Administrative Assistant Job Description Financial Services

Current job title: Administrative Assistant

Industry: Financial Services (life insurance, retirement plans, investments etc.)

Department: Sales and policy services administration

Years worked in this industry: 2

Years worked in this department: 2

Special training or attributes needed or helpful to get job in this industry (or specific department): My previous experience in human resources was very helpful as I was already familiar with most retirement benefit plans.

Number of managers and/or staff supported: 2

Typical work hours: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Weekends or overtime hours: I do not work more than 4 days per week

General salary range (Note: This is a general figure or range provided by survey respondent and may NOT be an exact salary in order to give survey respondent some privacy. Also you must take into account that the number of years worked in industry/department may contribute to this salary as well as criteria such as level of position and person reports to, required hours and geographical location.): Part-time salary range of around $29,000

Benefits (direct or indirect): I do not have any direct benefits as I am an independent contractor. The indirect benefits are a higher salary, flexible work arrangement and more autonomy.

Lingo you might hear in this industry:

Cost basis-typically the initial amount paid for a security or similar investment

A typical day on the job: I spend most of my day assisting two very busy financial consultants prepare to meet new and existing clients. Together we look at what we already know about the client’s existing portfolio and try to anticipate gaps in their financial protection. For example, it the client has small children, we anticipate that they may be interested in setting up a college investment plan. I am responsible for gathering all of the materials to make that happen and then the financial consultant meets with the client. If the client decided to open the college fund, I am responsible for setting everything up and opening the account with the mutual fund company.

Positive things about being an administrative professional in this industry: There is never a dull moment.

Negative things about being an administrative professional in this industry:

There is little room for error. Any errors can cost a client money. If a trade is not executed at the proper time, it could mean thousands or possibly millions of dollars lost for a client and the financial consultant.

No matter how hard I work, I will never earn the kind of money that the actual financial consultant makes even though, if not for me, very little would happen.

Change in the industry happens at a break-neck pace. Changes in upper management, laws and regulations, the stock market, etc.

Type of workspace/office: cubicle

Primary responsibilities as an administrative professional in this position:

Executing trades
Sending and receiving correspondence
Setting up appointments
Preparing files and materials for client meetings
Keeping track of current requirements

Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement:

The ability to prioritize
The ability to “go with the flow”
A very thick skin and a very short memory

Office machines or equipment operated regularly:

Personal computer
Fax machine
Binding machine
Copier

Technology (hard) skills used regularly: Computer skills (both operating and troubleshooting)

Critical soft skills:

Effective communication
Anticipating the needs of others
Follow through
Compromise

Pace of this position: Extremely fast paced

Geographical region: Mid-Atlantic U.S.