VWA Recruitment Guide: Key Responsibilities and Skills for Business Support Professionals Part Two

Welcome to part two of our series of recruitment guides into the key responsibilities to expect (and skills required to succeed) in a selection of exciting and dynamic roles within business support.

In the first edition, we focused on Executive Assistant and Receptionist roles (read here: VWA Recruitment Guide: Key Responsibilities and Skills for Business Support Professionals - VWA). This month we are exploring two more rewarding career opportunities for business support professionals: HR Assistant and Investor Relations Coordinator.

An Overview of Working in Business Support

A career in business support involves providing essential administrative and operational assistance to ensure the smooth functioning of an organisation. Professionals in this role facilitate daily operations, coordinate activities, manage communications, and assist with tasks to maintain workflow and productivity.

Responsibilities typically include managing schedules, preparing reports, handling correspondence, organising meetings, maintaining databases, and supporting teams.

Business support roles vary by industry and company size but require strong organisational skills, attention to detail, proficiency in office software, and adaptability. Overall, business support is vital for optimising operations and supporting organisational success.

Starting out in Career Support

If you’re considering a career in business support, you may already have begun exploring the different roles and opportunities that are out there. Whether you are at the start of your career or considering a change in direction, taking time to research and understand the different career paths within this field is a valuable exercise.

Over the past 35 years, VWA has successfully placed thousands of candidates into a variety of roles within business support, including (but certainly not limited to) Executive Assistants, Team Administrators, Private PAs, Trainees & Graduates, Secretarial, Marketing, HR Professionals, Office & Operations and Financial Services Executives including Analysts and Associates.

Our knowledge and experience span an extensive range of sectors from Financial Services, Executive Search and Management Consultancy, through to private Family Offices, Creative and Arts, Charities and Luxury Retail. We’ve seen just about every type of business support role come through our door!

Let’s now delve deeper into specific responsibilities and skills needed for HR Assistant and Investor Relations Coordinator roles:

HR Assistant

Key Responsibilities:

• Supporting the HR team in recruitment processes, including job postings, scheduling interviews, and conducting background checks
• Assisting with employee onboarding and orientation activities
• Maintaining employee records and HR databases accurately and confidentially
• Responding to employee queries regarding HR policies, benefits, and procedures
• Coordinating training and development activities for staff
• Assisting with payroll administration and timesheet management
• Helping to organise employee engagement initiatives and events
• Contributing to the implementation of HR projects and initiatives
• Supporting performance management processes, including performance appraisals and reviews
• Ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations

Key Skills:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in data entry and record-keeping
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information discreetly
• Proficiency in using HR software and MS Office applications
• Good organisational and time management skills
• Understanding of basic HR principles and practices
• Customer-focused with a proactive and positive approach
• Team player with the ability to collaborate effectively
• Problem-solving skills and ability to resolve employee issues tactfully
• Adaptability to changing priorities and willingness to learn and grow in the role

Investor Relations Coordinator

Key Responsibilities:

• Supporting the investor relations team in managing relationships with investors, analysts, and other stakeholders
• Assisting with the preparation and dissemination of investor communications, including presentations, press releases, and financial reports
• Coordinating investor meetings, conference calls, and roadshows
• Monitoring and responding to investor inquiries and requests for information
• Compiling and maintaining investor contact lists and databases
• Conducting research and analysis on industry trends, competitor activities, and market conditions
• Assisting in the planning and execution of investor events and conferences
• Collaborating with finance and legal teams on regulatory filings and compliance matters
• Supporting the development and maintenance of investor relations materials
• Contributing to the development of investor relations strategies and initiatives

Key Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and concisely
• Attention to detail and accuracy in preparing investor communications and reports
• Proficiency in financial analysis and understanding of key financial metrics
• Ability to work with financial databases and investor relations software
• Excellent organisational and project management skills
• Customer-focused with a proactive and professional attitude
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and draw insights
• Team player with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements related to investor communications
• Adaptability to dynamic market conditions and changing priorities in investor relations activities

Are you just starting out on your career journey or considering a move into business support? Do you identify some or all of these strengths in yourself? Discover more about this exciting and dynamic career path by reaching out to our team of experienced consultants today – recruit@vwa.com.

You can also take a look at some of the exciting roles we are currently working on here: www.vwa.com/jobs.