Office Clerks, General
Office clerks (general) perform duties too varied and diverse to be classified in any specific office clerical occupation, requiring knowledge of office systems and procedures. Clerical duties may be assigned in accordance with the office procedures of individual establishments and may include a combination of answering telephones, bookkeeping, typing or word processing, office machine operation, and filing.
A general office clerk's duties and responsibilities are a key administrative position in most offices. They perform a host of clerical and administrative tasks to support other office employees and office functioning. One must be familiar with office equipment and procedures in his type of office job.
While an office clerk’s job varies based on the office setting, some of the key responsibilities include maintaining files/paperwork, sorting incoming and outgoing mail, answering and re-directing the telephone, keeping stock of office supplies, using the copier and printer as needed, and assisting office management. They are also sometimes tasked with undertaking basic bookkeeping duties and travelling for work or arranging travel for others.
Although high school education is sufficient to work in this type of office job, some previous operations experience and technical skills such as Microsoft Office or accounting and management software proficiency are useful. Some operations positions in larger organizations may require a bachelor's degree in management or a related field.
To be successful in an office clerk job, one should have excellent written and verbal communication, organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills. They should also be attentive to detail and trustworthy.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- Diploma Office Assistant
- Training and Certificate Office Assistant
Tasks
- Collect, count, and disburse money, do basic bookkeeping, and complete banking transactions.
- Communicate with customers, employees, and other individuals to answer questions, disseminate or explain information, take orders, and address complaints.
- Answer telephones, direct calls, and take messages.
- Compile, copy, sort, and file records of office activities, business transactions, and other activities.
- Complete and mail bills, contracts, policies, invoices, or checks.
- Operate office machines, such as photocopiers and scanners, facsimile machines, voice mail systems, and personal computers.
- Compute, record, and proofread data and other information, such as records or reports.
- Maintain and update filing, inventory, mailing, and database systems, either manually or using a computer.
- Open, sort, and route incoming mail, answer correspondence, and prepare outgoing mail.
- Review files, records, and other documents to obtain information to respond to requests.
Progression Routes
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