Executive Assistant : Roles & Responsibilities
What is an EA?
An EA (Executive Assistant) is an individual who primarily supports their busy
boss and helps to make their working day (and sometimes personal life) easier.
From managing diaries and coordinating meetings to arranging transport &
accommodations, an executive assistant has to wear many hats in their day-today working life. As EA, you provide the support that allows your boss to shine.
EAs are almost like a business assistant for their Director or CEO or other highprofile individual. They’re required to think more strategically, offering more indepth project support. EAs often work at the very highest level of business, and
can even step in for their boss, if necessary.
As an EA, you may be required to make important decisions on behalf of your
superiors, and work as an ambassador for your company at all times. Being an
EA involves much more responsibility, and will often include more work out.
This position involves enormous organisational workloads. In an EA job, you’ll
need to be one step ahead in terms of planning and preparation for your boss.
You’ll need great communication skills, the ability to use most mainstream
computer programs, and a capability for thinking on your feet.
Job Duties of an Executive Assistant
Provide Administrative Assistance
In many aspects, the role of executive assistant is similar to that of a secretary
or administrative assistant. They perform clerical tasks, like accepting and
making phone calls, setting business meeting agendas, sending memos,
accepting visitors, reviewing incoming reports, and setting the executive’s daily
schedule.
Conduct Research
Executive assistants are sometimes asked to conduct market research and
prepare statistical reports that are used by executives to make business
decisions. Executive assistants are usually required to hold a degree in either
general business or the field in which they work; for example, an executive
assistant to a financial officer might hold a bachelor’s degree in finance. Some
executive assistants even possess a Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Act as a ‘Gatekeeper’
Company executives (Director/CEO) are usually well-known public figures with a
great deal of influence in their communities. As such, the time and attention of
an executive are constantly in demand. The role of ‘gatekeeper’ usually falls to
the executive assistant. He or she controls which phone calls and reports go
through to the executive, as well as what meetings are scheduled. To fulfil this
responsibility, executive assistants must clearly understand the goals, values,
and needs of both the company and the executive.
Supervise Clerical Staff & Other Employees
In the hierarchy that is a company executive’s clerical team, the executive
assistant is at the top. However, executive assistants often work closely with
lower-level administrative assistants & other teams to complete certain tasks
that require collaboration. In many companies, executive assistants supervise
the work of other teams and coordinate tasks.
The List is ever-growing :
Keep records
Calendar management
Client relations
Design and maintain a filing system
Organize meetings
Arrange travel plans
Typing
Event planning
Prepare reports
Processing expense reports
Take meeting minutes
……and more