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

Client managers and account managers are both responsible for maintaining relationships with customers or clients. If you’re interested in a career in customer service or sales, you may be wondering which of these positions is right for you. In this article, we compare and contrast client managers and account managers, and we provide tips for choosing the right career path.

What is a Client Manager?

Client Managers are responsible for maintaining and developing relationships with a company’s existing clients. They work to ensure that clients are satisfied with the company’s products or services and that their needs are being met. Client Managers may also be responsible for upselling or cross-selling additional products or services to clients. They work closely with other members of the sales team, as well as other departments within the company, to ensure that clients’ needs are being met at every stage. Client Managers typically have a background in sales, customer service, or marketing.

What is an Account Manager?

An Account Manager is responsible for maintaining and developing relationships with a company’s existing clients. They work to ensure that clients are satisfied with the products or services they are receiving and that they continue to do business with the company. Account Managers typically work in sales or customer service. They work to understand a client’s needs and develop strategies to meet those needs. They may also provide support to clients, such as training on how to use a product or service. Account Managers typically report to a sales or customer service manager.

Client Manager vs. Account Manager

Here are the main differences between a client manager and an account manager.

Job Duties

Account managers are responsible for managing the accounts of their clients. They create and implement strategies that help their clients improve their business. Account managers meet with their clients to understand their needs, then develop solutions that address those needs. Client managers work directly with clients to provide them with account management services. Their job duties include providing client accounts with regular updates, ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining positive relationships with client stakeholders.

Job Requirements

Client managers and account managers typically need a bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing or another related field. Some employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required for entry-level positions. Additionally, many client managers and account managers pursue certifications through the Project Management Institute (PMI) or the American Marketing Association (AMA). These organizations offer training programs that teach professionals how to use project management software and other tools they might need on the job.

Work Environment

Account managers and client managers typically work in similar environments, but the type of environment they’re exposed to depends on their clients. Account managers often travel to meet with clients or attend events where they can network with potential new clients. They may also spend time at their office working on proposals for clients and collaborating with other team members.

Client managers usually work in an office setting, although some may travel to visit clients. They may also have regular meetings with clients via phone or video calls.

Skills

Client managers and account managers both need to have excellent communication skills. This is important because they will be responsible for communicating with clients regularly, whether it is to provide updates on a project or to discuss changes that need to be made. They also need to be able to build strong relationships with their clients so that they can maintain a good working relationship.

Client managers typically need to have more customer service skills than account managers. This is because they often work directly with clients and need to be able to resolve any issues that may arise. They also need to be able to upsell products and services to clients. Account managers usually work with other businesses rather than individual consumers, so they may not need to use as many customer service skills.

Both client managers and account managers need to be organized and detail-oriented. This is important because they need to keep track of multiple projects at one time and ensure that all deadlines are met. They also need to be able to create reports and presentations for their clients.

Salary

The average salary for a client manager is $69,713 per year, while the average salary for an account manager is $75,495 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the industry in which you work, your level of experience and the size of the company you work for.