What is an Admin Job

Administration is an extremely diverse job role, offering a variety of fantastic opportunities that appeal to many. Businesses need more administrative professionals as they grow, leading to high demand for this job role. In December 2022, Planit reported that admin roles employed approximately 10% of the UK’s workforce. Read all about the roles, responsibilities and requirements for administrators below.

What is the Job Function of Admin Staff Members?

Administrators are critical employees that aid the seamless operation of a business. They carry out clerical and administrative support tasks to colleagues and managers within an office environment. Administrators are often the first point of contact for customers and clients. They are responsible for ensuring that an office’s daily operations run smoothly. 

Administrative professionals can work in a range of different sectors including healthcare, technology, education, finance and government. With some experience, administrators can move up to senior administrators, document controllers, or human resource roles.

How to Become an Administrator

Several career paths are available for administrative work. Previous experience as an administrator is advantageous but not essential, as many companies offer training for entry level positions.

• General administrator work – sometimes employers will require 1-2 years of experience. However, it is possible to begin work as an office administrator with no prior experience.
• Specialised administrator jobs i.e. finance, medical, law – often require 3-4 years of experience within the relevant sector.
• Senior administrator roles – generally require several years of experience working as an administrator with a strong administrative skill set.

Qualifications are not essential to become an administrator, as skills can be taught on-the-job. However, a decent standard of education is often required, such as GCSEs or A-Levels. Vocational certifications could also help you obtain work. These include business/office administration, touch typing/shorthand and specific subject matter qualifications.

Administrative staff should possess the following to be successful:

• Excellent numerical skills
• IT skills including experience of various software programs
• Strong customer service skills
• Organisation and time management skills
• Excellent communication skills
• The ability to work as part of a team and by yourself
• Strong attention to detail

The Roles & Responsibilities of an Administrator

Administrators are responsible for keeping filing and documentation accurate and up-to-date.  Administrative roles exist in almost every industry, so the duties and responsibilities can vary.  Some administrators are customer-facing, whilst others take more of a background office support role.

The job role of an administrator typically involves the following administrative tasks:

• Data entry – keeping accurate records of business income and expenses
• Basic finance tasks – assisting with invoicing, budgeting and bookkeeping duties
• Clerical tasks – creating and maintaining organised filing systems and documentation
• Managing communications – dealing with customers enquiries by responding to emails and answering phone calls
• Arranging meetings – organising meetings, booking meeting rooms, writing agendas and preparing refreshments
• Taking minutes – using touch typing or shorthand to record precise minutes during meetings
• Managing diaries – helping to organise diaries for members of the management team including travel and meeting schedules
• Office management – ensuring that staff have any necessary equipment and ordering new supplies when required
• Organising business events – such as lunches, seasonal parties, team building events and company conferences

Take the First Step in Obtaining Work as an Administrator

Ready to begin your journey in finding work as an administrator? RE Recruitment works with a wide range of UK-based employers who are looking to hire skilled office-based administrators just like you. Get in touch with us today to begin the first step in your career as an administrator.