Both large and small businesses require employees to take care of back office operations so that these companies can run. The main types of these operations include accounting, human resources, Internet technology services, customer service, data management, and research and development. These types of operations are referred to as “back office” because they used to be completed in the back part of an office, out of sight of customers. Nowadays, back office operations can be completed on site, at separate facilities, or outsourced to companies that specialize in back office work.
One of the tasks dealt with by back office staff is the management of a company’s financial resources. Financial back office operations include a variety of different tasks, including accounting and bookkeeping, budgeting, investing, and acquiring additional capital for a business to use. Some of these jobs are frequently hired out to independent contractors or specialty firms though many large corporations keep their own staff of financial experts.
Internet technology services are are a back office operation that has become vital in the 21st century. Specialists in this field maintain any servers on the property and make sure that employees are able to remain connected to the Internet at all times. They may also maintain websites, software, databases and any information that the company has made electronic.
Though customer service representatives do work directly with clients, these positions are still considered to be back office operations. These employees talk to clients over the phone or Internet and are usually charged with helping customers to work out problems that they have with the company’s products or services. Often, these services are outsourced to back office companies that specialize in call centers.
Research and development is another common back office operation. People who work in these jobs may be scientists, technologists, engineers, or other professionals that are able to come up with new products and ideas and create prototypes of them. This job is different than manufacturing, which is another of the back office operations, as the research and development team do not produce products that are ready for the public.
What is BACK OFFICE? What does BACK OFFICE mean? BACK OFFICE meaning, definition & explanation
What is a back-office job?
A back-office job is a position in a non-client facing department. These roles often involve tasks that support front office operations. Professionals who work in these positions may perform tasks such as creating budgets, managing data, completing office repairs or organizing records. Often, back-office jobs require collaboration and interaction with front office employees but not clients and customers.
6 types of back-office jobs
There are many roles that organizations can categorize as back-office jobs. If youre interested in a role that supports customer service tasks without working directly with customers, this type of role could be optimal. Here are 6 types of back-office jobs you may consider:
1. Accounting
The accounting department of a company reviews financial documents and oversee the company budget. They ensure that the business operations remain profitable and may approve spending requests sent from different departments. There are a number of accounting and financial management tasks that professionals in the back office handle. Here are financial back-office jobs:
2. Human resources
The human resources department describes the team of professionals within a company that focuses on ensuring the company maintains a great environment and relationship with its employees. These professionals may organize staff events, handle employee conflicts and communicate with other professionals to ensure each employee understands the terms and features of their employment. Here are some common human resources job titles:
3. Information technology
The information technology (IT) department manages the software and hardware that the organization uses. This may include installing devices, updating software and troubleshooting technological issues for other employees. Back-office jobs in IT include:
4. Security
Security back-office jobs can include the protection of employees and data. These professionals range in skills and focus, but all provide support to the company to ensure its campus is safe for employees and that its information systems are secure. Here are some back-office security jobs:
5. Maintenance
The maintenance department helps support the front office functions and all company employees by keeping the facilities clean. This type of back-office job may include custodial services or repairs. Here are some back-office jobs in maintenance:
6. Payroll
The payroll team of a company is often a sub-section of the financial department. These back-office jobs focus on ensuring that each internal and external employee receives compensation for their work. This can include processing regular paychecks and bonuses. Here are some common job titles for payroll professionals:
FAQ
How many types of back office jobs are there?
What is back office salary?
