Executive Assistant

Executive assistant job description

An executive assistant (also known as an EA) helps high-level executives manage and maximise their time, by taking responsibility for planning and organisational tasks on their behalf. They are highly trusted individuals and provide essential support for their direct report.

Executive assistant duties

As a support role, the executive assistant job description typically involves administrative and organisational responsibilities. These include managing day-to-day tasks for a direct report, such as calendar management, logistical planning, filing and reporting, through to travel management.

Trust is an important dynamic between an EA and their direct report, so they should be excellent at multitasking and at handling sensitive information.

Executive assistant duties include:

Filing and organising sensitive documents

Reporting

Taking and screening calls

Managing calendars across international time zones

Project coordination

Booking meetings and events

Coordinating point-to-point international travel needs

Arranging visas

Completing expense claims, currency requests and purchase orders

Executive assistant qualifications, skills and experience

The executive assistant job description is more reliant on soft skills, interpersonal abilities and relevant experience, rather than specific qualifications.

Soft skills needed for the role are as follows:

Excellent organisational skills

Good time management

Attention to detail

Skilled at multitasking

Heightened decision-making skills and initiative

Good communication skills

To effectively carry out essential executive assistant duties, professionals should have strong written and verbal English skills and would ideally have a western education.