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Administrative Assistant

Also known as Clerk. Administrative assistants perform a range of administrative tasks in an organisation.

With experience, and sometimes further training, it is possible to advance to higher positions, such as office administrator, record keeper, front-line manager or legal administrator.

Administrative assistants may be required to carry out numerous tasks in a small office, or to concentrate on just one or two specific tasks in a larger office.

Administrative assistants usually work indoors, and may work alone or in a team with other administrative assistants, professional and technical staff, and tradespeople.

Experienced administrative assistants may undertake more complex tasks and responsibilities.

TASKS

Administrative assistants may perform the following tasks:

sort and distribute incoming mail to areas and staff within the organisation and dispatch outgoing mail
write business letters, reports or office memos using word processing programmes
answer telephone enquiries from customers, attend to visitors and assist other staff in the organisation with their enquiries
operate a range of office machines such as photocopiers, computers and faxes
file papers and documents
undertake other duties such as banking, credit control or payroll functions

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

able to work methodically, accurately and neatly
good oral and written communication skills
able to work as part of a team
neat personal appearance

Very Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as an administrative assistant without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

Entry to this occupation may be improved if you have qualifications.

You may like to consider a VOC qualification in business, business administration or a related field. As subjects and prerequisites can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution

You may be able to study through distance education.

You can also become an administrative assistant through a traineeship in Business or Business Administration.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Business Services Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Administrative assistants are employed in most industry sectors, in a variety of fields, including government administration; business, education, health, legal and accounting services; and real estate.

The continual introduction of new technology requires administrative assistants to be flexible, multiskilled and capable of responding to change. It is possible to work remotely, using online technology to communicate with clients.