Back office jobs usually entail taking care of the tasks that keep a business running. As a result, typical back office executives deal with a lot of phone calls, data entry, and faxing. Another common task is assisting the office manager with inventory management, which may include ordering supplies and keeping track of office equipment usage. In addition, back office administration may be involved in human resources (HR), which could include assisting with employee interviews, management, and possibly discipline.
Many typical back office executive responsibilities entail using technology to keep the company organized behind the scenes. Someone in this field might, for example, answer and transfer phone calls, input data into a computer, and manage emails. This type of executive is frequently expected to know how to operate various types of office technology, such as a copier, fax machine, and printer, and to keep these systems in good working order for other employees. When these machines require repairs, an experienced executive is usually called in to troubleshoot or refer the problem to a repair person.
The typical back office executive is also expected to keep office supplies stocked in addition to keeping the equipment in working order. Many offices, for example, go through paper, pens, and printer ink quickly, so at least one person should count how much of each item the company has, compare it to how much it needs, and then order more based on that number. Many companies hire an office manager to handle these responsibilities, but the executive is usually expected to assist or even take over when the manager is unavailable.
Furthermore, many companies delegate HR responsibilities to at least one back office executive, effectively making that person the company’s human resources “department” by default. As a result, people working in back office jobs may be assigned to sift through resumes and select the best candidates for open positions. Executives may then contact the HR manager to schedule interviews, though they may also be expected to interview candidates on their own. Employees are trained, disciplined, and, if necessary, terminated by the typical back office executive, especially in companies that do not have an HR department.