Statutory Financial Reporting Training

Secretary/PA | Telephone Handling

Life in Administration: Overview	Over the last decade Secretarial/Administrative work has changed dramatically. Most work involves communication and word processing skills, and within specialist fields such as law, many secretaries/administrators are required to have relevant, high-level qualifications. Each company will require some administration, so there are many job opportunities, if you have the appropriate training and experience. Core responsibilities include: Planning – in advance and on your own initiative Organizing – time management. Identifying a logical order for daily and uncontrollable tasks Staffing – recruiting Directing – a leadership support system Controlling – creating a problem-free environment
Am I likely to Succeed?	There is a great demand for people with administrative skills. The role develops all round skills in communication and computer literacy. Once initial experience is gained, the job opportunities will vary depending on the level of training. To further your skills and advance your career you may like to contact one of the trainers listed on Underoak’s training directory.
Expected Salary	Administration covers a wide employment bracket. Starting salaries could be: £13,500 to £18,000 for jobs outside London £19,000 to £25,000 in London £30,000 - 40,000+ once further experience and training has been acquired
Training	Administrators usually train on the job. Most well paid jobs will require at least 1 years experience rather than qualifications – these qualifications are usually more desirable than essential. However, skills in Word, Excel and Access are often beneficial in order to fulfil the role efficiently. Other useful attributes include: A good telephone manner People skills Time management Organisational skills Speed writing / Short hand Languages Touch typing Minute taking Planning and meeting deadlines Oral and written communication skills Reliable and honest The normal minimum entry requirements are: A minimum typing speed of 45 wpm is normally required Good english language A business management degree may be useful (for roles with more responsibility) It is important to keep up to date with new technology and take advantage of any training courses offered. The range of IT skills you will need will depend on your specific role, but increasingly secretaries/administrators are responsible for a range of IT projects. You may wish to undergo training in web-authoring, design, PowerPoint, and/or statistical packages. Underoak lists many short courses to aid you in your career progression. These may be funded individually or through your company (please check the prices with the trainer, as sometimes they often offer a lower price for self funded training). To search these courses, simply type the relevant key words and click on ‘request information for free’ to send your enquiry direct to the trainer. Other soft skills may be useful, such as assertiveness or customer service, first aid and health and safety.
Related Careers	Administration is a good stepping stone into many careers. Here are some options available: Arts Administrator Barrister's Clerk Bilingual Secretary Clerical Assistant Company Secretary Diplomatic Service Education Administrator Human Resources Officer Office Manager Personal Assistant Press Officer Verbatim Reporter
Useful Links	City & Guilds London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administration (ICSA) Institute of Qualified Professional Secretaries (IQPS) Limited Institute of Legal Secretaries and PAs
Core Skills	Specific skills which you may develop from doing an administrative/secretarial or finance course include: Knowledge and awareness of business organisations Understanding contemporary theories concerning the practice of financial industries Numerical and quantitative skills Problem-solving and analytical ability Oral and written communication skills Knowledge of global business issues, and competence in languages Entrepreneurship
Job Sites	Select Office Recruit London Office Job Office Jobs Office Angels Secs in the City
Average working hours per week	Variable – Averaging at 35 hours per week.
Job Spotlight	Education Administrator The Role Education administrators organise and manage the administration, support systems and activities of an education institution. Most are based in higher or further education (HE or FE), with more opportunities arising in schools and private colleges. Tasks may include: Servicing committees Assisting with recruitment, public relations and marketing activities Administering student life – admission to graduation Administrative support to lecturers, tutors and teachers Dealing with queries and complaints procedures Coordinating examination and assessment processes Course evaluation and course approval procedures Preparing reports and statistics Developing future information systems Contributing to policy and planning Managing budgets Purchasing goods and equipment Supervising staff Organising and facilitating a variety of educational or social activities Salary: £18,000 - £26,000 dependent upon sector and location Experience: You will be expected to be trained to degree level if working in administration for the educational department. However, this does not necessarily need to be a degree in a related field.
Career Development	There are many opportunities to develop your career. You may wish to specialise in one industry, such as education, legal or medical secretarial work, or become a personal assistant to a company director or other senior manager. Alternatively, you could choose to use your organisational skills as an office manager. Membership of a professional body in the area that you are looking to move into can also help you make the transition and show that you are serious about a career in that area.

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