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Job Review: What You Need to Know about Account Manager Role
by Emma • Fri, 20 Aug 2021 04:49AM
Account managers take the lead in introducing and communicating a business’ products or services to clients, both existing and potential ones. Essentially, they serve as the main point of contact between the client and the rest of the company. However, this is only one big picture of what account managers do. Maybe you’re wondering, what exactly does it take to be an account manager? Or, what responsibilities do they specifically have?
Here’s a detailed look on how a career as an account manager looks like:
What account managers are responsible for
It is the main duty of an account manager to ensure that clients receive products and services on time and without any unresolved questions. Account managers may be in charge of many clients' accounts at the same time. They are responsible to guarantee that the clients’ demands, requests, or orders are met within the designated timeline. While they spend most of their time as the primary contact for clients, their additional tasks may involve administrative and management competencies.
Although account managers role may vary depending on the industry, here are some of their fundamental responsibilities:
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Tracking account metrics of all clients for forecasting purposes
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Providing clients and internal teams with regular progress reports on orders
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Assisting clients to understand contracts, warranties, and other documents
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Communicate project or order changes to customers, while also coordinating with the company’s project manager if changes occur
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Negotiating contracts in the best interests of clients and the company
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Establishing new accounts and nurture existing accounts
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Collaborating with other departments to meet client needs and create new opportunities
Read Also: Must-Have Skills for a Project Manager
Qualifications of account managers
Requirements for this role may differ from one industry to another. In general, candidates are expected to have a comprehensive understanding of the markets, goods, services, and customer types of an industry. Those who possess bachelor's degrees in fields such as sales, marketing, or business administration may be preferred by employers. Some account managers also possess master's degrees, such as Master's of Business Administration degrees, although job experience can occasionally replace degrees as well. With relevant experience, employers can be more assured of candidates’ aptitude in account management, as they are already exposed and familiar to the industry. Completion of a Key Account Manager Training course may also be considered a plus point for this job.
If you are a fresh graduate aspiring to be an account manager, you can equip yourself with work experience, be it from employment or internships. An internship can introduce you to corporate connections who can potentially assist you in achieving your career goals. You will gain key skills and information that will help you advance in your profession and achieve early success. You may also have more job opportunities, because you would have gained hands-on experience. This is not to say that directly pursuing a master's degree right after finishing undergraduate study is wrong. For an account manager position, however, experience is typically more favored, as you will be required to quickly adapt to the business.
Skills to have as an account manager
Competent account managers are expected to have a variety of skills and credentials in order to perform their job well. Below is a list of skills you need to learn and master to become a professional account manager:
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Management - In addition to dealing with clients, you may be in charge of handling other staff at your company. To effortlessly shift between client accounts, it is important to learn time management and multitasking abilities.
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Technology - As an account manager, you will need basic digital technology abilities. You are expected to have an advanced knowledge of customer relationship management (CRM) software as well as accounting software.
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Communication - Account managers must be able to communicate simply and efficiently. Strong interpersonal communication skills are necessary, as well as the ability to communicate verbally and in writing.
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Negotiation - As the company’s communicator to clients, an account manager must master the negotiation skill. It is crucial to always find a middle ground in meeting clients’ requests while ensuring the company is able to facilitate them.
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Presentation - When it comes to closing a new or current clients, you will need to deliver presentations and pitches to successfully persuade them. The ability to deliver presentations to clients should come out effortlessly if you want to excel in account management.
Account managers play an important role in all types of businesses. Extroverted individuals with sales or management expertise would thrive in this role, especially if they are searching for a career with room for growth. If you are interested in this position, but have no experience yet, then applying for internships and management trainee programs can be the very first path towards becoming a competent account manager later on. At Talentvis, you can find plenty of account manager job vacancies all around Southeast Asia. Check them out!
Read Also: Job Application: When You Have What It Takes, But Not All It Takes
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