership, they usually encounter confidential information and learn about potential layoffs, budget cuts, bonuses or promotions before other company employees.

What are the daily duties of a Clerk?

On a typical day, a Clerk starts by checking the office or department’s voicemail for any missed messages. They also greet employees and review their schedule. Throughout the day, they perform tasks for Office Employees and Managers as needed, like printing documents, making copies and sitting in on meetings to take notes for participants. Clerks make sure to deliver out-going mail to the mailroom and collect mail each day to distribute around the office. They also cancel appointments with clients or other company personnel on behalf of employees when they have a schedule conflict.

What qualities make a good Clerk?

A good Clerk is someone who is well organized. Being well organized allows them to maintain file systems, business calendars and other important documents. They have a personable nature that enables them to interact with Managers, employees and clients in a positive way. They also have experience using software programs to manage digital filing systems or calendars. Further, a good Clerk has excellent written and verbal communication. This quality helps them type clear and concise documents like memos, emails and invoices. It also allows them to speak with people in a professional and efficient manner.

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

No search results found