How To Become an Office Manager

An office manager manages the office! While too simplistic a definition, it is very true! An office manager’s duties encompass all administrative and management tasks that ensure the smooth running of any office, small or large. In a small-sized office, the job could be a solo role or with a maximum of 1-2 underlings; in medium and large offices, the office manager could be leading a large team of employees, or even multiple teams led by group leaders who report to the office manager. In case you’re interested in learning how to become an office manager, here’s all the important information you need to know!

Job description
The exact job description for office managers may depend upon the segment or industry in which they are employed. For example, office manager positions are available in healthcare, law firms, manufacturing or production companies, etc. Some degree of specialization or knowledge will be required in such instances. However, a general job description for an office manager will consist of the following:

1. General administration duties
2. Managing the front-office, reception and telecommunication network
3. Managing secretarial duties or teams
4. Office upkeep and facility management, including systems and office equipment
5. Making travel, meeting or conference arrangements
6. Payroll administration (if there is no separate department)
7. Transport and logistics management, including maintaining records, filing and archiving of data, etc.
8. Handling mail delivery, transcription and acting as liaison among different departments in the company

Expected compensation
Based upon total experience and educational qualification, office managers can expect to earn between $25,000 and $50,000 per annum. In large or multinational companies where the span of control is larger, compensation will be upwards of $60,000 and more.

Educational qualifications & training
Starting as an entry-level clerk or secretary, it is possible to learn and grow on-the-job to become an office manager. This might take a long time, or company policy may dictate the minimum educational qualifications required for a management role. In most instances, an associate's or bachelor’s degree in business administration or related fields will be the basic qualification employers look for.

It is also helpful to seek training in systems used in business such as MS Office or database management, general business or company law, accounting, human resources management and secretarial services such as typing, stenography and transcription.

Other skills and qualities
In addition to the above, office managers need to have the following skills or qualities:

• Attention to detail, logical thought process
• Excellent communication skills
• Outstanding interpersonal and people management skills
• Good understanding of processes and procedures used in the organization
• Budget control and managing costs
• Strategies and plans for procurement for required equipment and resources
• The ability to work efficiently and effectively.

Follow the guidelines listed in this article, and you will soon be on your way to becoming a great office manager!