What Are the Duties of a Document Controller?

Sometimes called file clerks, document controllers or specialists are administrative specialists charged with handling a company's paperwork and records. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a rapid decline in the demand for workers in this field as more and more companies convert paper files to electronics.

Function

The function of a document controller's duties is to arrange paper documents in a way that is accessible, organized and secure.

Features

Document controllers establish filing systems and properly sort all paperwork into its respective places. For companies required to submit paperwork to federal or state regulators, controllers prepare all necessary documents and ensure they are sent by established deadlines.

Types of Documents

The documents that a controller's duties revolve around include contracts, personnel records, financial reports, official memorandums and test results or research.

Variations

For some companies, document controllers scan paperwork for electronic retention rather than keeping paper copies. Controllers also destroy unneeded or out-of-date documents for some employers.

Skills

To be successful at the duties of a document controller, it is necessary to have good reading comprehension and organizational skills.

Education

Many employers require only a high school diploma or GED for controllers, but highly scientific fields or those that involve government reporting may require a bachelor's degree in an area that relates to the company. An example would be a biomedical company requiring controllers to have a bachelor's degree in biology or chemistry.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: File Clerks
• California Employment Development Department: Biomedical Documentation Specialists