Office Administrator vs Office Manager: What Are the Differences?

Office Administrator vs Office Manager: What Are the Differences?

Imagine it’s 2020, and the COVID-19 pandemic has the world scrambling to fill vacant positions. Businesses have been working hard to ensure they have staff.

Managing employees is tricky. What’s more, hiring and training new ones is a hassle. What’s the best way to handle it? Become managerial savvy yourself.

Do you manage your company’s office and don’t know where to begin? Do the positions of office administrator vs office manager sound too similar to you? If so, this article’s for you.

Keep reading to learn the differences between the two and what makes them ideal for your business.

Responsibilities of an Office Administrator

Office administrators are responsible for the administrative side of running an office. They may handle the filing, data input, and various office duties. They are often the ones managing customer service and organizing other daily needs.

Additionally, they must be familiar with office software programs, databases, and proper office protocol. They are often responsible for supporting other staff. They also organize company information, records, and resources.

Responsibilities of an Office Manager

Office managers oversee the management operations of an office. They supervise the staff, manage budgets, and support the office’s strategic goals. They coordinate the office’s daily tasks, supporting the other administrative staff.

They check and assign tasks as well as provide direction and feedback. They also ensure all administrative policies and procedures are followed.

An office manager may also be accountable for hiring and training personnel. They also deal with employee conflicts and handle essential office equipment maintenance.

Educational Requirements

Educational requirements for an office manager and an office administrator differ in many ways. An office manager typically requires a bachelor’s degree or higher in an area such as business technology and administration.

An office administrator typically has an associate’s degree or a high school diploma. However, they do not always need a college degree and typically have on-the-job training depending on the company’s policies. Ultimately, the requirements and job roles will depend on the company.

Essential Skills

Office administrators should have skills like organization, communication, problem-solving, and attention to detail. Office managers should also have the skills of office administrators. But they must also have leadership, supervisory and managerial skills.

Both must be able to manage office operations, personnel, program planning, and budgeting. Both these roles have the same foundation of responsibility but vary in scope.

Salary 

The roles of an office administrator and office manager can be similar and often overlap, but the difference lies in the salary. An office administrator will typically have a salary that is lower than that of an office manager. Office manager often has higher salaries due to their more strategic nature of work.

Drawing the Line Between Office Administrator vs Office Manager

Overall, the differences between office administrator vs office manager might not be apparent. Dig deeper, and the organizational skills, responsibilities, and educational requirements separate them. If you’re looking to enter the administrative field, research both and find the best fit.

For more information on marketing, operations, logistics, and more, it’s time to turn to our blog. Let us help you stay focused on growing your business, conduct your office manager duties, and maintain a positive and productive office environment.

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