Clerical Assistant Job Profile and Description

As the name suggests, a clerical assistant is responsible for providing support to managers and staff employees by doing a whole range of clerical tasks. Basically a clerical assistant offers administrative support to clerks or a particular team of employees in a department, and are responsible for completing general office tasks on a day to day basis.

Clerical Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of a clerical assistant vary according to the organization or department, and could include the following:

  • Answering telephone calls and directing them to the concerned person
  • Making telephone calls
  • Taking and distributing messages
  • Scheduling meetings
  • Coordinating meetings
  • Handling inquiries
  • Performing work requests
  • Maintaining files and records
  • Distributing correspondence and documents
  • Sorting and distributing incoming mail
  • Keeping records of office activities
  • Photocopying, sending faxes and scanning
  • Sending emails
  • Preparing outgoing packages and mail
  • Typing out documents and letters
  • Updating database and maintaining it
  • Managing petty cash
  • Monitoring office supplies and ordering them
  • In-charge of overall neatness of the office
  • Checking invoices and making deposits
  • Coordinating workflow

Clerical Assistant Skills and Specifications

The skills and specifications needed to become a clerical assistant are as follows:

  • Outstanding organizational skills
  • Good in planning
  • Time management skills
  • Ability to prioritize work
  • Being accurate and having an eye for details
  • Ability to multitask
  • Having outstanding communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Confidentiality
  • Be able to work in a team
  • Have problem solving skills
  • Be meticulous

Clerical Assistant Education and Qualifications

The education and qualification requirements to be a clerical assistant are as follows:

  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Having an associate degree in office management or office administration can be advantageous in securing the job
  • Certification from International Association of Administrative Professionals can help the clerical assistant rise in the organization
  • Knowledge of computers
  • Proficient in using Internet and email client
  • Good typing skills
  • Good in math
  • Be knowledgeable of office management systems
  • Have knowledge of administrative procedures
  • Have basic accounting skills

Clerical Assistant Salary

The average salary of a clerical assistant is about $30,000. However, there are organizations that pay more if the clerical assistant is working for high ranking executives. Such clerical assistants can look to earn close to $40,000 annually or possibly more.

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