Office Administration

Course details

Office administrators and secretarial staff have an important role to play in the effectiveness and image of a business. This short programme is designed to teach vital business and office administration skills necessary in all companies.

Endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Business Management, this programme equips the learner with knowledge and appreciation of the business environment (world of work), the key elements of customer service and will give the learner the fundamental skills to function effectively in an administrative or secretarial capacity.

About the programme

• Office administrators, secretaries and general admin staff all have an important role to play in the effectiveness and smooth-running of a business. This programme is designed to teach vital customer service and administration skills necessary in all companies.
• The programme equips the learner with knowledge and appreciation of the business environment (world of work) and will give the learner the fundamental skills to function effectively in an administrative or secretarial capacity.

Learning outcomes

The competent learner will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of how to perform more efficiently and effectively at work
• Demonstrate efficient office administration skills, including filing, using office equipment, petty cash, banking, time management and controlling office supplies
• Communicate effectively and professionally with colleagues, suppliers and customers
• Demonstrate knowledge of effective customer service

Programme outline

Understanding the business and office environment

• The South African business environment
• How the office interacts with every part of the business
• The role of business in society
• The role of an office administrator
• Office etiquette
• Good working relationships
• Good customer relations
• Handling complaints
• Telephone etiquette

Storage and retrieval systems

• Implement and control a filing system in an organisation

Time management

• Managing a diary for a manager and for yourself
• Scheduling appointments

Co-ordinating meetings

• Procedures for meetings
• Understanding meeting documentation

Business correspondence

• Communicate effectively using various forms of business correspondence
• Handling mail and electronic mail (emails)
• Your career – producing a professional curriculum vitae (CV)

Office equipment

• Understanding the basics of computer hardware and software
• Using office equipment eg. photocopier, fax, binding machine
• Data capture and database management
• Routine maintenance of office equipment

Office supplies and stock control

• Procedures for ordering office supplies and maintaining optimal levels of stock
• Using source documents in ordering and stock control
• Controlling the distribution of office supplies

Financial and banking procedures

• Handling petty cash
• Performing basic VAT calculations
• Understanding payroll functions
• Banking transactions and procedures

Disclaimer

• The information contained in this fact sheet is accurate at the time of printing. However, factors beyond UniCollege’s control (such as environmental, regulatory or technical changes) may cause the contents of this fact sheet or of the programme to change. In the event of any such change, UniCollege will formally notify current students. All possible measures will be taken to minimise inconvenience to students.