Retail Cycle Count Audit

Inspection template for auditing retail cycle counts, including count accuracy, variance investigation, recounts, adjustment posting, and aging review.

Audit Scope and Cycle Count Setup

• Cycle count batch and location scope match the approved audit plan
• Count date and time window are documented for each location reviewed
• Items selected for count were frozen or controlled to prevent movement during counting
• Count team assignments and independent verifier/reviewer are documented
• System snapshot of on-hand quantity was captured before count reconciliation
• Count instructions, exception codes, and recount thresholds were available to staff

Physical Count Accuracy

• Count sheets or device entries are complete for all sampled SKUs
• Counted quantity matches the physical quantity observed during audit sample
• Miscounts due to mixed units, pack size errors, or mislabeled locations were identified
• Damaged, opened, or unsellable units were excluded or clearly identified in the count
• High-value or high-shrink items were counted with enhanced verification
• Count accuracy rate for sampled SKUs

Variance Review and Recount

• Variance threshold was applied consistently to all sampled items
• All variances outside tolerance were investigated and assigned a reason code
• Recount was completed for items exceeding the recount threshold
• Recount result was performed by an independent counter or verifier
• Variance root cause was documented as receiving error, picking error, shrink, damage, mislocation, or other
• Variance amount for sampled items

Adjustment Posting and Approval

• Inventory adjustments were posted only after recount and review were completed
• Adjustment entries include SKU, quantity, reason code, date, and approver
• Adjustment approval was completed by an authorized manager or controller
• Adjustment quantity posted matches the final approved recount result
• System audit trail or transaction log supports the adjustment posting

Aging Inventory Review

• Aged inventory report was reviewed for items beyond the defined aging threshold
• Obsolete, discontinued, or non-saleable stock was identified and segregated
• Aging exceptions were assigned an owner and follow-up date
• Aged items with repeated variances were flagged for root-cause review