Office manager job description

No formal qualification is legally required to work as an office manager, though a certificate or diploma in business administration is advantageous. Employers generally value proven administration experience, computer literacy and organisational skills more than formal credentials. Supervisory experience and basic bookkeeping knowledge are also desirable for the role.

Most employers look for proven experience in administration, office coordination or a similar support role, ideally with some experience supervising or coordinating staff. Confident use of office software and business systems is important, and familiarity with budgets, invoicing or basic bookkeeping helps with expense management.

Mandatory requirements usually include working rights in Australia, administration experience and computer literacy. Preferred qualifications include a business administration certificate or diploma, supervisory experience and bookkeeping knowledge. Focus on the skills that match your office size and complexity rather than over-specifying, which can narrow your candidate pool.

Yes. Some businesses promote a strong administrator into an office manager role and provide support to develop supervisory skills. Focus on organisation, communication, reliability and a proactive attitude. Clear job descriptions help candidates understand the scope of the role, including any team supervision responsibilities.

This depends on the size of your office and workload. A full-time office manager suits larger or busier workplaces that need consistent day-to-day coordination, while part-time can work well for smaller offices. Under the Clerks Award, part-time employees receive pro-rata entitlements. Consider the volume of administration, staff supervision and facilities work before deciding.

Not always. A manager whose duties are wholly or principally managerial may fall outside the Clerks Private Sector Award — coverage depends on the actual duties performed rather than the job title. Assess whether the role is primarily clerical and administrative or primarily managerial, and check whether an enterprise agreement applies instead.

Under the Clerks Private Sector Award (MA000002), penalty rates apply for weekend, evening and public holiday work, and overtime is paid at higher rates outside ordinary hours. The exact rates depend on the classification and hours worked, and salaried employees may have penalties absorbed into an award-compliant salary. Use award interpretation software to calculate rates accurately.

Key elements include: position title and classification level, employment type (part-time or full-time), pay rate or salary, applicable award or agreement, reporting structure, main duties and required experience. If the role sits outside the award, document how pay and conditions are set. Use our HR software to simplify onboarding and record-keeping.

Award and agreement rostering rules vary, so confirm the notice period that applies to your business. As a general practice, providing rosters at least 7 days in advance gives administration and reception staff visibility of their shifts. Using rostering software helps ensure compliance and reduces last-minute changes.

Office managers typically build rosters around business hours, coverage needs and each team member’s availability, ensuring reception and administration are staffed throughout the day. Use rostering tools to track hours, manage leave and adjust shifts when staff are absent, keeping the office covered without overstaffing.

Break entitlements are set by the applicable award or agreement and generally include a meal break for shifts beyond a set length. Set clear break policies and ensure staff record their time accurately. Use time and attendance tools to support compliance and keep accurate records.

Collect availability preferences during onboarding and update them regularly. Use HR software and rostering tools to track when staff can work. For eligible casuals, review conversion obligations under the Clerks Award — see our guide on how to handle casual conversion to stay compliant.