what is a administrator?

As an administrator, you perform various administrative functions in an organisation. For instance, you design office workflows and support office managers and department heads with work activities. You also maintain communication with internal and external parties in a company. Since you are the first point of contact for visitors, you need exceptional people skills to assist customers, vendors and clients.

Regardless of the industry or employer, an administrator acts as an organisation's backbone. You ensure that various departments, processes and employees work in unison. You facilitate the flow of information so that all parties are on the same page regarding company projects and goals.

As an administrator, you can work in most business sectors, from retail to transport, hospitals, universities and schools. Your job is to supervise other administrative staff and ensure they carry out their duties proficiently. While your day-to-day functions depend on the industry you work in, typical tasks include organising data and generating reports. Your customer-facing duties, such as processing customer orders and handling complaints, are also vital for the company's success.

The role of an administrator suits people with a systematic approach to processes. Being highly organised and detail-oriented is also crucial as you will be working independently, and your work should be error-free.

administrator jobs
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average administrator salary

with minimal experience and skills earn $50,000 annually. As you build your experience and skill level, your salary increases to $65,000 per year. Aside from the salary, the remuneration package also comes with multiple allowances, including car allowances, annual leave days and medical insurance. Some employers provide overtime pay for working extra hours and bonuses for achieving milestones.

ways to boost your administrator salary

As an administrator, your remuneration package depends on your area of specialisation. For instance, a hospital administrator may earn more than an office administrator due to the complexity of the role. The responsibilities you undertake dictate your earning potential in a company. You will probably receive a higher salary when you work as a senior administrator.

Large companies with unlimited resources also pay administrators more than smaller businesses. The company size determines the benefits you can receive in your remuneration package. Some locations also have better salary prospects due to the high demand for administrators. For instance, working in metro areas and large cities guarantees a higher salary due to the high cost of living and demand for administrators.

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

administrator salary
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types of administrators

Some types of administrators include:

  • accounts administrator: as an accounts administrator you are responsible for the financial records of an organization. You may also be responsible for managing payroll and other financial tasks.
  • data administrator: as a data administrator you are responsible for the organization and management of an organization's data. You are responsible for ensuring that data is accurate, complete, and up-to-date. You also develop and implement policies and procedures for data management.
  • contracts administrator: as a contracts administrator you are responsible for overseeing and managing the contracts of an organization. You are responsible for ensuring that the contracts are in compliance with the law and that they are fair to both parties involved.
  • legal administrator: as a legal administrator you provide administrative support to lawyers and other legal professionals. You work in law firms, government agencies, or other organizations that provide legal services. Your duties include managing office operations, preparing legal documents, and providing customer service.
  • human resources administrator: as a human resources administrator you are responsible for the management and coordination of the human resources function within an organization. A human resources administrator may also be responsible for the development and implementation of human resources policies and procedures, as well as the management of employee records.
  • planning administrator: as a planning administrator you help to develop, implement and oversee an organization's plans and goals.
  • office administrator: as an office administrator, you are responsible for an office's effective and smooth running. You perform clerical and administrative functions like preparing reports and operating a switchboard. Apart from general office duties, you also speak with clients and visitors.
  • school administrator: your job is to monitor the operations of a primary or secondary school. You file documents from various departments in the school and ensure accurate record-keeping.
  • university administrator: you can work for the central administration or specific university departments. You are the point of contact for staff and students. Your role often involves bookkeeping and taking care of university finances.
  • systems and network administrators: you maintain computer infrastructures by configuring them and ensuring their correct operation. You monitor networks and test them for weakness. You also install and implement updates to systems.
group having a conversation
group having a conversation
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working as an administrator

An administrator plays numerous roles in an organisation to ensure its operations run smoothly. Learn more about the role and its typical responsibilities to find out if this is the career for you.

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administrator education and skills

To become an administrator, you require knowledge of office technologies and bookkeeping. However, you don't require formal qualifications since most employers provide on-the-job training. Earning a degree in business improves your chances of job success. It also helps you advance more swiftly. Apart from a degree, you can also pursue a certificate or diploma course to gain useful skills. Most administrators acquire Certificate III or IV in business administration. Diploma courses are also available, such as a diploma in business operations.

administrator skills and competencies

Administrators should have the following qualities:

  • time management skills: as an administrator, you are responsible for creating and maintaining schedules and company calendars. You need time management skills to manage schedules effectively. Organisation skills help you timetable meetings, meet deadlines and delegate tasks. The skills also help you keep track of company responsibilities and ensure the business operations are running as expected.
  • leadership skills and management skills: as an administrator, you lead staff members and motivate them to perform their duties. You need leadership skills to inspire other office workers and train staff. Your management skills help you facilitate team collaboration, conduct performance reviews and communicate with staff.
  • financial management skills: as an administrator, you work on company budgets and take part in financial planning to manage project costs. You need budgeting and financial management skills to help you adhere to strict budgets and stick to the financial limitations of projects.
  • analytical and critical thinking skills: administrators are responsible for many analytical tasks. For instance, you may review company processes and policies and analyse market trends to improve business operations. Analytical skills also help you conduct staff reviews and use key performance indicators to measure employee performance.
  • communication and interpersonal skills: as an administrator, you communicate with many clients, workers, managers and other stakeholders. Communication skills help you address everyone appropriately and ensure stakeholders feel valued and respected.
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FAQs about working as an administrator

Here are the most asked questions about working as an administrator:

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