How To Become An Office Manager
If you have always wanted to work in an office setting in a supervisory role, you can strive towards becoming an office manager. Also called an administrative services manager, your task will center on planning, directing and coordinating the support services of a company so that it will run smoothly. These support services can vary depending on the size of the organization but for smaller firms, office managers are responsible for running all support services. In larger firms, however, you could be responsible for only keeping records or ensuring that the buildings, grounds and other facilities are well maintained.
As an office manager, you are responsible for supervising clerical workers and other personnel who will be reporting directly to you. You see to it that office supplies are purchased on time and that they are stored well and properly distributed among the departments that need it. Before the purchase of any equipment or supplies are carried out, it may be necessary for you to craft budgets or enter into contracts with a particular supplier.
You are also in charge of keeping company records. You set guidelines for gathering records and seeing to it that all personnel of the company adhere to these policies to maintain uniformity in the company’s records. Doing so will make filing and future retrieval of information easier.
As office manager, you are expected to constantly review office policies and procedures to determine areas where operations can be made smoother. For example, you could find ways to better able manage how supplies are bought and distributed, how equipment and machinery are maintained or how records are being gathered and kept secure. They also look at how office personnel are using office equipment and energy. If office consumption is too much, you could also make recommendations on how best to conserve energy, lower utility costs and help the environment at the same time.
To succeed as an office manager, you need to possess leadership skills since you will have workers under you who will be relying on you for direction. Directing the activities of an office can be very exhausting and you must be able to do that without losing sight of priorities. You also need to be analytical since you must figure out which area of office operations are changes needed. Being detail-oriented and being a good communicator are also important skills that will help you become an efficient and effective office manager.
Why Become An Office Manager
There are many reasons to strive to become an office manager. First, it’s a supervisory position for those who are interested to hold leadership roles. Second, it’s also a very well-paying position that pays close to six-figure salaries on the average. Third, the job outlook is very positive for this profession in the next few years.
Office Manager Work Environment
Office managers are employed in virtually any industry. However, they are mostly hired by companies operating in the educational services and healthcare industries as well as by state and local governments. They can also be found in professional, scientific and technical services and finance and insurance companies. Their work schedule is typically fulltime although they may be on call to address urgent issues that might arise after work hours. Most of their days are spent inside the office but they may also go outside to make regular inspections of the equipment and facilities that are under their care.
Office Manager Salary
The Occupational Employment and Wages report of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that administrative services managers are paid a mean annual salary of $90,190. Those who work as office managers in the securities and commodity contracts intermediation and brokerage industry receive the highest pay at $130,870 annually while those who work in other financial investment activities industry are paid $127,150. The states where administrative services managers receive the highest pay are New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.
Office Manager Career Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected positive job outlook for administrative services managers. In the period covering 2012 to 2022, the employment rate for this occupation is set to rise 12 percent, a rate that is as fast as the average for all job types. The demand will come from the fact that they will be needed to keep organizations working smoothly and efficiently.
Office Manager Degree
While a high school diploma is the minimum requirement for this occupation, most office managers hold a bachelor’s degree in business, management and related fields. They must also possess work experience in the field that showcases their managerial abilities and leadership abilities. Certification, while not mandatory, may improve chances of employment. The Facilities Management Professional certification and the Certified Facility Manager certification can be obtained from the International Facility Management Association after meeting educational and experience requirements.
