What is an office manager?

An office or administrative manager  is responsible for leading and supervising employees in an office or professional setting. These professionals ensure their workplace runs smoothly, from interacting with clients or patients to ordering supplies to managing staff schedules. Let's take a closer look.

An office manager’s job description often includes a range of responsibilities, regardless of where they work. These might include executive decision-making, goal-setting, maintaining stock of office supplies and educating staff on compliance standards and regulations. Typically, they are responsible for maintaining daily business operations for a company or organization. The specific duties may vary depending on the industry. An office manager in a hospital can expect to face different tasks than an office manager of a government organization. In general, the manager oversees general office operations.

There are some daily tasks  that most office managers do regardless of industry. Here are a few examples:

• Enforcing office policies and procedures
• Filtering job applications for potential new hires
• Managing company accounts and records
• Offering administrative support
• Onboarding new employees
• Ordering office supplies
• Organizing in-office events
• Providing customer service
• Scheduling meetings and appointments with clients and staff
• Taking care of payroll
• Maintaining business property and equipment
• Working together with other departments (like HR and IT) to maintain smooth internal operations

Some skills an office manager needs can be learned through a business education program while other skills may be gained while actively working in the role. Aside from administrative know-how, skills such as leadership, communication, problem-solving and strategic planning.

Office and administrative managers work in a variety of places. From traditional businesses to professional offices for medical personnel to government organizations, many different entities require the oversight and skill of a competent office manager.

Here are a few industries in which office management jobs are common. 

Working as an office manager in a medical environment is an ideal way to work in healthcare outside of patient-facing roles. A medical office manager ensures smooth operations in a hospital or related practice. Specific duties include:

• Coordinating with medical professionals on creating and implementing daily policies and procedures
• Ordering medical supplies and office equipment
• Overseeing and managing clerical responsibilities of hospital employees

To work as an office manager in government means to oversee the daily operations within a public administration establishment or government facility. In this environment, someone in the role might:

• Answer questions from and provide information to the community
• Maintain and supervise filing systems
• Work with government officials to schedule and organize meetings

For those with administrative skills who are interested in working for the government, this may be a role to consider.

Even smaller companies, like startups, benefit from employing somone to manage the office. Those in an office management position within a smaller company can expect to have several daily tasks, such as:

• Greeting customers or guests (depending on the company)
• General administrative tasks, such as ordering office supplies
• Coordinating meetings and scheduling other events

To look at opportunities to work for larger companies in the future, gaining experience at smaller companies may be a good first step.

Unlike working for a startup, managing an office for a large corporation may involve more regulation.

The exact title may vary and will likely depend on the daily responsibilities. After all, large businesses often need several types of office managers working in different departments, from human resources to general business or facility managers.

Here are a few examples of the responsibilities at a larger corporation:

• Assisting other managers with enforcing company and office policies
• Designing and maintaining company record filing systems
• Updating staff on new office processes
• Vetting applications for prospective new hires

What is an office manager's typical career path? Aspiring office managers need a blend of education and experience. Here are the basic requirements:

Administrative managers generally need a bachelor’s degree  in business or a related field. Sometimes, a high school diploma is enough.

For graduates who already hold a bachelor’s degree but want to enhance their skill set, earning online business certificates can provide an expeditious route to learning more.  

As with most roles, working the way up gives the necessary insight, perspective and experience to fulfill a management role.

Office/administrative managers often start out as assistants. Since this role spans many industries, and allows exploration of other positions in a setting that speaks to interests and abilities. As noted, that can be a medical facility, a government organization or a traditional business.

While searching for jobs, be mindful of the desired location, distance to the office and potential salary. Taking these considerations into account can lead toward a role that is a good fit.

Making genuine professional connections can start at any time. Whether  considering school, in school or already working, getting to know other people in this field opens the door to mentorship, opportunities and insights. 

If you're curious about what is an office manager's education program, University of Phoenix offers an online business associate's degree .

Contact University of Phoenix for more information.