Cashier Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a cashier. Feel free to use our job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a cashier.
Who is a Cashier?
A cashier is a person or individual who handles the cash register at different locations such as the point of sale in stores and organizations. The cashier is responsible for scanning goods, making payments, receiving payments, and recording payments. Also, the cashier makes changes and issues receipts or tickets to customers or clients after payment. The cashier is expected to record the exact amount received for the day, prepare a detailed report of the transactions, read and record totals shown on different cash registers, and verify the cash at hand. Most cashiers work in retail stores, restaurants, and hospitality; however, some cashiers are employed by educational institutions, banks, private and public companies, and other civil service groups.
A cashier must have the experience and ability to know the value and features of all items or goods for which money is received; they should be able to make cash checks, offer refunds when applicable, and issue credit memorandums to customers for returned merchandise. A good cashier should also know the value and worth of every service rendered by the firm or enterprise. Depending on the company or entity, some cashiers are required to operate ticket-dispensing machines and other cash-dispensing equipment.
Cashiers have been in existence for thousands of years in one form or another. Many businesses like grocery stores employ cashiers to serve as the first port of call to customers. In addition, the position of a cashier is a stepping stone to a role in customer service in some companies. Notwithstanding, a cashier is an important part and parcel of a business or enterprise. Remember, the cashier deals directly with the customers or clients in most cases. Hence, highly gifted, patient, qualified, and dedicated individuals are most favored and considered for the position of cashier in most settings.
A cashier performs several duties in accountancy; they are in charge of receiving and disbursing money or funds. This position is of utmost importance in the industry because it carries significant responsibilities. Similarly, a cashier enables customers to interact with their accounts in commercial banks; they accept and disburse money and receive cheques as well. In other words, the cashier carries out major financial transactions in the banking sector. The cashier needs to be competent in computer science, have excellent accountancy skills, be able to work under pressure, and possess effective time management skills to succeed in the role; you might encounter marmot crowds or customers on certain days.
During the transaction process, a cashier scans the items and makes sure that prices and quantities of purchase are accurate, and payments are successful. You must be vigilant and observant at all times to avoid simple mistakes. The cashier is not restricted to performing financial transactions alone; often, a cashier explains and recommends items to customers, processes exchanges or refunds, and answers any query or questions the customers might have. These require some qualities and virtues which include humility, being polite, being customer-friendly, effective communication, and honesty amongst others.
An advantage of being a cashier is that you can work or be employed in various environments such as entertainment venues, shopping malls, primary and secondary schools, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and hotels to mention but a few. Cashiers maintain a working knowledge and understanding of the company’s return policy, product codes, and current coupons to ensure that the customer pays the appropriate amount for each item they purchase or service they receive. Ideally, a cashier should ensure and encourage the firm’s patrons to return by providing friendly and approachable customer service, wrapping up purchases, and entering accurate details in the payment portal.
A cashier is also tasked with the responsibility of making both debit and credit card transactions in the establishment. This can be done either during transactions with employees or with the general public. Cashiers must have and maintain a positive attitude always and be able to use the point of sale systems (POS) effectively. Although it may differ in various firms, cashiers are trained, oriented, and encouraged to develop and adopt loss prevention techniques. Research has shown that most employers delegate their cashiers to work on weekends, holidays, and evenings. This may be because companies and businesses prefer to balance their books and records at the close of work.
In larger enterprises and establishments, the position and duties of the cashier mostly depend on the volume of card and cash transactions that must be done daily. The cashier role might be expanded into a sales role in some companies. Here, a portion of the compensation package is dependent on the volume of sales in a week or month. An example is a car rental outfit or enterprise. The cashier is expected to greet and enlighten the customers on the different services offered when they come in; this is done in tandem with handling cash and credit transactions.
Cashier Job Description
Below are the cashier job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write a job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
The following are the job description for cashiers;
- Process item exchange and returns.
- Handle client complaints, guide, and provide adequate information to customers.
- Ensure that the checkout area is cleaned and tidied.
- Use cash registers to manage transactions with the general public.
- Receive cash and card payments.
- Introduce new products to customers and cross-sell existing ones.
- Report any discrepancies observed while tracking transactions on the balance sheet to a manager or supervisor.
- Ensure that the prices of goods and products are accurate by scanning them.
- Redeem coupons and stamps.
- Greet customers when they enter or leave the establishment.
- Gift-wrap, bag, or box packages as they come.
- Provide receipts, changes, refunds, or tickets at the end of a transaction.
- Calculate the cost of products and services.
- Process sales transactions and accept payments.
- Ensure that adequate change denominations are present in the cash drawer; request for additional change when necessary.
- Report any equipment malfunction to the appropriate authority.
- Calculate and return change when required by the same payment method.
- Reconcile sales receipts and cash drawers respectively.
- Follow the company’s procedure regarding gift cards, coupons, or the purchase of specific items.
- Operate scales and other electronics in the cashier area.
- Ensure that products are not damaged when processing returns.
- Perform carry-out services once check-out is complete.
- Prepare packages for shipment.
- Count, wrap, and sort coins and currency according to denominations.
- Make sure shelves are well-stocked; ensure prices are marked on items at all times.
- Get assistance with customer requests and purchases by using the paging system.
- Tabulate bills using calculators, optimal price scanners, and cash registers.
- Maintain a periodic balance sheet of numbers and amounts of transactions.
- Prepare emolument organizational bills by vouchers, checks, or cash.
- Amass and keep non-monetary records and reports.
- Post charges against guests or patients’ accounts.
Qualifications
The following are some of the combinations involved in becoming a cashier;
- Experience: A cashier needs vast experience with a credit card terminal, cash register, POS terminal, or other related money or cash handling technology. They must have the ability and technical know-how to operate scanners, computers, and other cashing equipment. Relatively, a potential cashier must have a keen interest in ethics and ethical standards; some businesses and firms that have different auditing mechanisms in place to enhance the integrity of all the processed transactions tend to select candidates with high ethical values. Similarly, 3-6 months of experience working with a cashier or handling money can suffice; so too experience in addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. While experience is not necessarily needed for the role of a cashier, it does account for a higher salary.
- Education: Cashiers are generally required to have at least completed secondary school or high school diplomas. A cashier with strong knowledge and grades in mathematics and economics will have an innate or natural skill set for the duties and responsibilities of the industry. Although a post-secondary school education is not usually mandated for the position of a cashier, some employers may prefer job applicants with a stronger educational background. A bachelor’s or associate degree in a business-related field can provide a foundation for a cashier who seeks advancement in the sector.
- Cashier training: Normally, a cashier receives training when hired that may last a few weeks. This training is facilitated by an experienced worker who coaches the casher on how to use scanners, the POS machine, and other equipment. Potential cashiers also received adequate training when they job shadow. Cashiers who earn their position as a role change from a stocking or bagging position for example may require less training. However, some companies prefer cashiers or individuals who have undergone a specialized training program that includes a cashier certification.
- Certification: A cashier doesn’t need a particular certification or certificate to be hired. But some firms and enterprises require cashiers to undertake a certification program within the company before being allowed to operate the cash register. Most of these certification programs involve sections on software training, daily cashing operations, and client conflict resolution.
Essential skills
To become an excellent and successful cashier, you need specific skills and qualities. Discussed below are the important skills needed to become an exceptional cashier;
Ability to pay attention to detail: A cashier must be attentive, focused, and devoted to details. This skill is essential and can come into play in different circumstances such as when you want to give a customer change or when you stock shelves. A cashier must pay attention to details always because they will be required to report on inventories and expiry dates accurately. Employers prefer cashiers who constantly ensure that the products or items are placed where they belong; they also look for cashiers who will strictly adhere to standards and requirements.
Ability to understand basic mathematics: One of the duties of a cashier is to count, add, subtract, multiply, and divide respectively. To do your job well, you need to have a basic knowledge and understanding of mathematics. Most times, a cashier is required to calculate and give change; basic mathematical skills can enable you to make quick changes for the purchaser without depending on calculators or the till.
Working under pressure: High-pressure situations are inevitable in business and work; firms and businesses are regularly looking for cashiers who can work well under pressure. These skills and abilities enable the cashier to remain calm and work effectively during busy or peak periods. When you are confident and develop your skills to become more comfortable as a cashier, you will ultimately cope with pressure.
Efficiency: Employers value cashiers that can work quickly and help customers on time. Efficiency also entails accuracy and effectiveness at work. To become a successful cashier, you need to be good at your job; the customers, your colleagues, and your employer all enjoy working with effective cashiers.
Knowledge of the products: This is another important skill a cashier must possess. Adequate knowledge of the establishment’s services and the product is valuable during interviews and on the job. Organizations seek candidates who show interest and enthusiasm in what they offer. In addition, a good knowledge of the products or service enables a cashier to share details with customers when they inquire about a certain service or product.
Patience: Patience is a vital cashiering skill and plays a huge role in a cashier’s job. A cashier needs to be patient with customers to improve their shopping experience and make them comfortable. Patience is essential, especially when waiting for a customer who forgot something in the middle of check-out and has to go find the product.
How to Become a Cashier
The following are the steps required to become a cashier;
Complete your secondary school education: Though not mandatory, earning a secondary school certificate increases your chances of being considered for a cashiering position.
Develop your economics and mathematical abilities: Focus on developing and improving your mathematical and economics abilities if you are convinced that you want to become a cashier. This will help you master your responsibilities and duties easily.
Earn a post-secondary school degree: Earning a bachelor’s or associate degree in a business-related field can make you compete with other candidates for a higher-paying cashier position in a specialized industry or sector. It will also serve as a foundation for career advancement.
Complete your cashier training: When hired into the position of a cashier, an individual will be asked to undergo a period of cashier training. This is meant to teach the cashier the basics of the position.
Master your cash drawer, point of sale software, and other equipment: As part of a cashier’s onboarding process, they will be required to master and use all equipment including the cash drawer and POS software.
Where to Work
The employers of cashiers include;
- Pharmacies and drug stores
- Gasoline stations
- Food and beverages (grocery stores)
- General merchandize stores
- Educational institutions
- Banks
- Restaurants and Bars
- Recreational centers and theaters
- Car parks and rental agencies
- Retail stores
Cashier Salary Scale
Depending on the location, a cashier earns between 25,000NGN (Lowest) and 240,000NGN (Highest) per month. However, the average salary is 70,000NGN. Salary is based on experience, location, skills, and extra certification, and covers housing, transport, health, and other related benefits.