Cashier Career Description
Supermarkets, cinema theatres and restaurants are a few of the businesses that employ cashiers. Cashiers receive payment on articles or services delivered, in the form of cash, cheques or credit cards. They make out receipts and give change to clients when necessary .
What am I going to do in this occupation?
The nature of the work varies according to the size and nature of the businesses where cashiers are employed. In a small shop or in service of a retail dealer, where the monthly turnover is rather small, cashiers are usually in control of all the financial activities, such as receiving payments, handing out of receipts and daily book keeping.
In bigger shops, wholesalers and industrial enterprises their duties are much more specialised. When the business has a big tumover and a large number of customers to serve, their duties are less extensive. In large chain stores cashiers' tasks are limited to the input of prices and code numbers on the cash register, the hand out of receipts and sometimes packing of goods. At the end of the shift the amount on the cash register has to balance with the amount of money in the cash register.
Except for handling the cash register in smaller supermarkets and self-service shops, some cashiers also pack goods on the shelves, put price tags on and help with stocktaking. In some cases cashiers help in the office with typing, operating of the switchboard, reception and bookkeeping.
Recently more shops and undertakings focus on the multi-skilling of their personnel. This means that cashiers are also trained to do the tasks of the salesperson and vice versa (see article on the salesperson).
The cashier has fringe benefits such as leave, sick leave and discount on any purchase.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
Persons who would like to become cashiers, must be able to work accurately, have good eye-hand co-ordination and have an aptitude to work with figures and calculations.
Cashiers work directly with the public and therefore they should have a neat appearance, they must be tactful at all times and be friendly and helpful to all customers. If people can speak more than one language it will be to their advantage.
Where can I work?
Cashiers are employed by all kinds of businesses like supermarkets, shoe, hardware and furniture shops and chemistries. There are ample opportunities for part-time work, especially in big supermarkets. If cashiers have the ability, initiative, sense of
responsibility and are willing to study further they can be promoted to senior clerical and administrative posts.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Cashiers with the necessary experience and business skills can start their own businesses.
|
