Job Description of a Purchasing Assistant

A purchasing assistant provides technical and administrative assistance to a purchasing department by assisting with purchasing documentation, spreadsheets and customer service.

Education

A high school diploma or GED is required. Some employers require an associate's degree in business, accounting or a related discipline.

Skills

Qualifications include good customer service skills, computer and typing skills, as well as understanding purchasing processes and inventory databases.

Responsibilities

Assisting a purchasing department includes data entry, maintaining and entering purchase orders, maintaining and compiling purchasing reports, and working with accounts payable regarding supplier and vendor invoices.

Advancement

This occupation is often a first step to a career in procurement and purchasing, which can lead to a buyer, planner or purchasing manager position. Employers are often interested in candidates who are pursuing related education.

Average Salary

Indeed.com lists an average salary of $47,000 per year for this and related occupations in January 2010.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occuational Outlook Handbook, Purchasing Managers, Buyers, and Purchasing Agents
• Indeed.com: Purchasing Assistant Salaries

Resources

• Indeed.com: Purchasing Assistant Jobs