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How to Become an Administrative Assistant: Australian Careers in Business Administration

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What is a Administrative Assistant?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Administrative Assistant?

An Administrative Assistant keeps an office running by managing daily tasks and helping staff at all levels. They book meetings, sort mail, update records, and prepare reports. This work spans many sectors, including health, education, and finance.

Assistants are often the first person visitors or callers deal with. Clear writing, a tidy filing system, and a calm approach are all key to the job. They also manage office supplies and handle basic data entry.

Most roles need strong skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook). Many assistants also do basic accounts and transcription work. These skills are useful in many different industries.

With time and experience, assistants can move into roles such as Office Manager, Executive Assistant, or Project Coordinator. The job suits people who like variety and staying on top of things.

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Career snapshots For Administrative Assistants

Administrative Assistants are one of the most common jobs in Australia. Around 306,000 people work in General Clerk and related roles across the country (YourCareer, 2025). Future demand is rated as strong, with steady hiring across health, education, and other sectors.

Average weekly pay is about $1,305, or around $68,000 per year (YourCareer, 2025). Entry-level roles tend to start around $55,000. Senior assistants can earn up to $85,000 per year.

The role exists across many sectors, including education, health, finance, public service, and construction. This wide spread means strong job security and the freedom to work in a field you enjoy.

What will I do?

Administrative Assistants keep workplaces running each day. They handle a wide range of tasks that support staff and managers. The role suits people who are neat, detail-focused, and good with others.

  • Records, prepares, sorts, classifies, and files information – Keeps all data and papers accurate and easy to find.
  • Sorts, opens, and sends mail – Keeps incoming and outgoing letters moving so nothing gets missed.
  • Photocopies and faxes documents – Copies and sends papers as the team needs them.
  • Prepares routine reports – Puts together regular reports to keep managers up to date.
  • Records issue of equipment to staff – Tracks which equipment has gone out to keep stock in order.
  • Receives letters and telephone messages – Answers calls and letters and passes them on quickly.
  • Transcribes information and proofreads copy – Types up notes or spoken content and checks it for errors.
  • Provides customers with information about services – Answers questions from clients and the public in a clear, helpful way.
  • May perform receptionist duties – Greets visitors and runs the front desk, making a good first impression.

What skills do I need?

Administrative Assistants need a mix of tech and people skills to do the job well. Being organised is central, helping them manage many tasks at once without losing track. Skill in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) is needed in most roles.

Good writing and clear speech are key. Assistants deal with clients, colleagues, and visitors every day, so a calm and friendly manner matters. The ability to stay cool under pressure and solve small problems quickly is also valued.

As tech changes, a willingness to learn new tools keeps assistants effective and useful. Those who mix strong skills with a positive attitude tend to stand out.

Skills/attributes

  • Strong organisational skills
  • Clear written and verbal communication
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to multitask and prioritise
  • Time management
  • Customer service focus
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Data entry and record-keeping
  • Ability to work independently and in a team
  • Professional conduct and discretion
  • Adaptability to new technologies
  • Basic financial administration (beneficial)

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About the author

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson

Laura Atkinson is an Account Management and SEM specialist at Course Finder Group with six years' experience in the Australian education sector. She works day to day with universities, TAFEs and independent training providers, which gives her a close view of how courses map to real career outcomes. She writes practical guidance on career pathways, choosing the right qualification and what to expect when moving into a new field.