Office Management Careers: Skills, Qualifications, and Salaries

Office managers tackle the necessary tasks to keep small and large businesses running. They manage an office and handle duties ranging from ensuring the office printer operates correctly to organizing corporate finances and administrative staff. Office managers develop numerous skills as an integral component of any successful business. In this article, learn if an office management position might be right for you.

What is office management?

Office management oversees the administrative aspects of a business to improve office efficiency and general operations. At its core, office management is a form of leadership, as managers supervise an administrative team, orient them toward a common goal, and can handle challenges. 

Office managers juggle many office tasks and need to hone certain skills, such as decision-making and communication, which are vital in day-to-day operations. 

What does an office manager do daily?

An office manager generally oversees the efficiency, organization, and well-being of the company and its staff. They communicate daily with their staff and the heads of departments who supervise their work. They typically work with a company’s finances, supplying weekly and monthly reports and budgeting.

An office manager must work closely with many people and be a supportive resource for their administration. Successful office managers are leaders and good problem-solvers who can troubleshoot various issues that may arise. 

Do you need a degree to become an office manager?

An office manager must at least complete secondary school. Some employers seek candidates with an associate or bachelor’s degree in office administration or a related field, but it’s not always required. If you attend college or university, ensure its business programmes are accredited.

Certifications and certificate programs can enhance your resume. The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) offers coursework and certification in various office management specialties. Some employers may also require a project management certification. 

Which degrees lead to office management roles?

A few areas of study that may best prepare you for a career in office management include a bachelor’s degree in business, business management, or public administration. These majors will help you learn how to handle finances, promote productivity, and lead an office to success. 

While a secondary school or a bachelor’s degree is usually sufficient, larger businesses might prefer applicants with a master’s degree in finance, marketing, accounting, or administration. A master’s degree ensures a certain level of specialization that a larger company may benefit from. In some cases, you will need proper certification along with a degree. 

Skills to develop to be an office manager

You’ll want to develop or enhance your skills to hold a business management position. Organizations value certain competencies and dispositions in any office management position, such as:  

• Budgeting: Office managers handle the business finances, so budgeting is critical. Being able to see the bigger picture, predicting company costs, and leaving room for troubleshooting will be essential. 

• Technological proficiency: As an office manager, you will be expected to correspond with people by phone and email. Depending on where you apply, knowing how to use certain software might be required. Make sure you do your research about a company to see what programs they use, and be sure to brush up on your knowledge. 

• Communication: Office managers work with several different people and may oversee the staff's well-being and efficiency. Being able to communicate properly is essential for success in a management position. 

• Organization: Personal organizational skills are essential to ensure you and the organization are successful. 

• Leadership: Confidence in yourself and your team will help you present yourself as an orderly leader. This will also generate more productivity overall if everyone is on the same page and ready to tackle the goals you set for them. 

Enhance your office manager skills.

Completing secondary school or getting a degree in the right field and obtaining proper certification will provide you with the foundational knowledge you need to be a successful office manager. However, if you’re looking to improve in certain areas, you can do a few things. 

One of the best ways to enhance your skills as a manager is to get to know who you’re working with. Say yes to the opportunities your company provides you. Going to company events and conferences will help you get to know your staff outside the office and allow you to form better relationships with the department leaders. 

There are also remote training courses in business management to help you enhance any technical, administrative, or technological skills you might like to work on.  

What is the average salary of an office manager?

According to Glassdoor, an office manager in Canada earns an average salary of $58,070 per year, but it will vary by education, experience level, location, and more [1]. Different industries will pay different salaries based on need. As an office manager, you may also receive additional pay, such as cash bonuses, profit sharing, and more.

What roles do office managers go on to do?

Once you’ve acquired your first management position, you may be able to grow internally over time. Your company’s leadership may assign you new duties or responsibilities. You might even create a team of your own in due time. 

Plenty of opportunities exist for external growth. You may want to move on to manage a larger corporation’s office, which is more attainable once you have a few years of experience.

Next steps 

If office management sounds like the right fit for you, there are a few places you can start. Begin by looking for jobs in your desired industry or location, and consider what degrees or certifications companies may require. 

Once you’ve narrowed your options, research those businesses to see what might be best suited for you. Look at how their business runs, what they value in an employee, and what you bring to the table. After that, you can begin applying online or in person.

If you’re ready to take the next step, consider earning a specialization on Coursera to enhance your resume and learn new skills. Fundamentals of Management, offered by the University of California Irvine, or Strategic Leadership and Management, offered by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, are two choices to help you learn office management skills.