Office Assistant Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

Office Assistant job description, duties, tasks, and responsibilities — Office Assistants ensure the smooth running of organizations they work for.

This post provides complete information on the job description of an office assistant, to help you learn the work they do.

it highlights the key duties, tasks, and responsibilities that commonly make up their role.

What Does an Office Assistant Do?

Office assistants are mostly entry-level employees who joined the workforce after a period of absence, or people who have deferred further education in order to join the workforce.

As an entry level employee, the office assistant will essentially be working with other departments of the organization to achieve a smooth running of such organization.

The office assistant job description includes ensuring that all paperwork is handled appropriately with adequate attention, and is filed correctly; preparing and opening mails, answering the phone and running general errands for senior members of staff.

Since most firms or organizations make use of large and complex databases of departmental records and services such as Banner, the office assistant might be required to enter information and ensure the accuracy and completeness of the data entered, and in the same vein generates reports of outputs as needed.

Job Summary:

As an Office Assistant, you will perform ad hoc or administrative functions. You will work with operations manager, as well as with business or office managers.

Your role will also include overseeing office communications, and if need be, petty cash as well.

You will also be responsible for scheduling appointments, receiving walk-in guests, and answering emails.
You may also work as a receptionist.

Office Assistant Job Description Example/Sample/Template

Here is an example of the job description office assistants usually execute.

Greet customers or other personnel of the firm by phone, in person, or through electronic media, including email
Assess the needs of customers and provide information concerning the services, procedures, and guidelines of the firm
Handle requests and transactions, or direct the matter or person to the proper department
Assist in resolving problems and complaint raised by unsatisfied customers
Process applications or forms to ensure completeness and accuracy
Compute and verify data, fees or payments
Enter data and forward paperwork afterwards
Use personal computer and a host of other office software applications, including word processing, email, and file management tools
Prepare files and documents in MS-Word by using predefined templates or by creating them from the scratch
Create and maintain files in Excel
May be asked to make PowerPoint presentations and use databases or Access
Operate office equipment like fax machines and printers
Perform data gathering and research activities and provide reports or summaries of information collected
Prepare or maintain reports of records and other statistical and quantitative data
May act as receiver of mail and correspondence for the work unit or department
Responsible for opening or reviewing correspondence and determining proper action to be taken
Responsible for departmental supplies and inventories, including tracking status and orders
File documents; develop and modify filing practices – this includes the usage of electronic in addition to paper records
Coordinate and organize department activities and functions like meetings; schedule, obtain use of rooms, and set up the rooms and equipment to be used.

Office Assistant Job Description for Resume

A resume for the position of office assistant can be written using information from the sample job description given above.

The job description, which shows a list of vital duties, tasks, and responsibilities can be used in making the professional experience section of the resume as shown in the complete office assistant resume example here.