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Business administrative assistant skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025
6 min read
Quoted experts
Dr. Mike Peterson Ph.D.,
Anne McConnell Ph.D.
Business administrative assistant example skills
Below we've compiled a list of the most critical business administrative assistant skills. We ranked the top skills for business administrative assistants based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 11.1% of business administrative assistant resumes contained powerpoint as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a business administrative assistant needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 business administrative assistant skills for your resume and career

1. PowerPoint

Here's how business administrative assistants use powerpoint:
  • Coordinate Bi-Weekly meetings for the Maritime and Logistics Division and work with designated Manger on PowerPoint presentation.
  • Supported staff with Quarterly Dashboard PowerPoint presentations for publication on Alaska Venture SharePoint site.

2. Data Entry

Data entry means entering data into a company's system with the help of a keyboard. A person responsible for entering data may also be asked to verify the authenticity of the data being entered. A person doing data entry must pay great attention to tiny details.

Here's how business administrative assistants use data entry:
  • Developed extensive data entry experience through updating the university alumni information in the university alumni database.
  • Performed data entry and other administrative duties

3. Provides Administrative Support

Here's how business administrative assistants use provides administrative support:
  • Manage Executive member of management schedule and provides administrative support to alternate management as well as clients.
  • Position provides administrative support to managers, directors and vice presidents and executive vice presidents.

4. Expense Reports

Here's how business administrative assistants use expense reports:
  • Answer phones-Code and process invoices for payment-process payroll-Greet guest-File -Take attendance of students-run errands-Mentor students-Assist with fundraisers-Process expense reports for employees
  • Coordinate domestic and international travel arrangements, prepare detailed itineraries and audit, submit and track expense reports.

5. Purchase Orders

Here's how business administrative assistants use purchase orders:
  • Developed daily reports, issued purchase orders and coordinated supply ordering.
  • Generated purchase requisitions and purchase orders for ordering and payments.

6. Financial Reports

Here's how business administrative assistants use financial reports:
  • Prepared financial reports, developed and facilitated budgets, and performed variance analysis in accordance with organization goals.
  • Handled confidential correspondence and financial reports relating to personnel and negotiations.

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7. Payroll

Payroll is the sum of all the compensation that an organization has to pay to employees at a specified time. Payroll is managed by the finance or HR department while small business owners may handle it themselves. Payroll isn't fixed as it varies every month due to sick leaves, overtime, etc.

Here's how business administrative assistants use payroll:
  • Managed payroll system and output, Calculated and reconciled student educational hours, Managed financial payment records of attendees.
  • Hired and trained human resources and payroll coordinator, district bookkeeper and administrative assistant.

8. Business Development

Business development is the ideas or initiatives that work to make business work better. Selling, advertising, product development, supply chain management, and vendor management are only a few of the divisions involved with it. There is still a lot of networking, negotiating, forming alliances, and trying to save money. The goals set for business development guide and coordinate with all of these various operations and sectors.

Here's how business administrative assistants use business development:
  • Provided general administrative and business development/proposal support.
  • Supported the Director of Business Development and twelve managers within the Papers Group focusing on confidentiality and accuracy.

9. Business Administration

Business administration is the management of a commercial firm. It incorporates all aspects of supervising and overseeing business operations. Considering the leadership and management perspective it unfolds into the fields of accounting, finance, quality assurance, data analysis, sales, information-technology management building administration, design, development, project management, research and development, and marketing.

Here's how business administrative assistants use business administration:
  • Oversee and maintain over 400 students curriculum sheet for Business Administration and Business Administration with an Economics concentration.
  • Mentored peers in completing projects utilizing skills gained in business administration.

10. Office Equipment

Here's how business administrative assistants use office equipment:
  • Supported 250 employees in operational functions which include set-up of laptops, monitors, printers, telephones and general office equipment.
  • Processed employee loans from 401 (k) plan and handled inventory control of computers, monitors and all office equipment.

11. Administrative Tasks

Here's how business administrative assistants use administrative tasks:
  • Conducted a variety of general administrative tasks as assigned.
  • Performed various clerical, accounting and administrative tasks.

12. Calendar Management

Here's how business administrative assistants use calendar management:
  • Calendar management- Schedule internal/external meetings, appointments, and coordinate conference calls.
  • Provided direct administrative support to the Supply Chain Manager with calendar management.

13. Word Processing

Here's how business administrative assistants use word processing:
  • Perform administrative functions including, word processing, managing files and records, and communicating via telephone and email.
  • Arranged travel schedules, coordinated and executed word processing tasks.

14. Conference Calls

Conference calls are call that involves three or more people who can speak at the same time. One of the persons connected may add the person to confer through the phone whose voice can be heard by all of those on the line. This can be done when the phone is used as a feature for a conference call that allows the initial caller to add more listeners or speakers on the same line without losing the first person he called. This is used to listen or communicate to different people at the same time that would save time, effort and avoid repeating the same discussion.

Here's how business administrative assistants use conference calls:
  • Conducted weekly business conference calls with senior management and regional executives.
  • Coordinated conference calls and meetings using Microsoft Outlook.

15. Telephone Calls

Telephone calls are a communication means through which a caller is connected to the called party. The call is done through a telecommunications device called a telephone. The caller can use a landline, mobile phone, or satellite phone to make the call.

Here's how business administrative assistants use telephone calls:
  • Screened and reviewed incoming telephone calls and mail.
  • Answer phones and field telephone calls.
top-skills

What skills help Business Administrative Assistants find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on business administrative assistant resumes?

Dr. Mike Peterson Ph.D.Dr. Mike Peterson Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Department Chair and Associate Professor of English, Dixie State University

Writing skills have always been valued by employers, but anything that shows an ability to write, produce, or communicate in digital spaces will stand out. While employers are becoming increasingly comfortable having employees work and collaborate digitally (from home or elsewhere), they may still be reluctant to train employees how to do that. They want to see evidence that applicants will know how to use technology and stay productive without extensive training and without a supervisor having to stand behind them. That isn't to say training won't take place, but employers want to use their valuable time and resources training employees on their own systems, policies, and procedures; they don't want to have to show new-hires how to use Zoom, how to format a memo, how to write an email, or how to co-edit a document using OneDrive.

What business administrative assistant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Anne McConnell Ph.D.

Professor, West Virginia State University

I would encourage someone taking a gap year to branch out, seeking work experiences and employment situations that expose them to new skills and allow them to interact with a diverse set of people. Sometimes we find ourselves in a bubble-communicating with the same people, who tend to share the same ideas-and a gap year provides the opportunity to extend beyond that. Employers value employees who have open, flexible minds, and seeking out experiences that demonstrate that openness can be helpful.

What type of skills will young business administrative assistants need?

Angela Robbins Ph.D.Angela Robbins Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Associate Professor of History, Meredith College

History majors are in high demand in government, business, and non-profits because of the knowledge and skills they gain in the classroom. History majors, in particular, are especially good at contextualizing-that is, explaining how an event or discussion fits within the big picture. This includes how things that are going on today-such as the Capitol riot on January 6-connects to the Constitution, the balance of powers, the way democracy works, and related issues such as the implications of propaganda and misinformation. This goes well beyond merely expressing an opinion or debating two sides of an issue. Students of history do their research and practice skills of analysis, collecting and scrutinizing evidence rather than taking something at face value or only relying on a single source. We take sources apart to evaluate the credentials of their creators and search for bias. We examine sources from various creators so we take into account multiple experiences and points of view. Then we synthesize-or bring the sources together-in order to communicate what it all means. These skills are desired by employers and translate well into many careers and work environments. Seeking good evidence to answer questions and solve problems, whether that's in the classroom today or working with clients later, is a skill that employers highly value.

Students are practicing other skills that are necessary to success in the workplace, whether that will be in person or online. Time management, seeing a project through from start to finish, hosting and contributing to meetings, working on a team-whether it's two people or ten-and creating appropriate types of presentations to communicate ideas are all things our students can tell their employers they will come in with so they can hit the ground running. In addition, our majors develop self-awareness, empathy, and an appreciation of diverse opinions and approaches to problems through investigation of the life experiences of historical figures and their classroom discussions with classmates. Certainly, every employer wants you to learn the specifics within their sector, but these skills are fairly universal and will benefit majors as they move from the classroom to career.

What technical skills for a business administrative assistant stand out to employers?

Christi Patton Luks

Professor (NTT) and Associate Chair for Academic Affairs, Missouri University of Science & Technology

I've always felt that the most important thing we teach our students is problem-solving skills. The students who can readily relate the theory to their practical experience to develop new solutions are the most valuable. Engineering students that are active on design teams or took advantage of internships and co-ops are in great position for this.

What soft skills should all business administrative assistants possess?

Brandy BaileyBrandy Bailey LinkedIn profile

Career Coach, Ohio University - Lancaster Campus

Soft skills may vary depending on the employer, industry, and personal opinions. My biggest ones are communication skills, adaptability, self-awareness, teamwork, problem-solving, intercultural competency, creativity or innovation, and time management.
Do you want to know more?
Read more about what experts have to say about business administrative assistant

List of business administrative assistant skills to add to your resume

Business administrative assistant skills

The most important skills for a business administrative assistant resume and required skills for a business administrative assistant to have include:

  • PowerPoint
  • Data Entry
  • Provides Administrative Support
  • Expense Reports
  • Purchase Orders
  • Financial Reports
  • Payroll
  • Business Development
  • Business Administration
  • Office Equipment
  • Administrative Tasks
  • Calendar Management
  • Word Processing
  • Conference Calls
  • Telephone Calls
  • Scheduling Appointments
  • Front Desk
  • Event Planning
  • Meeting Minutes
  • SharePoint
  • Administrative Functions
  • Business Operations
  • Clerical Support
  • HR
  • Real Estate
  • QuickBooks
  • Business Support
  • External Clients
  • International Travel Arrangements
  • Presentation Materials
  • Statistical Reports
  • Hard Copy
  • Financial Statements
  • Bank Deposits
  • Fax Machines
  • Sales Reports
  • Business Planning
  • Administrative Assistance
  • Multi-Line Phone System
  • Bank Statements
  • Windows
  • Facebook
  • Direct Reports
  • Inventory Control
  • Financial Data
  • ADP
  • Mail Merge

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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