As a business office manager, you may work in a general office environment for a company, business or organization. You might also specialize in medical or legal fields. You'll usually work under the direction of an administrator, handling the day-to-day operations of your office. Keep reading to learn more about a career in business office management.
Job Duties of a Business Office Manager
As a business office manager, you'll perform a variety of administrative and supervisory duties to ensure office operations run smoothly. You may sort and deliver mail, create company documents and maintain the company's filing system. Office managers might also order supplies, answer phones and operate office equipment, such as computers, fax machines, printers and copiers.
You may schedule appointments for your supervisor and schedule the work hours of staff. You can also expect to oversee other clerical professionals and interact with clients, customers and employees to solve problems. Additionally, office managers might interview and hire new employees, provide training and evaluate employees' performance.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutBusinessOfficeManagers"> Important Facts About Business Office Managers</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $99,290 (<i>for all administrative service managers</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td> 7% growth</td></tr>
<tr><td> Work Environment </td><td> Finance and insurance companies; professional, scientific, and technical services</td></tr>
<tr><td> Similar Occupations </td><td> Cost estimators, top executives, purchasing managers, buyers, and purchasing agents</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---Requirements"> Requirements</h3><p>Employers typically look for business office managers with experience in office administration and some knowledge of the company's industry. An associate's degree program in office management can prepare you for entry-level employment in this field through coursework in business law, decision making, economics, accounting and information management. You may also take courses in Microsoft Office and other clerical software. Keep in mind that, if you want to work in medical and legal offices, you will likely need to complete specialized training programs to learn terms and processes specific to those fields.
</p><h3 id="section---OtherQualifications"> Other Qualifications</h3><p>As an office manager, you must be able to work both independently and as part of a team. Written and verbal communication skills are essential, since managers must interact with and oversee various staff members and clientele. You must have strong organizational, decision-making and multitasking abilities to carry out tasks efficiently.
</p><h3 id="section---CareerOptions"> Career Options</h3><p>Office managers are needed in a variety of business areas. You might work in an office for a construction company, real estate firm, government agency, healthcare facility or academic institution. Job duties may vary by work setting. If you choose to work in a medical office, for example, you may be responsible for insurance verification, medical billing, collections and other accounts receivable tasks.</p>
