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.

Office Manager