The administrative assistant’s role should evolve significantly over the next few years. Although aware of their boss’s tasks and responsibilities, they are often called upon to collaborate in various management activities for which they are unfortunately not trained, such as: management control, staff supervision, financial analyses, project management, etc... as, finally, the administrative assistant is very often the actual person in charge of administrating an SME.

This course is part of a 2-module program designed to enhance the functional and multitasking role of administrative assistants and thereby allow them to take on more responsibilities. Executives can then spend more time developing their enterprise.

1. Being proficient in the multi-tasking and multidisciplinary role of an administrative assistant
2. Participating in management and monitoring of corporate cases and projects
3. Understanding and taking part in the management/administration aspect of company members on a daily basis
4. Adapting to the company’s business strategies

1. Outline the mission and responsibilities of an office manager
   • The Office Manager’s role
   • Limits and scope of the position
   
   
2. Daily staff management
   • The CSST and legal framework of personnel management
   • Employment contract: from hiring date to end of mandate
   • Working time and absence management
   
   
3. Understanding financial accounting
   • Understanding the role and operations of accounting
   
   
4. Understanding business management
   • Understand business management data
   • Participate in budget-making process
   • Ensure budget monitoring
   
   
5. Developing interpersonal relationship skills
   • Establish strong relationships with other staff members
   • Be efficient in getting your message across
   • Manage interpersonal conflicts
   
   
6. Stimulating and motivating the administrative team
   • Be assertive with regard to your style of management
   • Organize and coordinate teamwork
   
   
7. Managing internal and external communications
   • Communication: meetings, seminars, compliance guidelines and assessment
   • Communication tools: posting, suggestion box, surveys
   • Day-to-day external communications: reception, correspondence, messaging, work orders, support, forms
   
   
8. Project management
   • Gantt chart
   • Project planning
   • Cost estimates and cost control
   • Project monitoring and timeline control
   • Project delivery and quality control