Office Manager Kaiwhakahaere Tari
Office managers are responsible for a range of tasks that make an office run smoothly, including administrative duties, staff supervision and financial work.
Office managers may do some or all of the following:
- supervise and plan the work of other administrative staff
- interview and train staff
- manage budgets, accounts, payroll, and prepare financial reports
- ensure the office meets health and safety requirements
- manage facilities and supply ordering
- respond to customer enquiries
- organise meetings, manage events, and take minutes
- maintain records, computer files, databases and websites.
Useful Experience
Useful experience for office managers includes:
- accountancy or payroll
- administration work
- computer work, such as using administrative software and intranets
- implementing or improving policies, including health and safety
- managing or supervising staff.
Personal Qualities
Office managers need to be:
- approachable
- able to to communicate, interact and relate to people from a range of different cultures
- able to prioritise tasks
- comfortable working under pressure
- confident decision makers and problem solvers.
Skills
Office managers need to have:
- knowledge of administration policies, systems and procedures
- the ability to supervise and lead staff, including training and conflict management skills
- an understanding of their organisations' policies
- computer skills, including word-processing and using relevant computer software
- the ability to keep information confidential
- an understanding of health and safety in the workplace
- an understanding of relevant legislation such as the Employment Relations Act.
Conditions
Office managers:
- usually work regular business hours, but may be required to work evenings and weekends to complete projects
- usually work in offices, but may be able to work from home
- may travel to attend conferences, meetings and training courses.
Subject Recommendations
There are no specific secondary education requirements to become an office manager. However, NCEA Level 3 English, business studies, accounting, digital technologies and maths are useful.
Office Managers can earn around $60K-$85K per year.
Pay for office managers varies depending on skills and experience.
- Office managers usually earn $60,000 to $85,000 a year.
Source: Hays, 'Salary Guide FY 23/24', 2023; and PERSOLKELLY, '2023-2024 Salary Guide', 2023.
Office managers may move into related roles that use similar skills such as:
Years Of Training
There are no specific requirements to become an office manager. However, qualifications in business administration, management or human resources may be useful.