Account Manager vs. Account Supervisor: What Are the Differences?

A career in account management can be both challenging and rewarding. Two common positions in this field are that of an account manager and an account supervisor. Though these positions share some similarities, there are several key differences between them.

In this article, we discuss the differences between an account manager and an account supervisor, and we provide additional information about working in account management.

What is an Account Manager?

Account Managers are responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with a company’s clients. They work to ensure that clients are satisfied with the company’s products or services and that their needs are being met. Account Managers typically work in sales, customer service or marketing departments and report to a supervisor or manager. They may be responsible for a specific client or group of clients. Account Managers work to build trust and rapport with clients and maintain communication to ensure that both parties are updated on any changes or concerns.

What is an Account Supervisor?

An account supervisor is a senior-level position in an advertising, public relations or marketing firm. They are responsible for managing a team of account executives who work on behalf of the firm’s clients. The account supervisor is the main point of contact between the firm and the client, and they are responsible for ensuring that the client is happy with the work that the firm is doing. The account supervisor also works with the firm’s creative team to develop strategies and campaigns that will achieve the client’s objectives.

Account Manager vs. Account Supervisor

Here are the main differences between an account manager and an account supervisor.

Job Duties

Account managers have a wider variety of job duties than account supervisors. They’re in charge of managing the entire client relationship, so they perform tasks like creating an account strategy, defining goals and objectives and developing campaign plans. Account managers also manage the team, providing feedback and giving directions on projects.

Account supervisors provide input on account management activities, but their primary responsibility is to ensure that the account managers’ directives are followed by the team. They do this by conducting regular reviews of work products and providing feedback. They may also conduct training for new employees or assist with project planning.

Job Requirements

The job requirements for an account manager and an account supervisor are similar, as both positions typically require a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field. Additionally, both roles may require several years of experience working in customer service, sales or another relevant area. Some employers also prefer candidates who have a master’s degree in business administration or a related field.

While the job requirements for these two positions are similar, the duties of an account manager and an account supervisor differ slightly. An account manager is responsible for managing a team of account executives who handle customer accounts. An account supervisor, on the other hand, is responsible for overseeing all aspects of customer accounts, including the work of account managers and account executives.

Work Environment

Account managers and account supervisors can work in a variety of environments, depending on the industry they’re working in. Account managers often work for advertising agencies or marketing firms that provide services to clients. They may also work for companies directly as part of their client-facing teams. Account supervisors typically work in an office environment with other team members.

Account managers usually travel frequently to meet with clients and attend meetings. This means they spend much of their time traveling between cities and states. Account supervisors rarely travel because they don’t have direct contact with clients.

Skills

The main difference between an account manager and an account supervisor is that an account manager is responsible for managing a team of account executives, while an account supervisor is responsible for managing the entire account department. Both positions require excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.

An account manager needs to be able to motivate and manage their team in order to meet deadlines and achieve objectives. They also need to be able to resolve conflicts and build consensus among team members. An account supervisor needs to be able to do all of these things, as well as have a broad understanding of the entire account department so that they can make decisions that will benefit the department as a whole.

Salary

Account managers and account supervisors are both responsible for managing client relationships and ensuring that clients are satisfied with the services they receive. Account managers earn an average salary of $75,495 per year, while account supervisors earn an average salary of $79,193 per year.