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Procurement Clerks

People classed as Procurement Clerks compile information and records to draw up purchase orders for procurement of materials and services. With a code of CER, this is mostly a job for people drawn to orderly work with data, records and clear procedures. Enterprising interests also help, rated 4.1 out of 7. The preparation level is some preparation, typically a few months to a year of learning on the job. O*NET’s skill data points to speaking, reading comprehension, and active listening as the ones to build. One core duty is to track the status of requisitions, contracts, and orders. People who want orderly work with data, records and clear procedures usually fit better here than those who need creative work with room for original expression.

What they do

Compile information and records to draw up purchase orders for procurement of materials and services.

Main tasks

  • Track the status of requisitions, contracts, and orders.
  • Perform buying duties when necessary.
  • Prepare purchase orders and send copies to suppliers and to departments originating requests.
  • Calculate costs of orders, and charge or forward invoices to appropriate accounts.
  • Compare prices, specifications, and delivery dates to determine the best bid among potential suppliers.
  • Approve and pay bills.

Skills

  • Speaking
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Writing
  • Social Perceptiveness

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You like taking the lead and making the call.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on speaking and reading comprehension.

May not suit you if

  • You get restless with routine, records and exact procedures.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code CER takes the three highest, and Conventional comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED). This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

  • Buyer
  • Procurement Assistant
  • Procurement Officer
  • Procurement Specialist
  • Purchasing Assistant

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.