what is an administration officer?

As an administration officer, you use your skills to ensure seamless business operations in an office setting. Your business acumen helps you understand the purpose and background of the company you work for to run the office smoothly. You perform various tasks to free up departmental managers for other responsibilities. As an administration officer, you should know about office methods, systems, equipment and software packages. You manage other administrative staff by assigning duties and preparing their schedules. You are also involved in hiring entry-level workers like cleaners and caretakers.

In the past, the role of an administration officer was to perform repetitive tasks like typing and filing. With technological advancements, the administration officer's role has evolved. Automation promotes efficiency and productivity in completing administrative tasks. Nowadays, the job description of an administration officer has expanded to include project management and support work. Hence, your role involves budgeting for new projects, planning workers' schedules and writing reports. Knowledge of information technology can help you leverage the benefits of technology and simplify your tasks.

You also welcome visitors and help them find their appointments as an administration officer.  You answer customer queries and resolve conflicts to ensure they receive the best customer service.

administration officer roles
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average administration officer salary

The average administration officer salary in Australia is $60,000 per year. When you don't have tertiary education or practical hands-on experience, your remuneration package will be lower than $50,000 annually. However, as you gain experience and specialise in specific areas of interest, your earnings increase to $65,000 yearly. Administration officers also receive additional pay by working overtime for higher hourly rates.

how to increase your salary as an administration officer

The salary expectations of administration officers vary depending on their certifications and experience level. You earn an entry-level salary when you don't have tertiary education like a Certificate III or IV in business administration. Administration officers with a diploma or bachelor's degree can negotiate higher salaries. Your work experience also influences your pay. Minimal work experience affects your earning potential since employers pay salaries based on your practical skills. With extensive experience in the role, your remuneration package increases.

Where you work also dictates your earnings since salaries fluctuate based on the cost of living and the demand for administration officers. Working in metro areas improves your salary prospects due to the demand for administration officers.

Want to know what you will earn as an administration officer? Check out what you are worth with our salary checker.

administration officer salary
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types of administration officers

 

Administration officers vary based on the industry they work in and their area of specialisation. Some of the types of administration officers include:

  • health administration officers: as a health administration officer, you perform administrative tasks in office settings. Your job includes maintaining patient records, directing patients to appointments, and replenishing office supplies. You also provide patients' medical records to doctors and manage other office workers.
  • legal administration officers: some administration officers work in law firms to manage office operations. Your job involves data entry tasks and filing documents. You assist lawyers with retrieving case files and maintaining client records. To excel in the role, you should conversate with legal terminology and collaborate with other administrative assistants to complete office tasks on time.
close up, woman smiling
close up, woman smiling
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working as an administration officer

Working as an administration officer involves juggling multiple tasks. Some are routine, but others could change daily depending on the work environment. Let's explore administration officers' specific duties, working environments and schedules.

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education and skills

 

As an administration officer, you play a crucial role in managing business operations and ensuring the smooth functioning of offices. To become an administration officer, you don't require formal qualifications. However, the following things improve your prospects:

  • educational qualifications: pursue a Certificate III or IV in business and specialise in administration or operations. The courses are available in TAFE and registered training organisations. To progress to higher positions, you need higher qualifications like a diploma in business operations or a bachelor's of business administration. The courses equip you with technical knowledge of running office operations and prepare you for supervisory and managerial duties.
  • work experience: you require extensive experience in administrative roles to become an administration officer. Data-entry roles and entry-level positions equip you with the necessary skills for the role.

administration officer skills and competencies

Some of the skills that an administration officer requires include:

  • delegation: your job involves assigning tasks and delegating responsibilities to other administrative staff. Good delegation skills prepare other workers for leadership positions.
  • communication skills: you are an important contact person in the organisation, so you should be courteous to visitors and respond to queries. Proper communication also improves transparency when you share your expectations with other employees.
  • organisation skills: you juggle multiple tasks, and without organisational skills, you cannot keep your work schedule in order. Organisational skills help you prioritise tasks and complete them in a time-efficient manner.
  • teamwork skills: you require teamwork skills to collaborate on administrative projects and develop new processes. Teamwork skills involve practising empathy and being a good listener to incorporate other people's opinions.
  • multitasking skills: you manage numerous tasks simultaneously as an administration officer. For instance, you respond to phone calls and emails in a timely manner. You also oversee projects and meet with customers and visitors. The ability to manage multiple tasks is a huge asset.
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FAQs about working as an administration officer

Here are the most asked questions about working as an administration officer:

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