Supervisors, managers, and executives benefit from the assistance of an administrative clerk. Because the needs of these employees vary, he is usually required to be flexible and divide his time. He may perform his administrative duties in a production, industrial, or manufacturing setting, though he is most often found in an office setting.
An administrative clerk’s job differs from that of a secretary in that he is usually more concerned with keeping general operations running smoothly than with managing daily events. He also frequently works for multiple clients. In most business settings, he works with little or no direct supervision on a daily basis.
The nature of an administrative clerk’s responsibilities is highly dependent on the type of business in which he works. In general, he is expected to plan and execute meetings, schedule travel and transportation, and ensure that departments communicate effectively. He is usually considered successful if the people for whom he works are kept informed about business activities and developments.
Good computer skills are usually required to keep things running smoothly. To keep track of executive calendars, create spreadsheets, and compile reports, an administrative clerk uses a variety of software programs. His ability to conduct research on behalf of his superiors and maintain email communications with business associates is usually required. He may also be required to write and edit correspondence using word processing programs, as well as create visual presentations using graphics software.
An administrative clerk may be required to monitor productivity levels in various departments and make recommendations to improve efficiency in some larger companies. Staffing changes, as well as upgrading or replacing major office machines or equipment, are examples of these suggestions. A person in this position is frequently in charge of maintaining office supply inventories and negotiating deals with vendors.
This position typically necessitates excellent organizational and communication skills. Supporting a large number of managers and supervisors necessitates exceptional time management skills. An administrative clerk’s job entails diplomacy and tact in order to keep everyone happy.
For this position, a high school diploma or equivalent is usually required, though an associate’s degree is usually preferred. A bachelor’s degree in liberal arts or communications is required by some employers. It is sometimes assumed that the higher the level of education of the hiring executive, the higher the level of education of the administrative clerk. To be considered for this position, you should have prior experience as a secretary or office assistant. Experience with computer operations and office support is a plus.