Current job title: Executive
Assistant/Office Manger
Industry: Wealth Management
Department: Accounting and Legal
Years worked in this industry: 1
Years worked in this department: 1
Special training or attributes needed or helpful to
get job in this industry (or specific department): Nothing
was required, but I obtained my current position due to my varied previous
work as an administrative assistant [in public relations and purchasing].
Number of
managers and/or staff supported: 4
Typical work hours: 8am -5pm, Monday
through Friday. (During tax season however, I typically work 8am – 7:30pm,
Monday through Sunday.)
Weekends or overtime hours: As above,
only during tax season. Yes, I receive time and a half, as well as an end
of season bonus.
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. $16.00/hour.
Benefits (direct or indirect): Decent health benefits, including optical and dental, a matching
401k with Schwab and free tax prep.
Lingo you might hear in this industry:
“Fiduciary,” is a term used in regards to matters of or relating to the
taxation and management of Trusts.
“Executor” is a person, or entity, in a will that acts in the same manner
as a Trustee does within a Trust, i.e. they distribute the funds in the
will.
“Pour-Over Will” is a will in which you transfer your assets to before
your death, in order to avoid probate court.
A typical day on the job:
Positive things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: You learn a lot about law, and
about accounting. You are also in a position to meet many people who may
be beneficial contacts if you are interested in moving up in the fields.
Negative things about being an administrative
professional in this industry: During tax season, the hours
are crazy, the bosses are crazy and you start to go a little crazy
yourself. In my particular firm there are very few people, so I end up
spending more time typing then I do talking to anyone.
Type of workspace/office:
front desk (also do reception)
Primary responsibilities as an administrative
professional in this position:
Top thing(s) incumbent admin would require of job
applicants seeking to be her/his position replacement: Must
have the ability to organize. Must be a self-starter, needs to be able to
take initiative. Needs to have a tough skin, my bosses don’t always have
the time to be nice; they can be critical and or cutting, but they don’t
mean it personally, they are just focused on their own goals.
Office machines or equipment operated regularly:
Computers, printers, copy machine, fax machine, scanner and postal meter.
Technology (hard) skills used regularly:
Advanced knowledge of Windows operating system. Software: Microsoft
Office, including Access; Data Entry for Lacerte and Lawgic. Knowledge of
a spool office phone line.
Critical soft skills: Listening is very
important because my bosses don’t always say exactly what they need. They
will half mention it and you have to really be listening to them, so that
you can get them what they want, not necessarily, what they asked for.
Honesty, because we are so small, no one can afford to hide or tell lies.
Organization, because there is always a lot of paper floating around my
desk and if I’m not on top of it, then it gets lost and/or misplaced.
Pace of this position: Incredibly fast.
Geographical region: Northwest U.S.
Karen Porter, The Administrative Professional Job Performance and Career Success Coach™