What does a Chief Administrative Officer do?
A chief administrative officer's responsibilities revolve around overseeing the company's daily operations, ensuring efficiency and smooth workflow. They typically devise strategies to improve workforce performance, perform research and analysis to identify new business opportunities, prepare progress and financial reports, delegate tasks to department managers, and set objectives for them to uphold. Furthermore, as a chief administrative officer, it is essential to lead and encourage different departments to reach goals, all while implementing the company's policies and regulations, recommending new ones as needed.
Chief administrative officer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real chief administrative officer resumes:
- Manage and maintain database (FMP), sales sheets and track windows.
- Manage and supervise the accounting and bookkeeping functions including budgeting, payroll and inventory.
- Coordinate outside CPA review and year-end closing.
- Develop systematic procedures for the effective use of the ERP system.
- Review and report survey feedback findings to state Medicaid and other agencies, utilizing information to make call center improvements.
- Implement major ERP software project enhancements design to further streamline operations.
- Improve communication between council members and fraternity presidents by heading one-on-one discussions.
- Supervise and process directives for implementation and maintain up to date information on Sharepoint.
- Process payroll, implement automated time-keeping systems and government reporting in an accurate and timely manner.
- Communicate with local and national fraternity leadership to facilitate cooperation and mutual understanding of chapter activities.
- Complete assessments, intake eligibility verification of Medicaid, individual, discharge plan and family counseling session.
- Develop and implement Sharepoint systems for monitoring and coordinating all administrative actions, internal controls and procedures.
- Direct $2.4 billion facility with over 1,200 associates to administer effective technology distribution and third-party logistics functions.
- Post positive EBITDA within 13 months by concentrating financial and personnel resources in the most promising segments of the company.
- Assist in the preparation of all bids, request for proposals (RFP's) and quotes.
Chief administrative officer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 12% of Chief Administrative Officers are proficient in Human Resources, Oversight, and Financial Management. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Detail oriented, and Leadership skills.
We break down the percentage of Chief Administrative Officers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Human Resources, 12%
Directed and managed $1.85 million, in-house clinical billing/collection operations, human resources and Institute administrative operations.
- Oversight, 11%
Provided executive leadership and cross-functional management; directed six directors, thirty-three administrators; and general oversight of 4,100 employees.
- Financial Management, 8%
Full Financial Management and Financial Statement Preparation along with all Governmental Reporting and bank relationship management.
- Payroll, 5%
Processed payroll, implemented automated time-keeping systems and government reporting in an accurate and timely manner.
- Risk Management, 5%
Led finance, operations, information technology, risk management and strategic integration functions.
- Strategic Direction, 4%
Set and execute strategic direction of the company, including recovery from critical financial condition.
"human resources," "oversight," and "financial management" are among the most common skills that chief administrative officers use at work. You can find even more chief administrative officer responsibilities below, including:
Analytical skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a chief administrative officer to have is analytical skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "administrative services managers must be able to review an organization’s procedures and find ways to improve efficiency." Chief administrative officers often use analytical skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "ensured financial reports and relevant employee data was submitted to local, state, and federal agencies on time. "
Detail oriented. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling chief administrative officer duties is detail oriented. The role rewards competence in this skill because "administrative services managers must pay attention to details." According to a chief administrative officer resume, here's how chief administrative officers can utilize detail oriented in their job responsibilities: "oversee ongoing staff development procedures, preparing detailed performance reviews and coaching staff on areas of improvement. "
Leadership skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of chief administrative officers is leadership skills. This skill is critical to many everyday chief administrative officer duties, as "in managing workers and coordinating administrative duties, administrative services managers must be able to motivate employees and deal with issues that may arise." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "provided leadership and personal & professional development and training to better align policy and procedures to customers. "
Communication skills. A big part of what chief administrative officers do relies on "communication skills." You can see how essential it is to chief administrative officer responsibilities because "much of an administrative services manager’s time is spent working with other people." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical chief administrative officer tasks: "conducted due diligence for various mergers and acquisitions and responsible for all communications and project plan to ensure a smooth transition. "
The three companies that hire the most chief administrative officers are:
- Evolent Health6 chief administrative officers jobs
- Bank of America5 chief administrative officers jobs
- Citi3 chief administrative officers jobs
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Compare different chief administrative officers
Chief administrative officer vs. Deputy director
Deputy directors supervise a team of workers and oversee the daily functions of their organizations. They coordinate with the company's executive director in preparing long-term strategies to achieve organizational goals. It is their job to make sure that these goals are met through the company's available resources. They aid alliances so that conversation objectives will be achieved. When complex issues arise, they collaborate with scientists and policy experts for resolution.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a chief administrative officer are more likely to require skills like "payroll," "risk management," "executive committee," and "administrative operations." On the other hand, a job as a deputy director requires skills like "policy development," "customer service," "project management," and "public health." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Deputy directors really shine in the government industry with an average salary of $101,934. Comparatively, chief administrative officers tend to make the most money in the health care industry with an average salary of $168,819.The education levels that deputy directors earn slightly differ from chief administrative officers. In particular, deputy directors are 3.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a chief administrative officer. Additionally, they're 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Chief administrative officer vs. Executive director of operations
Executive Directors of Operations are top management employees of a nonprofit. They manage the whole operations of the company. They set annual strategic goals to bring the company closer to its vision. They oversee all of the company's programs and ensure that these programs are in line with the company's vision and mission. They also ensure that the partnerships formed with other organizations remain strong. As leaders, they are expected to motivate and inspire the employees to work well together. Executive Directors of Operations represent the company in external events, industry functions, and other activities.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, chief administrative officer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "administrative operations," "executive leadership," "cao," and "administrative functions." Meanwhile, an executive director of operations has duties that require skills in areas such as "operations management," "customer satisfaction," "home health," and "rehabilitation." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Executive directors of operations may earn a lower salary than chief administrative officers, but executive directors of operations earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $168,086. On the other hand, chief administrative officers receive higher pay in the health care industry, where they earn an average salary of $168,819.executive directors of operations earn similar levels of education than chief administrative officers in general. They're 0.9% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Chief administrative officer vs. Operations director
Operations directors oversee all company operations. They have the power to set the direction, change the course of the organization, and reform strategies to ensure efficiency in how the company operates. Operations directors manage business operations effectively by constantly analyzing company data and by anticipating any challenge that may come their way. As such, they make sound business decisions and recommendations that will help strengthen the organization. Operations directors oversee finances, quality control, and even human resources. They ensure that all aspects of the business are considered in making business operations decisions.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, chief administrative officers are more likely to have skills like "risk management," "executive committee," "administrative operations," and "executive leadership." But a operations director is more likely to have skills like "customer service," "continuous improvement," "patients," and "project management."
Operations directors earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $120,460. Comparatively, chief administrative officers have the highest earning potential in the health care industry, with an average salary of $168,819.operations directors typically earn lower educational levels compared to chief administrative officers. Specifically, they're 6.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 3.8% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Chief administrative officer vs. Associate director
An associate director oversees the daily activities and business operations within a particular area. They are primarily responsible for devising strategies that aim for growth in profit and customer satisfaction, implementing policies and standards, evaluate the workforce, providing support to various departments, and setting goals in terms of budget and sales. Furthermore, they must regularly report progress to the director and coordinate with managers and supervisors in the joint effort to reach the vision and mission of the company.
Types of chief administrative officer
Updated January 8, 2025
