Find out everything you need to know about becoming an Inventory Controller.

Job Title – Inventory Controller

Description

An Inventory Controller is the person who handles tasks that are related to inventory in a warehouse setting for an organization. His role includes maintaining inventory levels, making monthly inventory reports, recording and labeling inventory items to be used in the future and maintaining accurate records. This professional constantly communicates with departmental managers to make sure items are replenished and maintain proper levels. He may also need to perform some physical tasks, such as moving and lifting materials, occasionally. Generally, put, he oversees the flow of inventory in and out of the warehouse, which covers a variety of tasks, such as ordering, delivery, loading, shipment, maintenance and storage. 

Typical Job Activities

Develops the inventory management strategy of the company with the goal to control costs within budget, generate savings, rationalize inventory and maximize the working capital available
Maintains and manages inventory of materials and stocked products, which include stock locations and profiles. Using a mainframe computer, he accounts for receipts of new items, returns, back-orders and associated issues, and inputs essential data on all the handled materials, while adhering to strict accounting and auditing procedures
Controls perpetual inventory stock counting and accuracy checks, processes and approves payment invoices, and investigates discrepancies and shortages to minimize overstocks and remove redundant and obsolete raw materials
Ensures that the inward goods and stock control department is properly controlled and organized for sufficient production support and for the achievement of corporate goals
Based on suggested and computer-monitored order listings, he performs regular cycle counts of inventory materials and assists in conducting yearly physical inventory counts
Ensures inward products are received and managed according to the company’s standard procedure, so materials will be readily available for production or whenever needed
Organises and maintains the inventory floor area to ensure efficient material storage and handling. He also maintains labelling systems on the stock items
Makes sure that any late materials or those that hold up production for a certain reason are followed up until they are received. Also, he sees to it that sub-contract processes are received back and ensures no late deliveries in the future with suppliers
Provides routine management data regarding inventory performance, which involves evaluating and monitoring usage and cost of materials, consumables and scrap
Creates and maintains accurate written procedures for the primary inventory control functions and processes, ensuring accuracy and integrity of the stock management system implemented
Implements improvement systems and processes to reduce inventory setbacks, while minimizing costs and maximizing working capital. He also ensures that work orders are fully and properly completed and that all stocks have been correctly allocated to corresponding jobs
Creates daily reports to control the key critical areas of the stock system and address any discrepancy. This task involves managing control measures to make sure inaccuracies and errors are highlighted and resolved
Coordinates periodic safety inspections and testing of any specialized piece of utility equipment
Performs miscellaneous duties, which are work-related, as assigned

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Related Occupations

Store manager
Shop assistant
Accounts supervisor
Claims clerk
Sales clerk

Educational Requirements

Senior Certificate
Course in controlling inventory and purchasing or material requirements planning systems

Compulsory subjects: Mathematics
Recommended subjects: Accounting and Typing

What natural skills and/or aptitudes do I need for this occupation?

Be self-disciplined
Have initiative and leadership qualities
motivate and direct a team of workers
Have good communication skills
Be able to cope with crises effectively
Have a well-groomed appearance (because of the regular contact with the public)
Be able to cope with the pressure of peak times
Be accurate
Be extremely honest because he works with large amounts of money

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Employment Opportunities 

High

Market Competitiveness

High

Income Potential

Moderate

Self-Employment Opportunities

Low

International Employment Opportunities

Low

Possible Employers

All types of retail stores
Supermarkets
Cinemas
Restaurants
Canteens
Executive dining rooms
Hospitals
Airports
Educational institutions
Catering companies
Hotels

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Relevant Contact Details

Multi-Weigh Technologies
http://www.multiweigh.co.za/ 

Career Progress and Path 

Work performance 

Possible Career Paths

General business management

Employment Stability

Moderately stable

Reasons to consider this career

I can apply my special skills
I can communicate and interact with people
I can work with people
I can be of service to people
The job is ideal for becoming a general manager