Executive Assistant
Job Description
An Executive Assistant (EA) plays a key organisational role, handling everything from managing an executive’s personal schedule to organising executive board meetings. The EA operates at a board level supporting Managing Directors (MDs), Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Chief Financial Officers (CFOs). The are many overlapping duties between an Executive Assistant and a Personal Assistant. However, an EA will be most likely required to support company projects and support the executive team in ensuring administrative tasks are completed to achieve project milestones. The Executive Assistants core hours are usually based on the traditional Monday to Friday 9-5 working week, however the role is notorious for working additional hours, both early mornings and late evenings depending on business needs.
EAs are essential in large scale corporate business. They are integral in ensuring the executive team or individual is supported in meeting the overall strategic direction of the business. EAs are often found in banking, financial, professional services, Government, and ministerial departments.
Qualifications
You do not require any formal training to become an Executive Assistant, however it would be an advantage to have some training behind you, to showcase that you are educated and informed about administration and business activities.
Administrative qualifications such as Certificate II, III & IV and Diploma in Business Administration are important in showcasing your education and knowledge. Many EAs also complete various courses at private business colleges and TAFE to further develop their knowledge and skill of business operations.
There are other methods you can use to gain further knowledge in Administration, Finance, Keyboarding, Software Operations, and Customer Service courses, through one day events and seminars which can be displayed on your resume.
Attributes
- Acumen
- Ambitious
- Approachable
- Autonomous
- Charismatic
- Cheerful
- Cooperative
- Devoted
- Easy going
- Eloquent
- Flexible
- Inquisitive
- Intuitive
- Meticulous
- Organised
- Punctual
- Reliable
- Responsible
Key Skills
- Administration
- Bookkeeping
- Budgeting
- Confidentiality
- Communication - verbal and written
- Communication - email, online, fax, mail, memo
- Computer and Computer Software Operations
- Relationship Management
- Delivering Information
- Designing Forms and Documents
- Diary Management
- Document Preparation
- Event Management
- Meeting / Conference Bookings
- Office Equipment Operation
- Office Management
- Procedural Development
- Proofreading
- Records Management
- Relationship Management
- Reports and Presentations
- Research
- Systems Analysis and Improvement
Future Prospects
Executive Assistants are likely to progressive to managerial roles, due to the knowledge gained from working closely with executives. As you move to more prestigious businesses and business central areas, the pay will also likely increase.
Career advancement in this field can lead to other roles such as:
- Office Manager
- Executive Assistant
- Personal Assistant
- Administration Assistant
- Receptionist
- Customer Service Representative
- Call Centre Operator
- Data Entry Officer
You could be anywhere on this career ladder and from there be able to identify opportunities. Business Administration and Customer Service can cover a wide range of job roles and responsibilities. Choosing these careers is an ideal way to progress your professional qualities, particularly if you have a flair for organisation and are a great communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
