Current job title: Administrative
Professional
Industry: Finance
Department: Merchant Business
Technology
Years worked in this industry: 9
Years worked in this department: 5
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department): On the job
training…created the position then transitions that position to encompass
other areas, when accepting the position, requested education training in
Microsoft Excel, Access, Crystal Reporting, and Project Management to have
a point of reference.
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: 1 Vice President, 6
department managers, staff of 60
Typical work hours: 730 to 430 M-F
Weekends or overtime hours: Rarely,
depends on the project work needed to be completed before release.
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.): $20,000 -
$45,000
Benefits (direct or indirect): Yes,
very good…medical, dental, life insurance, 401(k), 9 holidays and
PTO (Personal Time Off)
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
Credit Card Processing:
Batch: the merchant’s transactions submitted for processing and payment.
Chargeback: Card holders dispute of a charge made by a merchant.
MOTO: Mail Order/Telephone Orders placed on credit card
A typical day on the job: Nothing
typical, tasks are based off of day of the week, week in the month, month
end, quarter end and year end processing. Reports are processed depending
on the date of the month.
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry:
Lots of variety and
opportunities to try new things.
Increased personal finance skills by learning the “flow of credit card
transactions.”
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry:
The position, by some
co-workers, is labeled as “mindless, time-filling work.”
Some also see it as a “know nothing, no skills required, lazy position.”
Some have referred to it as “just a flipping admin…don’t do anything”
Type of workspace/office:
Receptionist cubicle.
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position: We use the term “key
accountabilities” …includes basics like dependable attendance, adherence
to code of ethics, provide administrative support to managers and staff
including providing assistance when requested…could be filing, making file
folders, scheduled meeting, taking minutes, answer phones, assume a short
term project.
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement:
Dependable attendance, self-started, able to maintain confidence.
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
Computer, canon copier, fax machine, laser printer.
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
Computer, 10-key,
Critical soft skills: Confidant, able
to communicate with a vast array of personalities, need to know how to
“read” people, know their moods, work style, those who need to be
“pampered” and those who aren’t “touchy-feely”
Pace of this position: Average
(depending on project deadlines of others)
Geographical region: Midwest U.S.
Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™