What is a Clerical/Administrative Assistant?

Administrative support workers, sometimes called administrative support specialists, take care of clerical tasks in an office that helps their employer serve the public. Most administrative support workers work for government offices, although they can also work for private companies. They handle tasks that help organize the office such as storing files and inputting data into the payroll system. Administrative support workers need to be strong communicators because they handle internal communications, for example by scheduling meetings, and communicate with the public via phone and email. Administrative support workers are often highly knowledgeable about procedures in the office they work for so they can help customers and coworkers with their questions.

There are a few different ways to become an administrative support worker. About half have a bachelor's degree in business or administration. However, many do this job with only a high school diploma.

Administrative support workers usually need a few years of administrative experience, for example as assistants. Only then can they apply for an administrative support position, which usually pays around $33,023 a year.

An administrative staff performs necessary bookkeeping activities and maintains weekly schedules of employees. They provide support to a company and act as the point of contact for all employees. They also manage office supplies stock and place orders as well as maintain and update company databases. An administrative staff prepares reports and presentations with statistical data as assigned, and they earn a median sum of $61,000 annually or $29 per hour.

The administrative staff is tasked with performing multi-tasking duties and coordinating direct mailings. They schedule complex activities, meetings, and events while writing reports and maintaining electronic and physical files. They also coordinate workspace, computer, and supplies for new employees with the IT department as well as resolve administrative problems by coordinating preparation of reports and finding solutions.

Administrative staff typically have an associate's degree in business administration or a similar role and experience with accounting software. They are expected to have attention to detail and the ability to keep records and files organized. Employers mostly prefer candidates with the ability to identify errors and solve problems.