In short, an account manager does not necessarily need to be an accountant but he or she manages the accounts of the clientele of the employing company. The key characteristic of a person to be given this position is the mastery of public relations. This skill runs across the table for any account manager in any industry.
To delve more into this executive position, let us see it in terms of sales, which is the main goal of any type of manager in a given company. The account manager is the go-to person for any client of the company. He or she handles the accounts of the clients in relation to the company and will make sure the interest of the client is protected and all their needs are met while dealing with the company. The account manager goes further to make sure the existing clients know about the complete portfolio of the company and thus convert these existing clients into repeat customers. However, the scope of the account manager does not stop there; he or she is usually asked to gain more clients for the company. The account manager is usually a one-person job; hence, he or she would be handling all the accounts for the company single-handedly and to do so, he or she must be a meticulous record keeper.
As you may already have presumed, the position of the account manager does require specific skills and experience. It is not a low-level, junior position, but a senior position on the corporate ladder. Account managers usually have a degree or some tertiary level qualification, but individuals who are promoted to this position usually are chosen because of their experience. To reiterate, the basic requirements of the account manager are:
- Excellent public relations skills.
- Excellent marketing and networking skills.
- Highly efficient organizational skills.
- Quick learner in grasping company’s profile and objectives.
- Versatile in problem solving.
- Experienced in sales.
- Attractive and pleasant personality.
As for the career advances of the account manager, this position opens up many doors and opportunities because it is networking based. The individual will gain many contacts while working as an account manager. In most times, if the job is done well, he or she will have many contacts in terms of clients and investors which will hold his or her name in the good books. Of course from here, I need not point out that the opportunities are endless. You could even be promoted to an even more senior level in the company such as to partner or being able to go out on your own. That said, in terms of the account manager leaving the company to start a new company, it may be a little difficult in some industries.
What is the average salary of an account manager? The range goes from as low as $35,000 to about $70,000. Over time, the salary will be more commission based when the network is huge. In the initial stages, there will be a basic salary. In addition to that, this position usually comes with the usual package of benefits such as health and dental insurance, paid vacations and medical leaves, and a sufficient pension plan.
In conclusion, the position of an account manager is important for the sales of the company and is usually a strong asset to the company. It is not a position tied to companies with a narrow vision, but a working opportunity which brings about opportunities in tenfold to both the account manager and the company.
