What does an Admin Assistant do?
An Admin Assistant works in a support role to provide administrative assistance. Admin Assistants can help with general office duties and tasks, or they can be assigned to assist specific members of staff, particularly senior management figures. They perform essential operational and organisational tasks that allow a company to operate in the business-as-usual (BAU) mode. The job of an Admin Assistant can include tasks ranging from making coffee to organising payrolls. Senior Admin Assistants are also required to delegate administrative tasks in the office and oversee operational projects.
Admin Assistant skills and qualifications
A successful Admin Assistant candidate will have various prerequisite skills such as a high level organisational, administrative and clerical skills, as well as excellent communication, interpersonal skills and a basic knowledge of the industry the company works in or their products and services they sell. Other important skills and qualifications can typically include:
- Confidence to communicate effectively and accurately with a wide range of people, from senior management and CEOs to customers and suppliers
- Ability to accurately transcribe messages and record information over the phone or in person
- Proficiency in computer programs, particularly Microsoft Word or Google Docs
- Data entry skills and knowledge of databases and spreadsheets, including Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets
- Ability to use basic accounting software such as QuickBooks or Xero to generate invoices and receipts
- Ability to use scheduling software and workflow programs, including Asana, Google Calendar, Outlook, Trello and others
- Knowledge of human resources procedures, such as entering payroll information and keeping personal employee information confidential
Admin Assistant experience requirements
Admin Assistants often require a minimum of one or two years of experience working in an office-based role. However, many employers offer entry-level positions. Usually, employers can look for candidates with experience working in customer-facing roles or data entry jobs if they don’t have specific experience working as an Admin Assistant. Most companies regard the experience of working in human resources, payroll or accounting departments highly. Background in the industry the company works in is a bonus for employers, but not essential.
Admin Assistant education and training requirements
Admin Assistants often require excellent results at the GCSE level in English and maths. Employers also look for strong results at A-level or a relevant college course. A Level 2 Diploma in Business and Administration is a popular choice among college courses. Employers can look for applicants with a degree in business studies, business administration or a similar subject. However, higher education is not essential if on-the-job training is provided.
Admin Assistant salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an Admin Assistant in the UK is £8.57 per hour. Salary may be dependent on experience, location and company.
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