Administrative Associate vs. Administrative Assistant: What Are the Differences?

Administrative associates and administrative assistants are both important positions within an organization. They provide support to executives and staff, and they play a vital role in keeping an office running smoothly. Though these positions share some similarities, there are several key differences between them. In this article, we discuss the differences between an administrative associate and an administrative assistant, and we provide additional information about related careers.

What is an Administrative Associate?

An Administrative Associate provides high-level administrative support for an organization. They keep the office organized and running smoothly by handling a variety of tasks, such as scheduling appointments, preparing correspondence, coordinating meetings, and handling travel arrangements. They may also provide support with special projects as needed. Administrative Associates must be highly organized and detail-oriented, with excellent communication and customer service skills.

What is an Administrative Assistant?

Administrative Assistants provide high-level administrative support for company leaders to ensure they can efficiently accomplish key tasks and company initiatives. They keep the executive’s communications organized so that they can easily access the most important information without having to sort through low-priority items. Administrative Assistants screen all visitors and determine what level of support they need while offering polite, professional customer service. They manage the executive’s daily calendar, including scheduling meetings, confirming appointments, writing itineraries and arranging for transportation. Administrative Assistants also train other administrative staff on company policies and best practices.

Administrative Associate vs. Administrative Assistant

Here are the main differences between an administrative associate and an administrative assistant.

Job Duties

Administrative assistants and administrative associates have some job duties that are the same, but other duties are different. An administrative assistant might handle tasks like preparing correspondence, scheduling meetings, taking phone calls and typing memos. An administrative associate might assist with larger projects, like managing teams of employees, researching new policies and presenting findings to executives.

Another difference is that an administrative assistant might have more interaction with clients or customers, while an administrative associate typically works within the office with employees. Administrative assistants might also have more responsibility for making decisions on certain matters, while administrative associates might work more closely with managers to make big decisions.

Job Requirements

An administrative assistant typically needs a high school diploma or equivalent, although some employers may prefer candidates with some college coursework or an associate degree. Administrative assistants also need to have strong computer skills and be proficient in using office software, such as Microsoft Office. Some employers may provide on-the-job training to teach administrative assistants how to use specific software programs they need for their job.

An administrative associate often needs at least an associate degree, although some employers may prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree. Administrative associates also need to have strong computer skills and be proficient in using office software, such as Microsoft Office. Many employers also prefer administrative associates who have experience working in an office setting.

Work Environment

Administrative assistants usually work in an office environment, often for a single employer. They may travel to different locations within their company to provide administrative support and perform duties such as typing documents or filing paperwork. Administrative associates typically work in an office environment but can also work in other environments, such as hospitals or schools. They may travel to different locations to provide administrative support and perform duties such as typing documents or filing paperwork.

Administrative assistants and associates both spend most of their time sitting at a desk and performing clerical tasks. However, they may occasionally lift heavy objects, like boxes of files, when moving them from one location to another.

Skills

The specific skills used on the job between administrative associates and administrative assistants can vary depending on the company and position. However, there are some general similarities and differences in the skills required for these positions.

Both administrative associates and administrative assistants typically need excellent communication skills to interact with co-workers, customers and clients. They also both need strong organizational skills to keep track of deadlines, meetings and other important events. Additionally, they both need basic computer skills to use email, word processing and spreadsheet applications.

One difference between administrative associates and administrative assistants is that administrative associates often need more advanced computer skills than administrative assistants. This is because administrative associates typically have more responsibilities related to data entry, analysis and report generation. Administrative assistants may also benefit from having customer service skills, as they may be responsible for answering phone calls and assisting customers or clients.

Salary

Administrative associates can earn an average salary of $47,884 per year, while administrative assistants can earn an average salary of $45,618 per year. Both of these average salaries may vary depending on the size of the company at which you work, location of your job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.