Production Materials Auditor in Alabama Career Overview

As a Production Materials Auditor, you play a vital role in ensuring that manufacturing processes operate efficiently and effectively. Your responsibilities encompass the examination and evaluation of materials and components used in production, focusing on quality, compliance, and inventory accuracy.

Key aspects of your role include:

  • Material Verification: You are responsible for verifying the quality and quantity of raw materials and components before they enter the production phase. This prevents defects and ensures that the final product meets industry standards.

  • Inventory Management: Monitoring and managing inventory levels is a crucial part of your job. You assess stock levels, identify discrepancies, and facilitate timely restocking to avoid production delays.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that materials used in production meet all regulatory and safety standards is a critical function. Your expertise helps safeguard the company against legal issues and maintains product integrity.

  • Process Improvement: You contribute to the efficiency of production processes by analyzing materials audits and making recommendations for improvements. This not only enhances quality but also supports cost-saving measures.

  • Collaboration: Your role often requires you to work closely with various departments, including production, quality assurance, and supply chain management, to foster an environment of continuous improvement.

By maintaining a rigorous auditing process, you help uphold product quality, drive operational efficiency, and contribute to the overall success of manufacturing operations in Alabama.

Production Materials Auditor Salary in Alabama

Annual Median: $44,370
Hourly Median: $21.33

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become a Production Materials Auditor in Alabama

To pursue a career as a Production Materials Auditor, you will need to obtain specific educational qualifications and training. The following degree programs are highly relevant and beneficial:

  • Accounting: A degree in accounting provides you with a solid foundation in financial principles, auditing practices, and regulatory requirements, which are essential for effective materials auditing.

  • Accounting and Business Management: This program combines accounting skills with business management practices. You will gain an understanding of how materials management fits within the larger context of organizational operations.

  • Business Administration and Management: A degree in this field equips you with a broad understanding of business functions, including production processes and supply chain management, which is valuable for a role in materials auditing.

  • Quality Control and Safety Technology: This specialized degree focuses on quality assurance methods and safety protocols in production environments. Knowledge gained through this program is critical for ensuring that materials meet required standards.

  • Auditing: A degree in auditing specifically prepares you for the examination and assessment of financial or operational compliance, which is directly applicable to the role of a Production Materials Auditor.

In addition to a relevant degree, gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level roles in production, quality control, or auditing can enhance your qualifications and understanding of the field.

Best Schools to become a Production Materials Auditor in Alabama 2024

University of Phoenix-Arizona

Phoenix, AZ

In-State Tuition:$9,552
Out-of-State Tuition:$9,552
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:18%
Total Enrollment:88,891

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, NH

In-State Tuition:$15,000
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,000
Admission Rate:96%
Graduation Rate:41%
Total Enrollment:164,091

Western Governors University

Salt Lake City, UT

In-State Tuition:$7,404
Out-of-State Tuition:$7,404
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:49%
Total Enrollment:156,935

Colorado Technical University-Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO

In-State Tuition:$12,036
Out-of-State Tuition:$12,036
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:20%
Total Enrollment:24,808

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, AZ

In-State Tuition:$16,407
Out-of-State Tuition:$16,407
Admission Rate:78%
Graduation Rate:45%
Total Enrollment:101,816

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

In-State Tuition:$15,467
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,467
Admission Rate:99%
Graduation Rate:66%
Total Enrollment:96,709
Production Materials Auditor Job Description:
  • Weigh, measure, and check materials, supplies, and equipment for the purpose of keeping relevant records.
  • Duties are primarily clerical by nature.
  • Includes workers who collect and keep record of samples of products or materials.

Production Materials Auditor Required Skills and Competencies in Alabama

  • Attention to Detail: You must be able to identify discrepancies and minor issues in materials and inventory records. A meticulous approach ensures accuracy in audits.

  • Analytical Thinking: You should possess strong analytical skills to assess production processes, identify trends, and draw meaningful conclusions from data.

  • Problem-Solving Skills: You need to develop effective solutions for any inconsistencies or issues found during audits. A proactive approach to problem-solving is essential.

  • Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with inventory management systems and auditing software is needed. You should be comfortable using various technological tools to streamline processes.

  • Communication Skills: Clear communication is vital, both in written reports and verbal discussions with team members and stakeholders. You must convey your findings effectively.

  • Organizational Skills: You should be capable of managing multiple audits and projects simultaneously while maintaining organized records and documentation.

  • Knowledge of Regulatory Compliance: Understanding relevant industry regulations and standards is important to ensure that materials and processes meet compliance requirements.

  • Collaboration Skills: You must work well within a team, collaborating with production staff, management, and other departments to facilitate smooth audit processes.

  • Time Management: You should prioritize tasks effectively to meet audit deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy in your work.

  • Adaptability: The ability to adapt to changing processes, materials, and technologies is critical in a dynamic production environment.

  • Critical Thinking: Applying sound judgment to evaluate complex information and make informed decisions is essential for navigating the auditing process.

Job Duties for Production Materials Auditors

  • Collect or prepare measurement, weight, or identification labels and attach them to products.

  • Document quantity, quality, type, weight, test result data, and value of materials or products to maintain shipping, receiving, and production records and files.

  • Weigh or measure materials, equipment, or products to maintain relevant records, using volume meters, scales, rules, or calipers.

Technologies and Skills Used by Production Materials Auditors

Electronic mail software

  • Email software
  • Microsoft Outlook

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne
  • SAP software

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint

Basic Skills

  • Reading work related information
  • Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem

Problem Solving

  • Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Job Market and Opportunities for Production Materials Auditor in Alabama

The job market for Production Materials Auditors in Alabama reflects a steady demand, driven by the state's diverse manufacturing landscape. As a professional within this field, you will find several key factors influencing your career prospects:

  • Increased Manufacturing Activity: Alabama has seen growth in various manufacturing sectors, including automotive, aerospace, and steel production. These industries require meticulous materials auditing to ensure quality and compliance, sustaining demand for your expertise.

  • Growth Potential: The need for production materials auditors is expected to increase as companies focus on optimizing their supply chains and maintaining quality standards. With the rise of advanced manufacturing technologies, auditors who can adapt to these changes may find enhanced career opportunities.

  • Geographical Hotspots:

    • Birmingham-Hoover Metropolitan Area: As a major business hub, this area hosts numerous manufacturing facilities, increasing the demand for production materials auditors.
    • Huntsville: Known for its aerospace and defense industries, Huntsville offers opportunities for professionals specializing in material audits related to these sectors.
    • Mobile: With its port facilities and shipbuilding industry, the demand for auditors to oversee materials and supplies is significant in this region.
    • Montgomery: This area includes various manufacturers, providing a consistent requirement for quality assurance and materials auditing.
  • Industry Partnerships: Collaboration between educational institutions and industries in Alabama has fostered a skilled workforce, which in turn drives the need for production materials auditors. Companies often seek to hire individuals with relevant experience and knowledge of industry standards.

Your future in the production materials auditing field looks promising, given the ongoing developments in manufacturing and the overarching emphasis on quality and efficiency across industries in Alabama.

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Production Materials Auditor in Alabama

  • Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)

    • Website: www.theiia.org
    • Description: The IIA provides a wealth of resources on auditing standards, research, training, and certification opportunities relevant to production materials auditors.
  • American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS)

    • Website: www.apics.org
    • Description: APICS offers education and certification programs on supply chain and operations management, which can enhance your understanding of materials auditing.
  • Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)

    • Website: www.acfe.com
    • Description: ACFE provides resources on preventing and detecting fraud, which can be particularly useful for auditors in ensuring the integrity of production materials.
  • National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA)

    • Website: www.nasba.org
    • Description: NASBA offers information about certifications and state-specific requirements that could be beneficial for auditors considering certification in Alabama.
  • American Society for Quality (ASQ)

    • Website: www.asq.org
    • Description: ASQ provides resources on quality assurance and management, including training and certification that can help you develop skills critical to auditing production materials.
  • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

    • Website: www.osha.gov
    • Description: OSHA offers guidelines and requirements for workplace safety, which are vital for production auditors concerned with the safe handling of materials.
  • Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Occupational Outlook Handbook

    • Website: www.bls.gov/ooh
    • Description: The BLS provides data on job outlook, salaries, and working conditions for production auditors, assisting you in understanding the market landscape.
  • LinkedIn Learning

    • Website: www.linkedin.com/learning
    • Description: Explore online courses related to auditing, materials management, and quality control, which are useful for skill enhancement.
  • Alabama Society of Certified Public Accountants (ASCPA)

    • Website: www.ascpa.org
    • Description: ASCPA can be a valuable resource for networking and finding local seminars or workshops relevant to your career in auditing.
  • Books and Publications

    • Look for titles such as:
      • "The Audit Process: Principles, Practice and Cases" by Iain Grey and Stewart Stevenson
      • "Materials Management: An Executive's Supply Chain Guide" by Gwynne Evans

You can access these resources to expand your knowledge, stay updated on industry trends, and improve your competencies in the field of production materials auditing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Production Materials Auditor in Alabama

  • What is a Production Materials Auditor? A Production Materials Auditor is responsible for reviewing and verifying the materials used in production processes. This role involves ensuring that production materials are accounted for, meet quality standards, and comply with industry regulations.

  • What qualifications do I need to become a Production Materials Auditor? Generally, a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, supply chain management, or a related field is preferred. Certifications such as Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) can enhance your qualifications.

  • What skills are important for a Production Materials Auditor? Key skills include attention to detail, analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills. Proficiency in data analysis and familiarity with auditing software can also be beneficial.

  • What does a typical day look like for a Production Materials Auditor? Your day may include reviewing production logs, conducting audits of materials and inventory, preparing reports, and collaborating with production and quality assurance teams to address discrepancies or quality issues.

  • What industries hire Production Materials Auditors? Production Materials Auditors are commonly employed in manufacturing, construction, and logistics industries. They may also work in sectors like food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and automotive where material sourcing and quality control are critical.

  • Are there opportunities for advancement in this career? Yes, with experience and continued education, you can advance to senior auditor positions, management roles, or specialize in quality assurance or supply chain management.

  • What is the job outlook for Production Materials Auditors in Alabama? The job outlook for Production Materials Auditors is generally positive, particularly as companies increasingly focus on quality control and compliance. Specific projections can vary, so it's advisable to research local market trends.

  • What kind of work environment can I expect? You can expect a combination of office work for data analysis and reporting, as well as time spent on-site in production facilities, warehouses, or manufacturing plants to conduct audits.

  • What tools and technologies do Production Materials Auditors typically use? You will often use inventory management software, data analysis tools, and auditing software. Familiarity with Microsoft Excel and data visualization tools can also be advantageous.

  • How does one stay updated on industry standards and regulations? Joining professional organizations, attending workshops and seminars, and pursuing continuing education opportunities can help you stay informed about changes in industry standards and regulations.