Inventory Auditor- Retail

This role is focused on ensuring compliance with established controls and improving the accuracy and reliability of reporting across multiple retail outlets. The position involves conducting thorough audits, stock-taking, cash counting, and verifying adherence to standard operating procedures. The individual will play a critical role in identifying discrepancies, investigating irregularities, and supporting the internal audit team to maintain operational integrity within the retail environment.

Key Responsibilities

- Conduct scanning of inventory and perform stock-taking as well as cash counting at retail outlets according to the audit plan.
- Verify compliance with standard operating procedures (SOPs) across all outlets.
- Examine manual records, bank cash deposits, customer exchanges, returns, and claims for accuracy.
- Review and validate outlet-level expenses to ensure proper documentation and authorization.
- Carry out random spot checks on inventory to detect any inconsistencies.
- Investigate inventory shortages, overages, and discrepancies related to damaged or defective stock.
- Prepare detailed stock variation reports and calculate article-wise discounts on inventory.
- Maintain comprehensive audit reports for each outlet, documenting findings and observations.
- Review pending delivery challans at the outlet level to ensure timely processing.
- Identify and report negative inventory balances promptly for resolution.
- Investigate and report any malpractice or irregularities discovered during audits.
- Coordinate effectively with the Accounts and Operations departments as needed to resolve issues.
- Support the internal audit team in achieving departmental goals and objectives.
- Perform any additional tasks assigned by the Head of Internal Audit.

Required Qualifications

- Minimum educational qualification of a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce (B.Com) or an equivalent field.
- At least 2 years of experience in an internal audit role, preferably within the retail sector.

Skills and Other Requirements

- Strong analytical and investigative skills to identify and resolve discrepancies.
- Good understanding of audit processes and retail operations.
- Proficiency in MS Office applications, particularly Excel and Word.
- Excellent report writing and documentation capabilities.
- Effective communication and coordination skills to liaise with various departments.
- Willingness to work late hours, travel to outstation locations, and perform night shifts as required.
- Must have own conveyance to facilitate field visits and audits at retail outlets.

This position offers the opportunity to work closely with multiple teams and contribute significantly to the operational efficiency and financial accuracy of retail outlets. Candidates should be prepared for a dynamic work environment that requires flexibility and attention to detail.