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What is an Assistant Cashier?

D. Jeffress
D. Jeffress

An assistant cashier is an individual who operates a cash register and helps customers in a retail shop, grocery store, restaurant, gas station, or any other setting where people can purchase goods or services. An assistant cashier usually works alongside a lead cashier, where he or she might package groceries or other items, check prices and inventory, answer customers' questions, and relieve the lead during breaks. Most assistant cashier jobs are held by individuals with little or no previous work experience, such as high school and college students, as well as people who wish to establish themselves within a company so they may advance to more esteemed positions.

Busy establishments typically staff assistant and lead cashiers to help customers quickly and efficiently. An assistant cashier might be assigned a specific register or checkout station, or he or she might revolve between stations to help other lead cashiers when needed. Assistants retrieve items from shelves, check prices, inform customers of sales and special offers, and help people find goods. He or she must be familiar with a store's inventory to help customers find what they need. When there is a discrepancy in a sale or a technical problem with a cash register that the lead cashier cannot correct, the assistant usually seeks a manager while the lead remains at his or her post.

A cashier makes change for a customer.
A cashier makes change for a customer.

Many assistant cashiers handle transactions and operate cash registers on a regular basis. Individuals scan items and ring up sales, collect cash, checks, or credit cards, and give back change and receipts. An assistant cashier is usually responsible for verifying the identity of customers paying with credit cards and confirming the age of individuals who wish to purchase restricted items, such as alcohol. He or she counts the cash drawer before and after shifts to make sure that all sales are accounted for and the appropriate amount of money is present.

Assistant cashiers may work at gas stations.
Assistant cashiers may work at gas stations.

While some employers prefer to hire people with cash handling and customer service experience, many individuals are able to obtain assistant cashier jobs with minimal professional and academic credentials. Prospective cashiers should possess strong math, reasoning, and problem-solving skills so they may ensure accurate transactions and happy customers. Once hired, they usually receive informal training from managers or lead cashiers to learn about the specific duties, equipment, and procedures involved with the job. Individuals who prove their dedication, competence, and work ethic often enjoy many possibilities for advancement within a company. Successful assistant cashiers are often promoted to lead cashiers, managers, human resources professionals, and other important positions.

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Discussion Comments

Pharoah

Assistant cashier is a great job for high school students, as others have said. However, it's not really a great job for an adult that has responsibilities.

I was looking for a part time job awhile back, and I came across a couple of listing for cashier job openings. Guess what? Those jobs don't require experience, but they don't pay a lot either. Most of them start off at minimum wage, and I doubt they get raises very often either.

Also most assistant cashier jobs don't have benefits or any kind of paid sicks time. So keep that in mind if you're looking for a job!

LoriCharlie

@dautsun - I had a few friends who worked in grocery stores as their first jobs too. It really is a great job for a high school student!

You kind of get a feel for cashier tasks, but you can't really mess anything up because you aren't the person with the primary responsibility for all the money. From what my friends told me, at the end of the day the lead cashier was responsible for taking people's payments and counting the drawer.

dautsun

I have a few friends in high school who worked jobs that match this assistant description. As the article said, you can get a job as an assistant cashier with no experience, so it's a great first job for high school students.

I actually have one friend who started as an assistant cashier and still works at a grocery store to this day. After working as an assistant cashier, he was promoted to lead cashier, then to management. Now he works as a buyer in the procurement department and he loves his job.

A lot of people don't realize this, but there is a lot of room for advancement in grocery stores.

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    • A cashier makes change for a customer.
      By: Lisa F. Young
      A cashier makes change for a customer.
    • Assistant cashiers may work at gas stations.
      By: fhmedien_de
      Assistant cashiers may work at gas stations.
    • Grocery stores employ people as assistant cashiers.
      By: Kadmy
      Grocery stores employ people as assistant cashiers.
    • An assistant cashier may also help clean the store or stock merchandise.
      By: michaeljung
      An assistant cashier may also help clean the store or stock merchandise.
    • A assistant cashier should have good math skills as well as an upbeat personality.
      By: bst2012
      A assistant cashier should have good math skills as well as an upbeat personality.