Current job title: Executive Assistant
Industry: Public Accounting
Department: Tax
Years worked in this industry: 17
Years worked in this department: 17
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department): No special
training. I think my previous job, working in a small office, helped me
land the position, as well as my skills.
Member of the International Association of Administrative Professionals (“IAAP”)
which provides me with a strong network of peers.
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: 5-10
Typical work hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30
p.m.
Weekends or overtime hours: From
mid-January to mid-April, we work overtime and required Saturday hours. I
get paid overtime.
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.): approx. $50,000.
(Yes, the number of years contributes and the fact that I support
the company CEO.)
Benefits (direct or indirect): Do not
believe the benefits are as good as they could be (we merged with other
firms and jointly represent a large pool of employees).
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
Workpapers: Documents obtained from the client that support their
financial activities.
Audited Financial Statements: Prepared annually as required by the client
(and or its governing body). It represents a snapshot of the previous
year’s income and expenses.
E-file: To file a tax return electronically, usually through a software
provider directly to the IRS.
A typical day on the job: Handle
routine correspondence, e-mail, phones. Track due dates for clients and
firm, plan meetings.
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: Diversity of tasks; more
exposure to Excel and its many functions.
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry:
Long hours
Stress during busy season
Deadlines
Type of workspace/office:
Desk in hall (near elevators)
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position:
Due date tracking
Meeting scheduling
Front Desk Support, as necessary
Preparation of Documents (including proposals)
E-filing of Tax Returns
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement:
Ability to work unsupervised.
Ability to multi-task
Good mind reader
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
Computer, fax, scanner, postal machine.
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Business Objects, Elite (practice management
system)
Critical soft skills:
Team
Player—usually have to pitch in during busy season.
Communicator—need to deal with clients.
Adaptability—ability to change gears when critical projects surface.
Pace of this position: Mostly average
(fast part of year)
Geographical region: Northeast U.S.
roduced by Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™ and Founder and President of The Effective Admin:
"My specialty is
serving administrative professionals like you with job performance and career
management advice. I have 24 years experience interacting with the 'real'
workplace and working administrative professionals."