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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Inventory Cycle Counter

💰 $ - $

OperationsWarehouseInventory

🎯 Role Definition

The Inventory Cycle Counter is responsible for maintaining high levels of inventory accuracy and integrity within warehouse and distribution environments by executing scheduled cycle counts, investigating discrepancies, and ensuring system records match physical stock. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, strong problem-solving skills, proficiency with warehouse management systems and RF scanning devices, and the ability to communicate findings and corrective actions to operations and inventory control teams.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Warehouse Associate / General Warehouse Worker
  • Receiving Clerk / Stock Clerk
  • Shipping Clerk / Material Handler

Advancement To:

  • Inventory Control Specialist / Cycle Count Lead
  • Inventory Analyst / Inventory Coordinator
  • Warehouse Supervisor / Operations Supervisor
  • Logistics or Supply Chain Analyst

Lateral Moves:

  • Quality Control Inspector
  • Logistics Coordinator / Shipping & Receiving Coordinator
  • Materials Planner

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Execute daily and scheduled cycle counts across assigned zones and SKU classes, following the company's cycle count program and ABC classification to prioritize high-value and high-movement items.
  • Perform blind and directed counts using RF handheld scanners, barcode readers, and mobile devices, ensuring counts are accurately entered into the Warehouse Management System (WMS) or ERP in real time.
  • Reconcile physical inventory counts to system quantities, investigate all discrepancies, determine root cause (e.g., mis-picks, receiving errors, data entry mistakes), and document findings in variance reports for management review.
  • Initiate recounts and physical verifications when initial counts fall outside acceptable variance thresholds, coordinating with receiving, shipping, and picking teams to isolate and resolve issues.
  • Create and maintain detailed cycle count logs, count sheets, and documentation required for audit trails and corporate compliance, ensuring traceability for every discrepancy and adjustment.
  • Perform regular spot checks and ad-hoc inventory verifications to proactively detect shrinkage, misplaced product, and process breakdowns before they impact order fulfillment.
  • Complete inventory adjustments in the ERP/WMS only after documented verification and in accordance with inventory control policies and approval procedures to maintain data integrity.
  • Lead physical inventory reconciliation tasks during month-end, quarter-end, or annual inventory audits, supporting audit teams with counts, documentation, and variance explanations.
  • Coordinate sequencing of cycle count activities with warehouse operations to minimize disruption to shipping, receiving, and picking workflows while meeting accuracy targets.
  • Investigate damaged, expired, or obsolete stock discovered during counts and coordinate disposition, quarantine, or return-to-vendor processes with quality and procurement teams.
  • Train and mentor temporary counters, seasonal staff, and new team members on correct counting procedures, scanner usage, and safety practices to maintain consistency and accuracy across all counters.
  • Monitor and report key performance indicators (KPIs) related to inventory accuracy, such as count accuracy percentage, variance dollars, and shrinkage rates, and present actionable insights to inventory control managers.
  • Use Excel, Google Sheets, or BI tools to analyze count results, identify trends and root causes of recurring discrepancies, and recommend process improvements to reduce future variances.
  • Maintain organized, clearly labeled storage locations, pallet configurations, and bin addresses by working with warehouse teams to ensure pick faces and put-away areas are easily auditable during counts.
  • Collaborate with procurement, planning, and replenishment teams to resolve inventory balance discrepancies that impact procurement decisions, order fulfillment, or production schedules.
  • Execute cycle counts in temperature-controlled, hazardous, or secure storage areas as required, following all site-specific safety, PPE, and regulatory procedures.
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives by proposing and piloting new counting methodologies (e.g., zone counting, RFID tagging, automated scanning workflows) to increase throughput and accuracy.
  • Escalate persistent or high-dollar inventory discrepancies to management, providing a clear summary of findings, recommended corrective actions, and risk implications for supply chain operations.
  • Ensure compliance with company policies and regulatory requirements related to inventory records, controlled goods, serialized items, and product traceability.
  • Participate in cross-functional root cause analysis (RCA) sessions following significant inventory variances to implement corrective action plans and process changes.
  • Physically locate and resolve lost, misplaced, or orphaned SKUs within the facility, using logical search methods and coordination with warehouse staff to quickly return product to the correct location.
  • Maintain professional communication with stakeholders, supplying clear count result summaries, variance explanations, and follow-up actions to buyers, planners, and operations leadership.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc inventory data requests and prepare reconciliation reports for finance and audit teams.
  • Contribute to the development and refinement of the company’s cycle count schedule, frequency matrix, and counting tolerance policy.
  • Assist in implementing and testing new WMS features, barcode/RFID initiatives, or process automation that impact cycle counting and inventory reconciliation.
  • Cross-train with receiving, shipping, and picking teams to understand end-to-end inventory flow and reduce systemic counting errors.
  • Participate in pre-inventory and post-inventory meetings to coordinate resources, cut-off times, and count strategies for large-scale counts.
  • Provide feedback on warehouse layout, storage optimization, and bin labeling systems to make counting processes faster and more accurate.
  • Support returns, reverse logistics, and quarantine area counts, ensuring accurate disposition and system updates.
  • Help maintain and troubleshoot handheld scanners, printers, and other inventory counting equipment, escalating technical issues to IT/WMS support as needed.
  • Assist in cycle count-related purchasing of supplies (labels, tapes, gloves) and ensure count teams are equipped to perform assigned tasks.
  • Contribute to safety audits and housekeeping efforts to ensure count areas are accessible and meet OSHA and site safety standards.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficiency with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, Microsoft Dynamics, or Manhattan for recording counts and posting inventory adjustments.
  • Strong hands-on experience with RF handheld scanners, barcode readers, mobile inventory apps, and basic troubleshooting of scanning hardware.
  • Advanced Excel skills including pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, conditional formatting, and basic formulas to analyze count data and produce variance reports.
  • Solid understanding of cycle counting methodologies (ABC cycle counting, blind counting, directed counts) and best practices for inventory accuracy.
  • Demonstrated ability to perform physical inventory reconciliation, post adjustments, and maintain audit trails according to internal controls.
  • Familiarity with barcode labeling standards, SKU/location management, bin replenishment processes, and slotting principles.
  • Knowledge of inventory KPIs (inventory accuracy percentage, shrinkage, days of inventory, inventory turnover) and ability to produce KPI reports.
  • Experience working with serialized inventory, lot-controlled items, expiration date tracking, and traceability requirements.
  • Basic proficiency with data entry systems and the ability to quickly and accurately update inventory records in real time.
  • Understanding of safety regulations and PPE requirements for warehouse environments, including handling procedures for temperature-controlled or hazardous goods.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional attention to detail with a methodical approach to counting and documenting inventory.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to investigate discrepancies and identify root causes.
  • Clear verbal and written communication skills to present variance findings and coordinate corrective actions with stakeholders.
  • Time management and organizational skills to execute daily count plans while minimizing operational disruption.
  • Team-oriented mindset with the ability to train, coach, and lead temporary or cross-functional count teams.
  • Adaptability and flexibility to work varying shifts, overtime, and weekend counts during peak inventory periods.
  • Integrity and reliability in handling sensitive inventory data and following internal control procedures.
  • Physical stamina and dexterity to perform repetitive counting tasks, lift moderate loads (per site safety limits), and move through warehouse aisles.
  • Customer-service orientation when working with internal stakeholders such as procurement, planning, and operations.
  • Initiative and continuous improvement mindset to recommend process enhancements that increase inventory accuracy and reduce shrink.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent (GED).

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or certification in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field.
  • Certifications such as Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), APICS basics, or Inventory Management certifications are a plus.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Supply Chain Management
  • Logistics and Transportation
  • Business Administration
  • Operations Management

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 1–3 years of warehouse experience with at least 1 year performing cycle counts or inventory control activities.

Preferred:

  • 2+ years in inventory control, cycle counting, or stock management in a distribution center or retail environment.
  • Demonstrated experience using enterprise WMS/ERP systems, RF scanning technology, and conducting reconciliations for large SKU sets.
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