Administration Officer

Administration officers perform a range of administrative tasks to ensure an organisation functions efficiently. Administration officers are required to have an understanding of the purpose and background of the organization they are working for and the roles of other staff. 


They must know about office methods and systems, office equipment, software packages and health and safety in the workplace. They may also need to have knowledge of budgeting and report writing.

The job of administration officers has changed significantly in recent years. Whereas, previously, administration officers spent a lot of time performing traditional administrative tasks such as typing and filing, increasingly the job has expanded to include project management or support work, desktop publishing, computer training and assistance and web page development.

New technology has had a major impact on the role of administration officers. Increased office automation has assisted administrative work, making administration officers more efficient and productive, and in some organisations this has meant a reduction in the number of administration officers employed. Experience in computer software programmes is becoming increasingly important and continuing advances made in information technology mean that they will be required to continually update their IT knowledge in the foreseeable future.

Administration officers usually work regular office hours. Administration officers use computers, software packages, fax machines, telephone systems, filing systems; salary and leave record systems; photocopiers and binding machines. They may also be required to use a company car and have knowledge of statutes, Acts and other regulations.


Personal Requirements

  • time management skills
  • good communication and writing skills
  • problem-solving skills
  • computer literacy, with word processing skills
  • ability to multi-task and work well within a team environment
  • tolerant, helpful and friendly
  • responsible and reliable
  • neat and accurate
  • adaptability, to take on new responsibilities as required
  • aptitude for figures
  • clean and tidy appearance


Employment

  • most commercial firms and large industrial organisations
  • banks and building societies
  • government departments


Getting Started

  • talk to an administrative officer and ask permission to observe them at work
  • obtain vacation work in an administrative position at some organisation
  • visit careers exhibitions


Programmes


Related Occupations


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