Production Materials Auditor in Alaska Career Overview

As a Production Materials Auditor, your primary responsibility is to ensure that the materials used in production processes meet the established standards for quality and compliance. This role involves thorough examinations and assessments of materials to verify their conformity to specifications and industry regulations.

Key aspects of your job include:

  • Compliance Verification: You conduct audits to confirm that all production materials adhere to safety regulations and industry standards. This involves reviewing documentation and inspecting materials throughout the supply chain.

  • Quality Assurance: You play a vital role in maintaining the integrity of products by ensuring that materials are fit for purpose. This includes evaluating raw materials, components, and finished products.

  • Documentation and Reporting: Maintaining accurate records of audit findings is essential. You prepare detailed reports that document compliance levels and any discrepancies found during inspections.

  • Collaboration with Teams: Working closely with production management, quality assurance, and supply chain teams is fundamental. Your insights help improve processes and can lead to enhanced material sourcing and selection practices.

  • Risk Management: By identifying potential risks related to materials, you help mitigate issues that could affect production timelines or product quality.

Your work is integral to the manufacturing sector, as it helps ensure that the materials used in production are safe, reliable, and of high quality. This not only supports the efficiency of production operations but also protects the reputation of the company and the safety of consumers.

Required Education To Become a Production Materials Auditor in Alaska

To become a Production Materials Auditor, you will need a solid educational foundation and training in relevant fields. Below are the college degree programs that are beneficial for this career path:

  • Accounting

    • A degree in accounting provides you with essential knowledge in financial practices, enabling you to accurately assess materials and financial records.
  • Accounting and Business Management

    • This combined program offers insights into financial management, auditing processes, and operational efficiency, which are critical for auditing production materials.
  • Business Administration and Management

    • A degree in business administration provides a broad understanding of business operations, including supply chain management and organizational practices relevant to material auditing.
  • Quality Control and Safety Technology

    • This program focuses on the principles of quality assurance and the importance of safety protocols, equipping you with the skills to evaluate material quality and compliance.
  • Auditing

    • Specialized degrees in auditing will prepare you with the technical knowledge and standards necessary to conduct effective audits in production environments.

Ensure that your education includes internships or practical experiences that allow you to apply your knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing your preparation for a role as a Production Materials Auditor.

Best Schools to become a Production Materials Auditor in Alaska 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 Alaska

  • Attention to Detail: You must be vigilant and precise when examining materials and documentation to identify discrepancies and ensure compliance with standards.

  • Analytical Skills: Your ability to analyze data and interpret various reports is essential. This includes evaluating production processes and material inventories for efficiency and accuracy.

  • Problem-Solving: You should possess strong problem-solving skills to address any issues that arise during audits, finding solutions that enhance operational performance.

  • Communication Skills: Effective communication is critical. You will need to convey findings clearly to team members and stakeholders, both in writing and verbally.

  • Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with auditing software, inventory management systems, and data analysis tools is important. You should be comfortable working with spreadsheets and databases to manage and analyze large sets of data.

  • Organizational Skills: Strong organizational abilities will help you manage multiple audits and projects simultaneously, ensuring that all deadlines and priorities are met.

  • Industry Knowledge: Understanding the specific processes, materials, and regulations relevant to the production industry will enhance your auditing effectiveness.

  • Interpersonal Skills: Building and maintaining professional relationships is essential for collaborating with colleagues from various departments and for facilitating discussions about audit findings.

  • Time Management: You must effectively prioritize tasks to manage time efficiently, especially when working under tight deadlines for audits and reporting.

  • Ethical Judgment: A strong sense of ethics and integrity is vital, as you will be responsible for maintaining transparency and upholding regulations throughout 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 Alaska

The job market for Production Materials Auditors in Alaska offers a mix of growing opportunities and niche demands, reflecting the unique industrial landscape of the state.

  • Demand for Professionals: There is a consistent demand for Production Materials Auditors in various sectors including manufacturing, oil and gas, and mining. Alaska's resource-rich environment creates a need for professionals who can ensure that materials are sourced, handled, and utilized effectively.

  • Growth Potential: The growth potential for Production Materials Auditors in Alaska is promising due to several factors:

    • Ongoing investments in infrastructure and industrial projects
    • Increased regulatory scrutiny on material quality and supply chain practices
    • A heightened focus on sustainability and resource optimization within industries
  • Geographical Hotspots:

    • Anchorage: As the largest city, Anchorage serves as a hub for many businesses and industries, offering numerous opportunities for auditors, particularly in manufacturing and logistics.
    • Fairbanks: With strategic industrial projects and support services nearby, Fairbanks has potential openings for production auditing roles.
    • Kenai Peninsula: The oil and gas industry dominates this area, creating opportunities for auditors specializing in resources and materials management.
    • Unalaska: Known for its fishing and processing industries, Unalaska provides unique positions for those focusing on perishable goods and supply chain audits.

Overall, the evolving landscape of industries in Alaska facilitates a strong demand for Production Materials Auditors, making it an opportune time to enter or advance within this field.

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

  • American Society for Quality (ASQ)
    Gain access to resources, certifications, and networking opportunities tailored for quality management professionals, including Production Materials Auditors.
    www.asq.org

  • Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)
    Explore guidelines, best practices, and training materials focused on internal auditing. This organization offers valuable resources for those looking to understand auditing in-depth.
    www.theiia.org

  • National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
    Access standards and guidelines relevant to measurement and quality assurance, which can be beneficial for production materials auditing.
    www.nist.gov

  • Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM)
    This organization provides resources, education, and certification programs that can enhance your understanding of supply chain dynamics, critical for auditors in production environments.
    www.ascm.org

  • Supply Chain Management Review
    This publication offers articles and insights on supply chain management trends, strategies, and best practices, which are essential for production materials auditing.
    www.scmr.com

  • Quality Progress Magazine
    A publication from ASQ that provides articles on quality management, process improvements, and auditing techniques relevant to auditors in the industry.
    www.asq.org/quality-progress

  • Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development
    Check for labor market information, training programs, and career resources specific to Alaska that may assist you in your professional development.
    dol.alaska.gov

  • LinkedIn Learning
    Find courses related to auditing, quality control, and supply chain management that can enhance your skills and knowledge base as a Production Materials Auditor.
    www.linkedin.com/learning

  • Project Management Institute (PMI)
    Explore resources and certification options focused on project management practices that can be useful in overseeing production materials audits.
    www.pmi.org

  • Books on Auditing and Quality Management:
    Consider reading titles such as:

    • "The Internal Auditing Handbook" by K.H. Spencer Pickett
    • "Quality Audits for Improved Performance" by David N. Walker

Utilizing these resources can enhance your knowledge, keep you informed about industry trends, and assist in your professional growth as a Production Materials Auditor.

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

  • What is the primary role of a Production Materials Auditor?
    A Production Materials Auditor is responsible for evaluating the quality and quantity of materials used in production processes. This includes inspecting raw materials, reviewing inventory records, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

  • What qualifications do I need to become a Production Materials Auditor?
    Typically, a bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business administration, or a related field is preferred. Professional certifications like Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or Six Sigma can enhance your qualifications.

  • What skills are necessary for this career?
    Essential skills for a Production Materials Auditor include attention to detail, analytical thinking, problem-solving, and strong communication abilities. Familiarity with inventory management software and quality control processes is also beneficial.

  • What industries employ Production Materials Auditors in Alaska?
    In Alaska, you can find opportunities in various sectors, including manufacturing, seafood processing, logistics and transportation, and mining, all of which require stringent material quality control measures.

  • What does a typical day look like for a Production Materials Auditor?
    A typical day may involve conducting audits of production areas, documenting findings, assessing compliance with regulatory standards, and working closely with production teams to address any discrepancies or areas for improvement.

  • How important are safety regulations in this role?
    Safety regulations are extremely important. As a Production Materials Auditor, you must ensure that materials meet safety standards to protect workers and consumers. Compliance with local, state, and federal regulations is a critical aspect of the job.

  • What tools and technologies do Production Materials Auditors use?
    Auditors often use inventory management systems, data analysis software, and quality control tools. Proficiency in spreadsheets and databases is essential for compiling and analyzing inventory data.

  • Is travel required for Production Materials Auditors?
    Travel may be required depending on the size of the company and the locations of its facilities. You might need to visit various production sites to conduct audits, which could involve some regional travel within Alaska.

  • What are potential career advancement opportunities?
    With experience, you could advance to roles such as Senior Auditor, Quality Assurance Manager, or Supply Chain Manager. Continuing education and gaining certifications can further improve your chances for advancement.

  • What salary can I expect as a Production Materials Auditor in Alaska?
    Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and the specific industry. Generally, in Alaska, the salary range for this position may fall between $60,000 and $90,000 annually, with potential for higher earnings in senior roles.