A branch administrator oversees the daily operations at a single workplace location. Administrators are typically concerned with the internal functioning of an office or other workplace rather than with external activities such as sales or customer service. In some instances, the branch administrator takes on a supervisory role but in other instances administrators are individuals who perform secretarial duties and assist the location manager.
Generally, a branch administrator should have good organizational skills and an understanding of commonly used types of software and computer programs. In the past, administrators had to handle large volumes of paperwork but in many nations such tasks are now typically computer based. Administrators regularly communicate with company employees using mediums such as email or internal memorandums. Consequently, an administrator should have good communication skills.
Administrators who take on supervisory roles usually have a college degree in management, business or a related field. Many such people work their way up from junior positions while others obtain advanced degrees and are recruited straight out of college. A branch administrator who lacks supervisory authority may also have a college degree in administration, business or a related field. In other instances, administrator roles are reserved for individuals who have attended secretarial or clerical training courses.
Within an office or a plant, most employees are engaged in activities such as sales, manufacturing and marketing. The branch administrator handles issues such as payroll and staffing. While the administrator may not have the authority to hire or fire employees, the person filling this role may be tasked with arranging the staff schedule. Furthermore, the administrator may have to liaise with human resources (HR) personnel to advertise vacant positions and to file paperwork related to staff issues or disputes. In many countries, companies have to keep employee payroll records and the administrator normally assumes responsibility for keeping track of employee time sheets and payroll data.
Government agencies employ branch administrators to oversee government work locations such as courthouses, benefits offices and school board administrative locations. These individuals are usually responsible for managing the budget of either the location or the district as a whole. Government administrators may field questions and queries from the public but only if those issues pertain to organizational or administrative matters. A branch administrator in the legal system could deal with issues related to jury duty expense payments but would not deal with issues related to the outcome of a court case.
Branch administrators are typically salaried or hourly employees. Pay levels depend in part on the assigned duties but also on the individual's level of experience. Some employers pay a premium for administrators with advanced degrees or second language skills. In other instances, pay levels are based solely on the job duties regardless of the applicant's own skills and background.