A records manager has a very important position within many large companies, and although consumers rarely even see this individual, the business would likely not function without him. Not only does the records manager usually keep up with sales figures and payroll information like an accountant would, but he is also tasked with managing the store's inventory and several other important pieces of information. If anyone within the corporation required a tidbit of knowledge about the company, they would seek out the records manager, since his job is to oversee the storing, filing, and protection of vital company documents.
While this type of position may not sound very intriguing to some, many people who decide to become a records manager could not think of a more suitable profession. This candidate is normally strong in mathematics and organizational skills, and a he can easily produce documents that were prepared several years prior due to superior filing habits. Of course, with computers having replaced paper files within many businesses, the records manager must also possess strong computing skills while he builds the company's user database for the employees to access. These documents can range from marketing campaigns to tax forms, so a records manager must be comfortable with each and every aspect of the business.
Perhaps the most popular place to find a records manager would be within hospitals and health care systems. Traditionally, this position required the storage of every patient file, plus information on insurance carriers, employees, suppliers, and hundreds of other contacts. Even though many of these filing tasks are becoming automated, someone must verify the files and organize them within the central mainframe. The decision of which paper files to keep and which to destroy all falls in the hands of the records manager.
Another reason that businesses hire a records manager is to ensure that all forms of compliance are met, whether it is on the local, state, or federal level. Many industries have to keep up with vast amounts of safety and procedural data that is provided during routine inspections of their facilities, and failure to produce some of these documents can often result in very large fines for the corporation. This aspect alone ensures that a quality records manager has plenty of job stability, and companies are always looking to improve in this category.
