Office Manager
Job Description
An Office Manager supervises the overall functioning of an office, usually made up of several administrative, accounts and customer relations staff (depending on the business). An Office Manager is typically responsible for reporting functions and progress to the management team or business owners, while looking at ways to improve and streamline business functions. They communicate with and supervise team members working in administrative roles, while leading a team to complete specific tasks and achieve determined deadlines. They may induct and train new team members and support human resources functions, in the event the business does not have a dedicated HR role. They establish administrative and office procedures and protocols and assist with administrative and financial tasks.
Office Managers can be a requirement in developing or established businesses, depending on the size of the team. They are integral in ensuring the team works productively together to achieve the overall strategic direction of the business. Office Managers typically work in financial companies, real estate, professional services, manufacturing, Government, and small business.
Qualifications
To work as an Office Manager, you need to bring advanced customer relations, administration, and information technology knowledge. Some Office Management roles may also require an accounting background, as the staff you supervise may be working in a finance and accounts capacity.
Office Managers with qualifications in business administration, business management, information technology, accounts or human resources are highly regarded.
There are other courses you can also complete such as business management and administration courses, one day events and seminars which can be displayed on your resume to showcase that you have undertaken further studies. Additional study may help you move up in the industry, where you can eventually specialise in a specific role.
A Diploma in Business Administration or Business Management would be the next step towards advancing your studies.
Attributes
- Ambitious
- Analytical
- Articulate
- Assertive
- Autonomous
- Communicator
- Competent
- Confident
- Customer Orientated
- Dedicated
- Detail Orientated
- Diplomatic
- Ethical
- Flexible
- Interpersonal
- Organised
- Positive
- Problem Solver
- Productive
- Punctual
- Receptive
- Resourceful
- Self-motivated
- Team Player
Key Skills
- Administration
- Bookkeeping
- Budgeting
- Confidentiality
- Communication - verbal and written
- Communication - email, online, fax, mail, memo
- Complaints Management
- Computer and Computer Software Operations
- Relationship Management
- Delivering Information
- Designing Forms and Documents
- Diary Management
- Document Preparation
- Meeting / Conference Bookings
- Office Equipment Operation
- Office Management
- Procedural Development
- Proofreading
- Records Management
- Relationship Management
- Research
- Systems Analysis and Improvement
- Team Leadership
- Team Training
Future Prospects
Office Managers have the opportunity to grow into higher-level managers, especially if they develop detailed knowledge of a specific product, or service or the company operations. They should always demonstrate advanced problem-solving skills through the development of improved processes and procedures and long-term strategic planning. If you see yourself somewhere on this list it gives an insight into future career opportunities.
- Business Development Manager
- Operations Manager
- Commercial Manager
- Key Account Manager
- Office Manager
- Executive Assistant
- Personal Assistant
- Administration Assistant
- Receptionist
