What are the duties of a Cashier

Are you thinking of becoming a cashier? Before you can become one, it is important to know the different duties of a cashier.

Cashier Job Description The primary duties of a cashier involve handling of financial transactions of a company, mostly in retail and department stores. Usually, a cashier works with customers on a daily basis, receiving their payments for the items they purchased, and making changes when needed. Part of their responsibilities is also to provide receipts, remove unnecessary tags, and process non-cash payments. In addition, a cashier is also responsible in bagging the supplies, especially when there are no other personnel available. And since the cashier is almost always the first person that customers see when entering a store, it is also part of the main duties of a cashier to greet them as they approach, and entertain them should there any complaints. Furthermore, a cashier is also responsible in protecting the company’s cash drawer. At the end of the shift, the cashier is required to make a balance procedure to know if the amount received during the entire shift concurs with the total sales on that day. If the balance doesn’t match, the cashier may be responsible for making up the amount lost.

Requirements Education There is no formal training or education required to become a cashier. Most companies and organizations provide in-house training that will help the cashier performs his or her job well. However, some employers require at least a high school diploma or equivalent before you can get accepted. Furthermore, you should be at least 18 years of age and has no criminal record or financial troubles.

Other Skills Cashier jobs are entry-level, which require no education or training experience. But since the duties of a cashier mostly involve monetary transactions, you must possess the following skills to increase your chance of getting accepted:

• Good customer skills – Cashiers have a daily contact with the public, so you must know how to effectively interact with your customers. Whenever you’re in front of the buyers, you should always behave in a friendly way. And if there are any questions or complaints, you’re responsible in answering them nicely and correctly.
• Good listening skills – Since the duties of a cashier mostly involve in dealing with the public, you should also possess great listening skills. In this way, you’ll be able to easily understand the customer’s queries and concerns.
• Attention to details – As a cashier, you are required to know the details of the products offered in your store. In this way, you’ll be able to easily explain to your customers the solution in case there are questions regarding their billing payment.
• Accuracy and speed – The working environment of cashiers is fast-paced, so they are required to process their sales quickly, while ensuring that the amount collected is correct and accurate. In case of loss, you may be responsible in making up for the losses.
• Computer literacy – In today’s modern age, cashiers use computer systems to process payments and other documentation; that’s why you must at least know the basics on how to operate a computer in order to qualify for this job.
• Patience and strength – Sometimes, you will encounter upset customers complaining so many things about their purchase. As an employee, you are required to keep your patience even if your customers are irrational, while doing and explaining everything you can to help them.
• Honesty – A great sense of trustworthiness is a big advantage in this job career.

Working Environment Cashiers are needed in a variety of organizations that deal with cash, such as the following:

• Department Stores
• Grocery Store
• Gasoline Stations
• Retail Stores
• Toy Shops
• Book Stores
• School Supplies Shops
• Restaurants and Fast Food
• Schools and Universities
• Hospitals and Clinics
• Banks and Financial Institutions
• Banks and Financial Institutions

Salary Information Since the job of cashiers is an entry-level position that involves routine work, they generally do not earn great amount of money. Their median annual salary according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) was $20,370 in 2012, with $9.79 median hourly rate. While the payment for cashiers is low, those who work in grocery and retail stores usually received discounts for the items purchased. In addition, those who work in large companies are given benefits, including health insurance and vacation pay.

 Conclusion If you’re looking for a great career option that doesn’t require any education requirement, then you may want to consider becoming a cashier. The duties of a cashier may seem challenging, but once you become used to it, you’ll realize that it’s exciting as well. Furthermore, being a cashier can also be a stepping stone to achieving much better paying jobs, like becoming a customer service representative, or the next store manager.

 Author Bio Jo is Freelance Writer for 8 years now. She writes articles about Health & Fitness, Beauty Tips, Education, Business, Finance, Software, Technology, & Relationship.