ADD ADVICE TO FAVOffice manager
An office manager organises and supervises office administration, from payroll and timesheets to office equipment and travel arrangements.
What office managers do
- control office budgets
- arrange travel, meetings and appointments
- order stationery, office equipment and furniture
- organise office maintenance and repair
- supervise and monitor the work of clerical and secretarial staff, conducting recruitment, inductions and appraisals
- complete payroll paperwork and timesheets
- discuss problems with staff
- meet with management to review office performance
- review and update the company’s health and safety policy, and arrange checks.
Key skills
- reliability
- initiative
- problem-solving skills
- project-management
- experience of using Advanced Word, Excel, Access, Sage and PowerPoint is desirable
- multitasking.
Training to be an office manager
Some large companies recruit graduates to assistant office manager positions and train them in house. Temping as an office administrator is another possible route. Training may also be provided through regional and national training courses and seminars.
Taking on extra duties, such as managing office finances or policies, may require a qualification in the relevant subject.
Salaries
Starting salaries are in the region of £15,000 to £27,000, depending on the size of the organisation. Salaries at senior level can reach £45,000 to £50,000.
Professional bodies
- Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
- Chartered Management Institute
- Council for Administration
- Institute of Administrative Management
- Institute of Leadership and Management
- Institute of Management Services
