The duties of a secretary change depending on the industry, size of the company, and level of work. However, most of the secretary’s duties are administrative in nature. In general, the secretary assists management and the company by performing and organizing administrative tasks and activities, including receiving and processing information.
Professional qualifications
In order to be able to practice the profession of secretary, several schools offer special courses for “company secretaries”. In reality, however, many companies require a high school diploma or a college degree. In some cases, knowledge of one or more foreign languages is also required.
Secretary duties
- Preparation and management of correspondence, reports and documents
- Organizing and coordinating meetings, conferences, travel arrangements
- Maintaining schedules and calendars
- Organizing and confirming appointments and meetings
- Organizing internal and external events
- Manage incoming emails, correspondence and other documents
- Set up and maintain document management systems
- Set up workflows
- Collecting and filing documents
- Responding to inquiries and providing information
- Liaising with internal and external contacts
- Coordinating internal and external information flow
- Using office equipment
- Managing office supplies
- Carrying out all other administrative activities
Requirements and skills
Knowledge and experience in the use of major Windows programs (Excel, Words, etc.).
Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures.
Good oral and written communication skills, including the ability to listen attentively to express oneself clearly and to express oneself professionally and effectively.
Confidentiality. Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and adhering to the company’s ethical standards.
Work Management Skills. Including efficient planning and scheduling of work activities and the ability to set priorities and meet deadlines.
Dependability, initiative, and self-management skills, including initiative and the ability to solve problems without being asked.
Stress Tolerance.
Secretary wages
In most southern European countries, an inexperienced secretary can earn about €1,000 net per month. An experienced secretary earns about €1,400-1,500. In Northern European countries, salaries are around €2,000 per month or more.
In the United States, secretary salaries range from $2,000 to $4,000 per month.