Occupation AtlasProcurement Clerks
O*NET · 43-3061.00
Procurement Clerks
Compile information and records to draw up purchase orders for procurement of materials and services.
Also called Buyer · Departmental Buyer · Expeditor · Film Replacement Orderer · Procurement Agent · Procurement Analyst · Procurement Assistant · Procurement Clerk
19 more
Procurement Coordinator · Procurement Officer · Procurement Representative · Procurement Specialist · Procurement Technician · Purchaser · Purchasing Admin Assistant · Purchasing Administrative Assistant · Purchasing Administrator Assistant (Purchasing Admin Assistant) · Purchasing Analyst · Purchasing Assistant · Purchasing Associate · Purchasing Clerk · Purchasing Coordinator · Purchasing Department Clerk · Purchasing Expeditor · Purchasing Specialist · Supply Coordinator · Warehouse Clerk
Job Zone
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed
Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.
Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.
Occupational interest profile
CERConventional · Enterprising · Realistic — the three strongest interests, in order
- C Conventional7.00
- E Enterprising4.13
- R Realistic3.17
- I Investigative1.71
- S Social1.63
- A Artistic1.00
RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.
Education and experience
The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.
- Related work experience
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (28%)
- On-site or in-plant training
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year (21%)
- On-the-job training
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (28%)
Typically associated skills
All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.
- Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
- SpeakingbasicImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
- Active ListeningbasicImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
- Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
- WritingbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
- MonitoringbasicImportance 3.6Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
- Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.6Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
- Complex Problem SolvingImportance 3.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
- Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
- Active LearningbasicImportance 3.3Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
- Service OrientationImportance 3.1Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
- CoordinationImportance 3.1Level 2.9Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
Show the other 23
- Time ManagementImportance 3.0Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
- MathematicsbasicImportance 3.0Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
- NegotiationImportance 2.9Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Contract with a wholesaler to sell items at a given cost
- PersuasionImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
- Management of Personnel ResourcesImportance 2.8Level 2.8Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
- InstructingImportance 2.5Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
- Management of Financial ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
- Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
- Management of Material ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
- Systems AnalysisImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
- Systems EvaluationImportance 2.3Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
- Operations AnalysisImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
- Quality Control AnalysisImportance 1.6Level 0.9
- Technology DesignImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- ProgrammingImportance 1.4Level 0.6
- Operations MonitoringImportance 1.3Level —
- Equipment MaintenanceImportance 1.0Level —
- Equipment SelectionImportance 1.0Level —
- InstallationImportance 1.0Level —
- Operation and ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- RepairingImportance 1.0Level —
- SciencebasicImportance 1.0Level —
- TroubleshootingImportance 1.0Level —
Tasks
16 core · 3 supplementalWhat people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).
- Track the status of requisitions, contracts, and orders.Importance 4.5
- Prepare purchase orders and send copies to suppliers and to departments originating requests.Importance 4.4
- Perform buying duties when necessary.Importance 4.4
- Compare prices, specifications, and delivery dates to determine the best bid among potential suppliers.Importance 4.3
- Calculate costs of orders, and charge or forward invoices to appropriate accounts.Importance 4.3
- Approve and pay bills.Importance 4.3
- Determine if inventory quantities are sufficient for needs, ordering more materials when necessary.Importance 4.2
- Contact suppliers to schedule or expedite deliveries and to resolve shortages, missed or late deliveries, and other problems.Importance 4.2
- Prepare, maintain, and review purchasing files, reports and price lists.Importance 4.2
- Check shipments when they arrive to ensure that orders have been filled correctly and that goods meet specifications.Importance 4.2
- Maintain knowledge of all organizational and governmental rules affecting purchases, and provide information about these rules to organization staff members and to vendors.Importance 4.2
- Respond to customer and supplier inquiries about order status, changes, or cancellations.Importance 4.1
Show the other 7
- Review requisition orders to verify accuracy, terminology, and specifications.Importance 4.1
- Compare suppliers' bills with bids and purchase orders to verify accuracy.Importance 4.0
- Monitor in-house inventory movement and complete inventory transfer forms for bookkeeping purposes.Importance 4.0
- Locate suppliers, using sources such as catalogs and the internet, and interview them to gather information about products to be ordered.Importance 3.9
- Monitor contractor performance, recommending contract modifications when necessary.Importance 3.8
- Prepare invitation-of-bid forms, and mail forms to supplier firms or distribute forms for public posting.Importance 3.7
- Train and supervise subordinates and other staff.Importance 3.5
Knowledge
Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.
- English LanguageImportance 4.0Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
- AdministrativeImportance 3.8Level 5.1Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
- Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.8Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
- Economics and AccountingImportance 3.5Level 2.9
- Administration and ManagementImportance 3.4Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
- MathematicsImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
- Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.2Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
- TransportationImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
Show all 33
- Public Safety and SecurityImportance 3.0Level 2.9
- Education and TrainingImportance 2.7Level 2.8
- Production and ProcessingImportance 2.7Level 2.6
- Communications and MediaImportance 2.6Level 2.7
- TelecommunicationsImportance 2.6Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Send an email
- Law and GovernmentImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
- Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.4Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
- Engineering and TechnologyImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
- ChemistryImportance 2.2Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
- GeographyImportance 2.2Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
- MechanicalImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
- Sales and MarketingImportance 2.1Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
- Building and ConstructionImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
- Philosophy and TheologyImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
- DesignImportance 1.7Level —
- PsychologyImportance 1.7Level 1.2Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
- Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
- Therapy and CounselingImportance 1.7Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
- BiologyImportance 1.6Level —
- Medicine and DentistryImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
- PhysicsImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
- Fine ArtsImportance 1.4Level —
- Food ProductionImportance 1.4Level —
- Foreign LanguageImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
- History and ArcheologyImportance 1.4Level —
Abilities
Enduring capacities the work calls for.
- Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
- Oral ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
- Near VisionImportance 3.9Level 3.9
- Written ComprehensionImportance 3.9Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
- Information OrderingImportance 3.8Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
- Written ExpressionImportance 3.8Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
- Speech ClarityImportance 3.6Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
- Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.5Level 3.1Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
Show all 52
- Inductive ReasoningImportance 3.5Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
- Problem SensitivityImportance 3.5Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
- Speech RecognitionImportance 3.4Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
- Mathematical ReasoningImportance 3.1Level 2.9
- Category FlexibilityImportance 3.0Level 2.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
- Fluency of IdeasImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
- Selective AttentionImportance 2.9Level 2.4Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
- Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.8Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
- Number FacilityImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
- Time SharingImportance 2.5Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
- OriginalityImportance 2.4Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
- Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
- Far VisionImportance 2.1Level 1.6Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
- Speed of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
- Auditory AttentionImportance 2.0Level 1.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
- MemorizationImportance 2.0Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
- Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 2.0Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
- VisualizationImportance 2.0Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
- Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
- Trunk StrengthImportance 1.8Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
- Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Finger DexterityImportance 1.6Level 0.6
- Manual DexterityImportance 1.6Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Screw a light bulb into a light socket
- Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Static StrengthImportance 1.5Level 0.5Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
- Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.5Level 0.5
- Explosive StrengthImportance 1.3Level —
- Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Depth PerceptionImportance 1.0Level —
- Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
- Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
- Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
- Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
- Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
- Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
- Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
- Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
- Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
- StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
Work activities
Kinds of activity the work is made of.
- Working with ComputersImportance 4.5Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.3Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
- Getting InformationImportance 4.2Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
- Processing InformationImportance 4.0Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 3.9Level 4.7Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
- Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 3.9Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
- Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.7Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 3.7Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Test an automobile transmission
Show all 41
- Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.7Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
- Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 3.7Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
- Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 3.6Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 3.5Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
- Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.5Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
- Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.4Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.3Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Check to see if baking bread is done
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.2Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Review forms for completeness
- Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.1Level 2.7
- Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 3.1Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 3.1Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
- Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.9Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
- Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.9Level 2.9
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 2.8Level 2.2Level 1 looks like: Determine whether to remove a tree that has been damaged
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 2.7Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
- Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.7Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that requires little advising of others
- Thinking CreativelyImportance 2.7Level 2.6
- Training and Teaching OthersImportance 2.7Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.6Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.5Level 2.5Level 1 looks like: Exchange information during a shift change
- Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 2.5Level 3.7Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.4Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
- Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.4Level 2.6
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 2.3Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Check that doors to building are locked
- Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 2.3Level 2.1Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
- Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.3Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
- Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 2.2Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
- Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.1Level 1.9Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
- Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 2.1Level 1.8Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.6Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.6Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.4Level —
Work context
The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.
Technology
21 toolsSoftware used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.
In demand (6)
- Microsoft Excelhot
- Microsoft Office softwarehot
- Microsoft Outlookhot
- Microsoft PowerPointhot
- Microsoft Wordhot
- SAP softwarehot
Hot (6; 6 more marked hot above)
- Intuit QuickBooks
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Windows
- Oracle Database
- Oracle PeopleSoft
Other tools (9)
- Autotask
- Electronic data interchange EDI software
- IBM Maximo Asset Management
- Inventory tracking software
- Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
- Radiant Systems CounterPoint
- SAP Business Objects
- Web browser software
- Work scheduling software
Related occupations
O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.
ESCO equivalents
From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.
Closest occupations
Compare any occupation →Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.
Loan Officers
Average difference 0.2 points · Monitoring −0.7, Operations Monitoring +0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Customs Brokers
Average difference 0.2 points · Social Perceptiveness −0.7, Systems Analysis +0.7
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Loan Interviewers and Clerks
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Material Resources −1.1, Management of Personnel Resources −0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Insurance Underwriters
Average difference 0.2 points · Monitoring −0.6, Social Perceptiveness −0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Accountants and Auditors
Average difference 0.2 points · Programming +0.6, Speaking −0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Average difference 0.2 points · Management of Material Resources −0.8, Social Perceptiveness −0.6
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics −1.0, Management of Financial Resources −0.8
O*NET · Zone 3 · Compare
Human Resources Specialists
Average difference 0.2 points · Mathematics −1.0, Instructing +0.6
O*NET · Zone 4 · Compare
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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. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.