Description

• Executive secretaries support high level managers and top executives within an organization. They carry out more office management and information management tasks than general secretaries. Also, their day-to-day activities are more versatile. They may perform project-based work and carry out complex duties with a high level of autonomy. Because executive secretaries assist top level executives, they typically come in contact with confidential and sensitive material.
  
  

Skills

• Executive secretaries are proficient with computer software and operating systems. They are competent typists and possess strong grammar skills. Because an executive secretary is an advanced administrative position, organizational and management skills are essential. Thus, many executive secretaries also manage other office staff. Executive secretaries can work independently and have good discretionary skills. Employers usually seek detail-oriented individuals with excellent communication skills for these positions.
  
  

Qualifications

• Although a high school diploma and some administrative skills are typical requirements for general secretarial and administrative assistant positions, qualified candidates for executive secretarial positions usually have an Associate's or Bachelor's degree, in addition to secretarial work experience. Some employers require executive secretaries to have three to five years of experience in office administration.
  
  

Duties

• Executive secretaries are responsible for preparing reports and other documents. They are responsible for calendars, mail and other correspondence. They perform clerical duties and office management responsibilities and handle and maintain records of financial transactions.
  
  Executive secretaries often communicate on behalf of their superiors to other managers, employees and individuals outside of the company. Some executive secretaries manage offices and delegate tasks to other administrative staff. Executive secretaries also arrange conferences, meetings and business trips.
  
  

Work Environment

• Executive secretaries typically work full-time for an average of 40 hours a week. Few are employed part-time or self-employed. At times, they might be required to work overtime and weekend hours. It is standard for executive secretaries to work in office settings within a wide range of industries.