What Does an Office Manager Do?
The office manager is a varied and exciting role in any organization.
No two days are the same, so if you are looking for a career where you will be challenged in all areas, the role of office manager might be perfect for you.
Read on to find out more about the job and what it entails.
Job Description
The job description of an office manager is often extremely broad. Depending on the size of the organization you work for, you will be expected to do some or all of the following:
- Dealing with everyday admin
- Managing junior clerical staff
- Booking business travel
- Organizing meetings
- Acting as a PA to your boss
- Payroll
- Accounts
- Health and safety
Office managers need to wear multiple hats. They don’t just type letters and wander around wearing slinky dresses like Joan Holloway, although they are super-efficient like Ms. Holloway. And like Joan, their role is the glue that holds everything together.
Do You Have What It Takes to be an Office Manager?
Not everyone is cut from the right cloth. Good officer managers are extremely efficient at what they do. They can handle everyday administrative tasks and complex travel bookings with aplomb. They are professional at all times and comfortable talking to everyone, including members of the board.
Like Mad Men’s Joan Holloway, the office manager is usually the unsung hero in any company. S/he is willing to work extra hours to ensure the job is done and won’t leave his or her desk until that happens. It can be a thankless job at times, but if you handle it well, your role is irreplaceable.
Moving into an Office Manager Career
It takes experience to be an efficient office manager. Most people begin in a junior administrative role, so they can learn the ropes and get a feel for how an office works. Over time, if you have the skills required, you might have a chance of being promoted into the role. Otherwise, when you are ready, apply for an office manager role for a small company, as this is the best place to learn and refine your skills.
Career Progression
There is always something new to learn when you are an office manager. From new accounting packages to technology innovations, your job won’t stand still, and nor should you. Network with your peers at office manager conferences 2019 and build a support network – visit https://www.bevi.co/blog/office-manager-conferences-2019/ to find out when the next conference is taking place. All office managers need peer support, especially after a bad day at the office.
The only downside to the role of office manager is that it is difficult to advance much further. If you are ambitious, look for office manager jobs in larger organizations. From there, you might be able to make a sideways move into HR or a similar administrative-based role and advance further up the food chain.
Good office managers are worth their weight in gold and most companies are loath to let them go. Does this sound like a job you can do?
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