Key Takeaways
- Learn the core tasks of an inventory controller in Australia.
- Get a ready-to-use job description template for your business.
- Understand how this role works with your warehouse and buying teams.
- Discover the skills needed for accurate stock management.
- See how to use a Warehouse Management System (WMS) for better results.
Finding the right person for your warehouse starts with a clear inventory controller job description. At Righteo, we know that keeping track of stock is a big part of running a successful business. You need someone who is good with numbers and pays attention to the small details. This person acts as the bridge between your physical stock and your digital records. If your records are wrong, your whole business can slow down.
An inventory controller makes sure that what you think you have in the warehouse is actually there. They help you avoid running out of popular items or holding too much stock that does not sell. This guide will show you how to write a job post that attracts the best talent for this role in Australia.
What does an inventory controller do?
When people ask what does an inventory controller do, the answer is simple but broad. They manage the flow of goods into and out of your facility. You rely on them to keep your stock levels accurate at all times. They do not just move boxes; they manage the data that tells you where those boxes are.
In many Australian businesses, this role involves a mix of office work and time on the warehouse floor. They use software to track items and perform physical checks to confirm the data. If there is a mistake in the stock levels, they are the ones who find out why it happened. They look for patterns in errors and find ways to stop them from happening again.
Key inventory controller duties and responsibilities
When you list inventory controller duties, you should be specific about the daily tasks. This helps the applicant understand if they have the right skills. Here are the most common tasks:
- Performing regular stock counts: You must conduct cycle counts and full wall-to-wall counts to verify stock levels.
- Managing the WMS: You will use a Warehouse Management System to record every movement of goods.
- Investigating discrepancies: When the computer says you have ten items but you only find eight, you must find the missing two.
- Handling supplier returns: You manage the process of sending faulty or incorrect items back to the vendor.
- Creating reports: You provide regular updates to management about stock levels, turnover rates, and loss.
- Checking incoming shipments: You verify that the items delivered match the purchase orders and delivery notes.
These inventory controller responsibilities are the foundation of the role. Without these tasks being done well, your business could face shipping delays or lost revenue.
Stock controller job description template
You can use the following stock controller job description template to create your own job advertisement. Simply fill in your specific company details.
Job Title: Inventory Controller Location: [Insert Suburb/City, Australia] Company: [Insert Company Name]
About the Role: We are looking for a detailed Inventory Controller to join our team. You will be responsible for managing our stock levels and making sure our records are always correct. You will report to the Warehouse Manager and work closely with our buying team.
Your Responsibilities:
- Maintain accurate records in our Warehouse Management System.
- Lead regular physical stock takes and cycle counts.
- Investigate any differences between physical stock and system records.
- Manage the return of damaged or incorrect goods to suppliers.
- Prepare weekly reports on stock accuracy and stock on hand.
- Work with the warehouse team to organise storage space.
- Monitor stock levels to help the procurement team with ordering.
Requirements:
- Previous experience in a warehouse or logistics role.
- Strong skills with Excel and WMS software.
- Good problem-solving abilities.
- High school diploma or equivalent; further study in logistics is a plus.
- Ability to stand for long periods and lift heavy items if needed.
If you are also looking for a leader to oversee the whole site, check our Warehouse Manager Job Description for more details.
Inventory analyst job description: Skills and qualifications
An inventory analyst job description often focuses more on the data side of the role. While a controller might spend more time on the floor, an analyst looks at the trends. However, in many Australian small-to-medium businesses, these roles are combined.
To be successful, you need the following skills:
- Mathematical Accuracy: You must be able to add, subtract, and calculate percentages without errors.
- Attention to Detail: You need to spot small mistakes in part numbers or quantities that others might miss.
- Technical Knowledge: You should be comfortable using barcode scanners, tablets, and complex software.
- Communication Skills: You will talk to truck drivers, warehouse staff, and office managers every day.
- Physical Fitness: You may need to walk long distances in a large warehouse or climb ladders to check top shelves.
Collaboration with warehouse and procurement teams
The inventory controller does not work alone. You must be able to work well with different parts of the business.
Working with the Warehouse Team You will spend time with the pickers and packers. You help them understand how to record their work correctly. If the warehouse team makes a mistake when picking an order, it is your job to fix the record. You also help them find the best places to store new stock to make their jobs easier.
Working with the Procurement Team The procurement or buying team needs your data. They need to know when stock is low so they can buy more. They also need to know if certain items are not selling. Your reports help them decide how to spend the company budget. You tell them if a supplier is constantly sending the wrong items or poor-quality goods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a stock controller and an inventory controller?
In Australia, these titles are often used for the same job. A stock controller usually focuses more on the physical items in the warehouse. An inventory controller might spend more time on the data and the system. Both roles aim to keep stock levels accurate.
Do I need a degree to be an inventory controller?
Most employers do not require a university degree for this role. They value experience in a warehouse or a background in logistics. Having a certificate in supply chain management can help you get the job, but it is not always necessary.
What software do inventory controllers use?
Most use a Warehouse Management System (WMS) or an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Common examples in Australia include SAP, Oracle, or smaller cloud-based tools like Cin7 or Unleashed. You will also use Microsoft Excel for detailed reporting.
How often should stock counts be done?
This depends on your business. Many companies do "cycle counting," which means they count a small part of the warehouse every day. Others do a full count once a month or once a year. Your inventory controller will help you decide which schedule is best for your needs.
Conclusion
Creating a solid inventory controller job description is the first step to better stock management. By clearly listing the duties and skills you need, you attract candidates who can handle the job. Remember to focus on the WMS management, stock counts, and the ability to work with other teams.
Righteo is here to help you find the right information for your hiring process. With a good controller in place, your records will be accurate, your customers will be happy, and your warehouse will run much better. Use the template provided above to start your search for the perfect candidate today.