File Clerk
Overview
File clerks organize and manage important documents and records for businesses, making sure everything is stored in the right place so people can find what they need quickly. They use both physical filing systems and computer databases to scan, sort, and input information like invoices, correspondence, and receipts. This job involves a mix of hands-on organizing and digital skills, including data entry, generating reports, and using office technology. File clerks work in collaborative office environments and play a crucial role in keeping businesses running smoothly by maintaining organized, accessible records.
Did you know?
The demand for file clerks in the U.S. is decreasing as organizations increasingly adopt digital document management systems and automated filing processes.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$41,227 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Persuasion
Key Responsibilities
- Answer questions about records or files.
- Sort or classify information according to guidelines, such as content, purpose, user criteria, or chronological, alphabetical, or numerical order.
- Operate mechanized files that rotate to bring needed records to a particular location.
- Perform periodic inspections of materials or files to ensure correct placement, legibility, or proper condition.
- Eliminate outdated or unnecessary materials, destroying them or transferring them to inactive storage, according to file maintenance guidelines or legal requirements.
- Retrieve documents stored in microfilm or microfiche and place them in viewers for reading.
- Add new material to file records or create new records as necessary.
- Perform general office activities, such as typing, answering telephones, operating office machines, processing mail, or securing confidential materials.
- Complete general financial activities, such as processing accounts payable, reviewing invoices, collecting cash payments, or issuing receipts.
- Modify or improve filing systems or implement new filing systems.
- Input data, such as file numbers, new or updated information, or document information codes into computer systems to support document and information retrieval.
- Scan or read incoming materials to determine how and where they should be classified or filed.
- Gather materials to be filed from departments or employees.
- Find, retrieve, and make copies of information from files in response to requests and deliver information to authorized users.
- Assign and record or stamp identification numbers or codes to index materials for filing.
- Place materials into storage receptacles, such as file cabinets, boxes, bins, or drawers, according to classification and identification information.
- Keep records of materials filed or removed, using logbooks or computers and generate computerized reports.
- Track materials removed from files to ensure that borrowed files are returned.
- Design forms related to filing systems.
Career Considerations
Declining Job Market
The demand for file clerks in the U.S. is decreasing as organizations increasingly adopt digital document management systems and automated filing processes.
Digital Skills Requirement
Modern file clerks must be proficient with electronic document management systems, databases, and digital filing software to remain competitive in the American job market.
Limited Career Advancement
File clerk positions typically offer minimal upward mobility without additional education or skills training in areas like data analysis, office administration, or specialized software.