Information on Business Administrative Technology
Business administrative technology is a career field which prepares an individual to work in an automated office environment. Most colleges and vocational schools offer two and three year degree programs which prepare individuals for careers ranging from administrative assistant to office manager, and data management specialist to financial administration (basic accounting and bookkeeping duties). For example, according to Pay Scale.com, the average salary for an office administrator with one to four years experience falls within the pay range from $29,798 to $41,950 depending on experience, position level and education.
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Office Management
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Mastering office management skills is a core component of business administration technology. Office management skills includes communication with customers, clients or other employees through use of verbal (telephone, speaking) and non-verbal correspondence (letters, memorandums, emails and reports). Office management skills also emphasize establishing a workflow in an office environment in which work tasks are distributed equally amongst personnel.
Computer Applications
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When implemented and used properly, computer automation can increase productivity of office personnel. Business administrative technology emphasizes the use of software programs to increase proficiency and productivity in an office environment. Integrated software programs such as Microsoft Office Suite 2010 or Lotus Notes (made for office management and automation) are programs that are used by most office environments with accounting and bookkeeping programs and the Internet. Personnel must know and in many cases gain certification in the area of computer applications.
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Project Management
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Office personnel can be assigned by executive management as a branch, division or staff to assist in documenting organizational projects. In the field of Business Administrative Technology, this task is usually performed by administrative or executive assistants. Familiarity with project management software such as Microsoft Visio or Microsoft Project is a curriculum component in the area of project management. Administrators also have the responsibility to ensure deadlines for correspondence on project timelines are attained.
Records Retention
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Every organization has a policy regarding records retention. Records retention is the process of storing records for present and future reference by categorizing and indexing records according to the active workflow of documents in an organization. Business Administrative Technology concepts also emphasize the environmental conditions which records should be stored, retention strategies (annual cycle involving the life span of a document) and off-site storage. Administrative personnel are instructed in the component to create strategies and plans for record retention.
Basic Accounting and Bookkeeping
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Business administrative technology touches on basic accounting and bookkeeping practices. There are organizations that assign minor accounting functions to an administrative division, office or branch. These functions can include processing payroll, invoices, reconciling general ledger accounts and purchasing. Within Business administrative Ttechnology accounting and bookkeeping is presented at the personal computer (PC) level familiarizing personnel with software packages such as QuickBooks and Peachtree accounting programs.
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