What are administrative services?

Administrative services are activities that are essential to a company's operations. Administrative services can include a whole host of different services depending on the specific company's needs. The main goal of administrative services is to keep an organization and its employees operating as efficiently and effectively as possible.

Administrative services at an organization might include:

• Database management

• Accounting services

• Office administration

• Managing office supplies

• Human resources

• Scheduling meetings

• Maintaining important company records

• Answering phone calls and emails

There are many different roles that comprise the administrative services side of a company. They can be dedicated to whole departments, such as accounting, or also refer to individual roles such as secretaries, and administrative assistants. Companies also have the option to outsource some administrative services, like hiring an accountant during tax time.

Here are some different types of roles that are related to administrative services:

• Administrative assistants and clerks

Administrative assistants spend a lot of time performing tasks on computers, especially using word processing, database and spreadsheet software, and the web. These roles often rely on organization and time management skills to keep schedules for executives and managers on point.

• Bookkeepers and accountants

These roles focus on preparing and maintaining important financial reports. Some of an accountant's duties include preparing tax returns and ensuring that taxes are paid properly and on time, evaluating financial operations to recommend best practices, identifying issues and strategizing solutions, and helping organizations run efficiently in financial terms.

• Data entry clerks

A data entry clerk works at a call center inputting different kinds of information into computer databases. They also often come up with new possibilities for who the call center should contact and keep lists regarding people to contact and people that have already been contacted.

• Executive assistants

Executive assistants might act as personal assistants to high-level executives, also known as executive assistants, or might assist a professional in a different capacity that is related to a specific industry and job title. The role of an executive assistant can have many functions, however, some common primary tasks include:

• Scheduling for executives, senior-level managers, or other professionals

• Taking notes during meetings

• Fielding calls for executives or other professionals

• Taking dictation from executives or other professionals

Executive assistants most commonly perform administrative duties for large companies or corporations.

The main functions of HR are planning, controlling, directing, and organizing a company's hiring practices and most other internal issues concerning employees. Here are some of the key administrative functions of HR departments:

• Development and training of employees

• Keeping employer and employee relations positive

• Maintaining a company's culture

• Managing employee benefits

• Creating a safe working environment for all employees

• Handling disciplinary actions

HR departments are a crucial part of large companies' administrative services.

• Receptionists

Receptionists take care of administrative duties such as answering phone calls, scheduling meetings, and collecting information on visitors who come to a company. They also might direct proper communication channels and manage incoming and outgoing communications.