Management Assistant: NATED N5 National Certificate

Management Assistants perform clerical and administrative duties. The duties of a Management Assistant will depend on the size of the organisation. Here are some of the duties of a Management Assistant:

• Schedule meetings 
• Train new staff 
• Supervises employees
• Conduct research and make reports 
• Plan company functions 
• Communicate with staff, suppliers and clients 
• Ordering office supplies 
• Dealing with correspondences

Below is a table to explain the differences between a Manager and an Assistant Manager:

Here are the skills that you will need to be an effective Management Assistant:

• Computer Skills
• Organisational Skills
• Analytical Thinking
• Numeracy 
• Communication
• Leadership

Computer Skills

Your primary working tool will be the computer. You must master how to use the computer. Knowledge of computer programmes like Microsoft Office and Google Workplace in particular. You should also be able to use the internet as a research tool.

Organisational Skills

Always be organised. When you are organised you will become an effective Management Assistant. Tasks should be completed on time every time. Deadlines must always be met. Meetings should be scheduled in a way that does not disadvantage anyone. Always consult when you are not sure.  

Analytical Thinking

As a Management Assistant, you should not need to contact your Manager for everything. In some cases, you will have to assess a situation and make a decision. This will make you more effective and successful in your job.

Numeracy 

Numeracy capabilities are necessary since you will need them in the workplace. You might, for example, be in charge of the office petty cash. You will need to account for it. 

Communication

Your responsibilities include engaging with colleagues as well as employees from other departments. You will also communicate with customers outside of the company. It is necessary that you can communicate well, both verbally and in writing. You will also be writing a lot of letters, both to customers and to other employees. 

Leadership Skills 

As an Assistant Manager, you must demonstrate leadership qualities. Lead from the front.  You must perform all your duties, show progress even when working under pressure, and always meet deadlines. This will motivate the staff to also work hard.

Putting into practice the soft skills that you have acquired will make you a good Management Assistant. These are some of the soft skills you will need: 

• Computer Skills
• Organisational Skills
• Analytical Thinking
• Numeracy 
• Communication
• Leadership

Fortunately, for NATED courses, it is not a requirement to complete the work experience at every course level, this is optional. For you to be awarded your Management Assistant: NATED N6 National Diploma, you must have completed 18 months of work experience. With this experience, you can get an entry-level position or higher.

There are different levels of Managers. One level of a Manager may report to another higher level of a Manager. Here are the different levels of Management:

• Top-Level
• Middle-Level
• First line
• Team Leader

Top Level

They are responsible for the long-term success of the organisation. Here are examples of the titles of top-level Managers:

• Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
• Chief Operations Officer (COO)

Middle Managers

This level of Management is the link between the Top-Level Managers and the First Line Managers.

First Line Managers 

This is the entry-level of Management. This level of a Manager is in close contact with the workers. They are responsible for implementing the operational plans of the organisation. Here are examples of titles for First Line Managers:

• • Foreman
  • Supervisor
  • Section Manager
  • Shift Manager
  • Assistant Manager

Team Leaders

A Team Leader is a Manager that may be appointed to manage a particular task or activity. Team leaders can be responsible for, providing training or communicating instructions.