• SKILL LEVEL:
  • Proficient

Executive assistants (EAs) and personal assistants (PAs)


What is an executive assistant (EA) and personal assistant (PA) and what do they do?

Executive assistants and personal assistants provide high-level administrative support to company executives. Like secretaries, they manage clerical work, travel arrangements and diaries, however, EAs and PAs also perform additional duties that can have a significant impact on the success or profitability of a business. It is common for both executive assistants and personal assistants to be asked to minute important meetings, help with market research, train staff, perform basic bookkeeping and undertake a variety of other office management duties. While the two job titles have become closer in meaning, traditionally, an EA would be expected to have a stronger business knowledge and will be expected to be more strategically and commercially aware as they liaise with board members, shareholders and key clients of the organisation.

Capabilities

While the accountancy profession offers diverse career options and paths, the core capabilities required to perform at the highest standards remain the same - irrespective of skill level or job role.

Collaboration Digital Drive Ethics Expertise Insight Sustainability
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Continuing professional development at ACCA

A commitment to life-long learning is a vital part of your ACCA membership; it unlocks the full potential of your career choices - and drives forward the profession.

We deliver a wide range of CPD resources tailored to different areas of expertise - and an ever-changing profession. Our, and your, commitment to quality CPD ensures you will have the most up-to-date skills to perform at the highest standard. 

So, get started (or restarted) and take a look at our curated list of the most relevant CPD resources to secure and succeed in this role.

units 1.5

Online course

Negotiation

Accounting professionals often engage in negotiations, including with partners, vendors, contractors, suppliers, customers, potential employees and hiring managers.

This course will give you the tools you need to effectively prepare, carry out and conclude those negotiations successfully.

This course will take about an hour to complete.

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units 7

Online course

Finance for non-finance managers: Why the numbers matter

Every organisation requires an effective finance function to take the lead on financial planning, financial control and financial reporting. The finance team produces meaningful information to help leaders and managers make informed decisions. This also requires decision makers to have a basic understanding of accounting and to be able to understand financial information and reports.

This course is designed to help the non-financial managers and professionals gain the necessary skills to successfully interpret, analyse and make decisions based on financial information and reports.

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units 5.5

Online course

Drive your personal skills 5 course pack

This five-course pack from BPP will develop the personal skills you need to drive yourself forward in your professional development. Advance your own skills to confidently deal with change, be assertive and manage yourself and your team.

By completing this pack, you will gain a better understanding of:

  • how to deal with change and improve business performance
  • managing yourself, individuals and teams
  • how to communicate difficult messages and feedback in the right way.
Find more CPD resources on ACCA Learning

How does the ACCA qualification prepare you for this job role?

From a combination of exams, ethics and experience, the ACCA Qualification will boost your employability and performance at every stage of your career journey.

Here we have listed some elements of the ACCA Qualification that will help you perform at the highest standard in this job role.