Office Management: Careers and Job Information
For an office manager, every day can bring a variety of different projects – all of which relate to ensuring the efficient operation of a company. That’s why office managers are consummate multi-taskers. They often assist with or supervise administrative duties, determine staffing requirements, and open and close the office. Additionally, the office manager may oversee the daily or weekly banking, handle payroll, order supplies, perform human resources duties, and work with customers, vendors and suppliers.
Job Outlook for Office Managers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for office managers is expected to increase 7 to 13% in the coming years. There is likely to be significant competition for office manager positions, as there are generally more applicants than job openings. Office managers with solid interpersonal and organizational skills, management experience, communications capabilities and technology skills will have an advantage.
Job Duties
An office manager is typically responsible for ordering and maintaining of business supplies and equipment, as well as managing the office budget. The office manager may also coordinate resources for projects as well as the schedules of company executives.
Office managers are often the go-to person for a variety of business inquiries. In some companies, the office manager may have additional responsibilities such as coordinating contracts, liaising with payroll, and conducting employee training and development.
Job Environment
The office manager position is generally a 40-hour-a-week job. However, those working for large organizations can work long hours and find the position particularly demanding. Being able to multi-task and manage different personalities will help professionals succeed in this role.
Office managers must be confident in their decisions and attuned to what’s going on in the office to ensure it runs as smoothly as possible. This means staying up-to-date on others’ deadlines and productivity and regularly communicating with upper management.
Office Manager Salary Potential
The BLS reports that in May 2009, office managers earned a median salary of $46,910. Incomes ranged from a low of $28,400 to a high of $76,100, with the middle 50% earning between $36,270 and $60,590.
Associate’s degree holders often begin their careers at the lower end of the pay scale. Those who acquire experience or pursue further education can secure better job opportunities and higher incomes.
Education and Training
The educational requirements for most office managers are post-secondary education, such as an associate’s degree or even a bachelor’s degree. If you’re interested in becoming an office manager, the first step to the position can be an associate’s degree in liberal arts.
Completion of a liberal arts education program offers many benefits, and prepares graduates to:
- Apply critical-thinking methods to identify problems and recommend solutions.
- Effectively communicate in any business setting.
- Use computers and software application, such as spreadsheet and word-processing programs.
- Integrate skills from many different disciplines, including writing, social sciences and math.
- Transition into a bachelor’s degree program.
Is an Office Manager Job Right for You?
If you like working on a wide variety of projects, managing resources and being in charge of a company’s day-to-day operations, then an office manager job may be the career for you.
