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Cashier

What Is a Cashier and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

Table of Contents

What Is a Cashier's Job Description?

A cashier receives and disburses money for financial transactions and acts as a liaison between a customer and the store or restaurant in which they work. Based on the workplace, they should have general customer service knowledge, which may include product location and services offered and available. Cashiers are employed in a variety of industries, including grocery stores, retail stores, gas stations, movie theaters, banks, and restaurants. They usually use a cash register to ring people up, take money, and give change and receipts. Depending on the location and type of cashier, they may also bag purchases. For example, in a commercial store, a cashier assists customers in the checkout line who wish to purchase items. The cashier scans the items, requests price checks, honors coupons, collects payment, and gives change back to the customer as appropriate. They are responsible for counting the cash drawer at the end of each shift and reconciling it with the receipts. Cashiers work under immediate supervision and typically report to an on-site supervisor or manager.

How to Become a Cashier

A Cashier is an entry-level position, and employers value customer service skills, a strong work ethic, and money management more highly than a formal background. Basic qualifications include a high school diploma and fundamental math skills. Cashiers work across various industries, including grocery, retail, and food service. Many of these entities operate outside of traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. As such, cashiers should demonstrate a flexible schedule. To expand your job search potential, you may consider pursuing workplace certifications or industry-specific credentials such as Food Handler Certification. Previous experience with POS software and Microsoft Excel is beneficial as well.

Cashier Job Description Sample

With this Cashier job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a Cashier role.

Job Summary

We are looking for a hard-working, high-energy cashier to join our company. You'll be responsible for facilitating money transactions for customers by using a cash register. You will ring up sales by accepting credit, debit, cheques, or cash. Cashiers handle large amounts of money each day, so you will also be expected to act with honesty and integrity, and must possess excellent customer service skills, and knowledge of our products.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Greeting customers in a positive manner and helping them find specific items
  • Wrapping, bagging, or boxing merchandise for customers
  • Accepting payment by credit, debit, voucher, cheque, or cash
  • Calculating and giving correct change to the customer
  • Issuing receipts and redeeming food stamps and coupons
  • Resolving customer complaints and rectifying price discrepancies
  • Handling exchanges, refunds, credits, or rain checks
  • Entering purchases into the cash register to calculate the purchase price

Requirements and Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent preferred
  • Being able to do basic mathematics, and handle and count cash
  • Being able to accommodate various shifts on short notice
  • Being able to stand for extended durations of time
  • Knowing how to handle unreasonable or difficult customers
  • Being an effective and positive communicator with customers

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