All jobsAdministrative & Clerical

26 Administrative & Clerical Jobs in South Africa

The morning starts with fifty emails, three meeting rooms to coordinate, and a filing system only one person understands.

Administrative & Clerical jobs by city

• Hong Kong16
• Colombia13
• Sofia8
• Vienna7
• Santo Domingo7
• Singapore7
• Victoria6
• Ho Chi Minh City6
• Anchorage5
• Police5
• Rio de Janeiro5
• Santiago5
• São Paulo5
• Tampa5
• Manaus5
• Bangkok5

Specialities in Administrative & Clerical

• Administrative Assistants431
• Clerical Workers243
• Office and Building Administration128
• Billing and Collections25

Questions

• What qualifications do you need to work in administrative and clerical roles?

  Most positions require GCSEs in English and Maths, with no further formal qualifications necessary for entry-level roles. Employers often value typing qualifications, office software certifications (such as Microsoft Office Specialist), or business administration diplomas. Executive assistant and senior administrative positions typically require proven experience rather than specific qualifications.

• What does a typical day involve in administrative and clerical work?

  A typical day involves managing correspondence, answering phone calls, scheduling appointments, maintaining filing systems and supporting colleagues with document preparation. The work shifts between planned tasks like processing invoices or updating databases and reactive demands such as handling visitor queries or resolving diary conflicts. Priorities change throughout the day as urgent requests arrive.

• Can you work in administrative roles without previous office experience?

  Yes, many entry-level positions such as receptionist, data entry clerk or general office assistant roles welcome applicants without previous experience. Employers often provide on-the-job training for their specific systems and processes. Demonstrating reliability, computer literacy and strong communication skills can compensate for lack of formal experience.

• What skills matter most in administrative and clerical work?

  Organisational ability and attention to detail matter most, as the work involves managing multiple tasks while maintaining accurate records. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for correspondence and dealing with colleagues, clients and suppliers. Proficiency with office software, problem-solving ability and discretion when handling confidential information are also crucial.

• How do administrative roles differ from secretarial roles?

  The terms are often used interchangeably, though secretarial roles traditionally involved shorthand and typing for specific managers, while administrative roles now encompass broader office support across teams. Modern administrative work focuses more on digital systems, project coordination and general office management. The distinction has blurred considerably as technology has changed how offices operate.

• What career progression exists in administrative and clerical work?

  Progression typically moves from general administrative assistant to senior administrator, then to executive assistant, office manager or team leader positions. Some professionals specialise in areas like legal secretary, medical administrator or finance administration, which can lead to supervisory roles within those fields. Experience in administrative work also provides transferable skills for moving into HR, project coordination or operations management.

• Is administrative and clerical work mostly done in offices?

  Yes, most administrative and clerical work takes place in office environments, though hybrid and remote working has become increasingly common for certain roles. Some positions require full-time office presence for tasks like reception duties, handling physical post or managing on-site visitors. Data entry, correspondence and diary management can often be done remotely with appropriate systems access.

• What makes administrative work challenging?

  Managing competing priorities and urgent demands while maintaining accuracy across routine tasks makes the work challenging. The role often involves handling requests from multiple people simultaneously, resolving scheduling conflicts and troubleshooting problems with limited information. Maintaining composure when dealing with difficult situations or frustrated colleagues requires patience and professionalism.

• Do administrative and clerical roles require working independently or as part of a team?

  These roles require both, as administrative professionals work independently on tasks like data entry, filing and correspondence while also collaborating closely with colleagues across the organisation. The position often serves as a coordination point between departments, requiring teamwork and communication. The balance varies depending on whether the role supports a single executive or provides general office support.

• What hours do administrative and clerical positions typically involve?

  Most positions follow standard office hours, typically Monday to Friday during daytime, making them suitable for those seeking predictable schedules. Some organisations require reception or administrative coverage outside core hours, which may involve early starts, late finishes or weekend rotas. Part-time and job-share arrangements are common in administrative roles.