The duties of general office clerks are too varied and diverse for them to be classified in any specific administrative support occupation. Rather than performing a single specialized task, the duties of a general office clerk change with the needs of their employer. Duties vary significantly depending upon the office in which a clerk works. A general office clerk in a doctor's office may not perform the same tasks as a clerk in a large financial institution or in the office of an auto parts wholesaler. Although they all may sort checks, keep payroll records, take inventory, or access information, they also may perform duties unique to their employer, such as organizing medications, making transparencies for a presentation, or filling orders received by fax machine.
Duties also vary by level of experience.
Inexperienced employees may transcribe data, operate calculators, or record inquiries while more experienced workers may handle greater responsibilities. They might maintain financial or other records, verify statistical reports for accuracy and completeness, handle and adjust customer complaints, take inventory of equipment and supplies, answer questions on departmental services and functions, and help prepare budgetary requests. In addition to performing more complex duties, senior general office clerks may be expected to oversee and direct the work of lower level clerks. For the most part, working conditions for general office clerks are the same as those for other office employees within the same company. Some may work shifts or overtime during busy periods and about 1 in 3 works part time.