Office Manager

The job title of Office Manager can take on various meanings and requirements depending upon the employer. Most offices, particularly those who serve the public, rely on someone to manage the day-to-day duties of the office. The Office Manager serves many functions, depending upon the type of office, its size and its function.

Office Managers are tasked with ensuring that administrative functions of the office are addressed. This includes hiring and scheduling administrative staff, such as receptionists and secretaries, and making sure that phones are answered and the public greeted appropriately. Typically these administrative employees report to the Office Manager, who must fill vacancies when they exist due to turnover, sickness or vacation. In very small offices, the office manager may perform some of these administrative functions, as well.

Office Managers are also usually responsible for office equipment and supplies. They must ensure that office machinery, such as copy machines and computers are in good working order, and that all supplies needed to perform business are available. They are tasked with ensuring that the office itself is clean and nicely decorated, and will usually manage the contract with a cleaning crew and groundskeeper, unless this is handled by building maintenance. They are typically responsible for the budget associated with these supplies, as well. This can be a large task in large offices, such as doctor's offices, where many supplies are required on a daily basis.

Office Managers often handle the financial records of the office, making bank deposits for payments collected and paying bills for rent, utilities, maintenance and supplies. They may also handle employee payroll functions and complete tax returns for the business. In addition, they may be responsible for, or oversee, billing functions for the business, sending out invoices and contacting delinquent clients about payment.

The Office Manager's role is critical to the success of a busy office. A competent office manager ensures that the office runs smoothly and seamlessly. When the office is a professional practice, such as a doctor's office or law firm, the office manager ensures that the professional can focus on his primary role, and not be worried with day to day office functions.

Office Managers must be detail oriented and have excellent organizational skills. They must be able to multi-task and work well with many different types of people, particularly in an office that serves the public.

The education required to be an office manager varies depending upon the required job functions and the hiring employer. For many positions, an undergraduate degree in business administration or a related degree is preferred, as is prior administrative office or relevant industry experience. Some coursework in accounting and management is desirable.

The Office Manager is the glue that holds a busy office together. This is a highly varied and responsible position that can provide an interesting challenge to the candidate who is organized and is talented at making an organization run like a well-oiled machine. To find available office manager positions, visit www.beyond.com.

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