Office Managers work in a variety of settings and have a wide variety of responsibilities. Each task an office manager has ensures the staff can work together dynamically. They are often accountable for planning the work and supervising the staff. This means they are responsible for knowing strengths and weaknesses for each member of the organization.

Other duties an office manager has are:

• Developing office procedures and policies
• Filing and maintaining office records
• Dictating, typing and word processing
• Interviewing prospective clerical employees
• Evaluating the performance of each staff member
• Resolving inter office disputes

Additional responsibilities of an office manager include training new employees in office procedures, telephone systems and office equipment. When new equipment is introduced or computer software is updated it is the duty of the office manager to train the employees to operate it.

These managers play a key role in making sure an office is running smoothly. Being an office manager generally requires significant leadership, communication and organization skills. The use of new technology by business is expected to increase productivity and allow office managers to take on new tasks.

A career in office management is a great way to get your foot in the door and advance to other positions in the business world. If you are interested in business and possess the right skills, office management is a terrific choice.

Education / Getting Started

Employment in office management often requires nothing more than an associate's degree with a focus on business. Experience is also very important when seeking this type of position. Office managers show strong skill in organization, communication, leadership, teamwork, problem solving and loyalty. Employers also look for people with the ability to organize and coordinate work, to set priorities and to motivate others.

A good way to gain the skills and knowledge needed to become an office manager is to get certified. Many educational institutions offer training and certification in business administration with classes in finance, communication, management, marketing and human resources. Certification usually takes less than two years and largely enhances promotion opportunities in companies.

Office Management Salaries

All businesses and organizations need a responsible and efficient office manager in order to function effectively. In 2002, office managers held approximately 1.5 million positions in the United States alone. Jobs for office managers are found in nearly every industry but are particularly prominent in organizations with a vast administrative support workforce.

Salary Ranges / Job Outlook for Office Management

Due to the fact that the number of applicants often exceeds the number of job openings, there is avid competition in the field of office management. However, the demand for office managers is anticipated to grow steadily through 2012 in the U.S.

Currently, job openings are arising because the number of business firms and organizations are continually growing. Positions for office managers are also opening because of promotions within a company. A considerable number of openings stem from the need to replace those managers who have excelled to other positions within the company.

In 2002, the median pay rate for office managers was approximately $38,820 annually. The low end of this scale earned around $23,630 and the high end earned around $65,180 annually. In addition to other typical employment benefits, office managers may receive compensation through bonuses and stock options.

Like any other profession the pay range depends upon factors such as skills, experience, type of employment and geographic location.

Advancement opportunities within a company are very common with office management positions. Progression is possible by increasing knowledge about the company and acquiring the skills valued by an employer.