Contract processors are responsible for checking every aspect of a contract job to ensure compliance. They are used in many fields to link all aspects of the job together from start to finish. A contract processor wears one title but many hats.
Duties of a contract processor include analyzing and reviewing the contract to be sure it does not violate local or regional laws. In addition, a contract processor is charged with protecting the company's interest. This is accomplished through careful study of the policy, pricing, and structure for each contract. Working with a basic understanding of boundaries set forth, the processor ensures those boundaries are respected.
A contract processor is required to have a wide range of knowledge. For example, most contract processors are educated in areas of contract law, accounting, pricing, and inventory. These skills are acquired through formal education, on-the-job training, or a combination of the two. For areas the contract processor is not familiar with, he or she must know whom to ask for guidance.
Computer skills are essential to most contract processor jobs. Basic computer knowledge as well as expertise in many software programs makes the job easier. Spreadsheet, word-processing, and e-mail programs are needed to complete job duties. The contract processor must also possess excellent organizational skills and solid communication skills. He or she will interact with many levels of employees and must be comfortable communicating with everyone from the worker to the company chief executive officer.
In addition to checking contracts for compliance, contractor processors are responsible for targeting problems and addressing them. Assisting with problem solving is within the duties of the job, though the main duty is to alert appropriate staff to the issues. Spotting problems before the contract is complete is an important aspect of the work.
Contract processors are supervised closely and are often required to work a varied schedule as business needs dictate. The processor is expected to know and understand company policies as they apply to the job at hand. Contract processors receive constant feedback about their work, which can help them move forward with additional analysis of the contract.
Most contract processor positions require at least a high school education and often a two-year degree. In addition, applicants are typically required to have some experience working in the clerical field. The job is not physically stressful; however, high levels of stress are often experienced near the end of each job.
