what is an HR administrator?
As an HR Administrator, your work combines administrative and human resources responsibilities. Technically, the role of an HR Administrator has less to do with employee services and more to do with administering company policies, data management and evaluating employee relations.
what does an HR administrator do?
Many people confuse an HR Administrator with an HR Generalist, but they are separate roles. For instance, a generalist manages all employee-related issues while an administrator assists the HR manager with daily tasks like processing new hires, HR data systems and documenting policies. In large organisations, the HR administrator role is broken down into different areas of specialisation like payroll administration or data entry. However, in smaller companies, your role as an HR Administrator covers all Human Resources functions, including recruiting, training and employee relations. That is why HR Administrators in small organisations get more exposure and broader experience.
As an HR Administrator, it is vital to understand the intricacies of data management. Since you play a crucial role in managing the information flow between employees and managers, it is important to have strong communication and people skills.
HR administrator rolesaverage HR administrator salary
In Australia, an HR Administrator earns an average salary of $68,250 per year. Entry-level positions for HR Administrators attract a salary of $61,000 annually due to the minimal experience. When you have many years of experience, your annual salary is around $78,000 . Some employers include allowances and non-monetary benefits as part of the remuneration package.
how to increase your salary as an HR administrator
As an HR Administrator, your salary depends on your experience and academic qualifications. Your experience determines the complexity of your responsibilities and the transferable skills you possess. Most employers are willing to pay more for HR Administrators with additional years of experience. Your qualifications also affect your remuneration package. For instance, hr administrators with bachelor's degrees are likely to earn more compared to hr administrators with only VET qualifications.
The company size also influences the remuneration package. In a small company, an HR Administrator completes all the human resources tasks, but the earnings could be less due to the limited resources in the company. Large organisations generally have greater resources and can afford to pay higher remuneration to HR Administrators. Some business sectors also have higher salaries due to the complexity of the role. For instance, working as an HR Administrator in financial services attracts a different salary structure compared with construction or mining companies.
Want to know what you will earn as an HR Administrator?
types of HR administrators
As an HR Administrator, you work on administrative duties like ensuring compliance with company employment policies and processing payroll. Some of the specialisms to consider in the role include:
- employee relations officer: as an HR Administrator, you can assist with employee relations tasks. For instance, you ensure the company has a harmonious work environment for staff. That includes solving conflicts, addressing behaviours in the workplace and updating employees' files.
- payroll administrator: as an HR Administrator, you assist with the administrative functions in payroll. For instance, you update employees' records and ensure the details are correct for payroll. You also help the payroll team with processing salaries for employees.
working as an HR administrator
Working as an HR Administrator requires organisational skills and knowledge of human resource processes and policies. The role requires multitasking and time management skills to help you juggle your tasks.
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HR administrator job description
Each organisation has unique duties and responsibilities for an hr administrator, but the general roles include:
- keeping employee records: as an HR Administrator, you maintain statutory employee records. You document necessary details, ensure they are up to date and provide them when required. Aside from validating the records, you feed them into the company's Human Resources Information System (HRIS).
- organising interviews: HR Administrators work closely with recruiters to ensure they have the necessary resources to conduct interviews. That means you compile the shortlist of candidates and ensure the hiring manager has the necessary records. You also organise interview venues and communicate with shortlisted candidates. As the hr administrator, you maintain contact with potential candidates throughout the selection process. You should make the necessary phone calls and keep them informed of the interview schedule.
- maintaining company policies and procedures: whenever managers amend an organisation's human resources policies and procedures, they are passed on to the HR Administrator. Your job is to document the changes in the HRIS system and inform employees. Sometimes, you also organise training to ensure employees are conversant with the new procedures.
- preparing onboarding procedures: as an HR Administrator, you ensure new recruits feel welcome by organising onboarding processes. You may conduct office tours and IT registration, prepare their workspace and note any upskilling required by recruits.
- payroll data management: your job is to gather data necessary for payroll processing. For instance, you collect the addresses, banking details and other relevant information for payroll. It is crucial to check for accuracy and ensure the payroll team has the relevant information.
- handling employee queries: as an HR Administrator, you are the first point of contact between employees and management. Your job is to pass on employee requests and queries to the manager. You also clarify questions arising from company policies or procedures.
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work environment
As an HR Administrator, your work is primarily office-based. You spend your day reviewing human resources data and preparing documents in the office. Sometimes, you travel to organise training or interviews if the company conducts them in offsite venues. Most HR Administrators work in-house, providing services to one employer. Hence, they can work for different industries, from construction and mining to financial services and retail companies. However, some HR Administrators are employed in human resources consultancy companies and provide services to various clients.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include HR Coordinators, office managers and specialists. You might also be working in close proximity to employee relations officers and administrators, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, accountants, recruitment consultants, recruiters and talent acquisition specialists.
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work schedule
Your work schedule as an HR Administrator depends on whether you work full-time or part-time. Depending on the company and role, your work hours will range from 35 to 40 hours a week. Full-time HR Administrators work typical 9 am to 5 pm office hours. As an HR Administrator, you may be required, on occasion, to work at weekends, especially if the company has training workshops or orientation programmes. You might also be expected to work evenings organising employee company events from time to time. Part-time opportunities for HR Administrators are available in consultancy companies.
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job outlook
The HR Administrator is the feeder role for HR Coordinator, Recruitment/Talent Acquisition, and/or consultant and HR Advisor.
All that knowledge of policy and how the company works is a perfect lead into a career progression higher up the decision making tree.
In large organisations, the HR Administrator role is an entry-level position in the Human Resources field. You can progress to a managerial position or specialise in the various specialisms in HR. Most HR Administrators improve their qualifications and become HR Managers, HR Srategists and then HR Directors. Alternatively, multiple specialisms are available for HR Administrators, such as payroll specialists, employee relations specialists or recruiters. You can advance into consultancy with expert knowledge and years of experience.
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advantages of finding an HR administrator job through randstad
Finding your HR Administrator job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- access to an experienced team of specialist recruiters
- 25 years of experience in the Australian market
- a range of opportunities in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an HR Administrator is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, hundreds of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad and our specialist HR recruitment arm, HR Partners by Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through HR Partners by Randstad too.
HR administrator education and skills
Some of the qualifications of an HR Administrator include:
- qualifications: to become an HR Administrator, you require tertiary-level qualifications. Most HR Administrators have relevant VET qualifications like Certificate IV in human resource management or a diploma in human resources. To further broaden your career opportunities, consider getting a bachelor's degree in business or human resource management.
- work experience: most employers require HR Administrators to have some industry experience before commencing work. Gain work experience through internships while studying or find entry-level positions in human resources to improve your skills. When you are ready to join top-level positions, consider upskilling with a postgraduate study programme like a master's in human resource management.
skills and competencies
As an HR Administrator, you need a firm set of skills to succeed, including:
- computer skills: as an HR Administrator, basic computing skills are useful for data management and other hr functions like compiling data in the human resource management software. Knowledge of MS Office applications like Excel, PowerPoint and Word makes your job simpler since it improves your data entry process.
- organisational skills: your role involves juggling numerous tasks, and some will fall behind schedule without sound organisational skills. Administrative skills help you prioritise tasks and improve efficiency throughout the human resource processes.
- detail-oriented skills: as an HR Administrator, you juggle multiple tasks with minimal room for error. Hence, attention to details helps you maintain accurate records and avoid costly mistakes.
- communication skills: as an HR Administrator, good communication skills assist you in employee relations and responding to queries and requests from various stakeholders. Some of your duties involve communicating with job applicants, where communications skills are invaluable.
- integrity and approachability: it is important to be approachable and trustworthy to make employees feel safe and able to discuss sensitive issues with you. Make sure you also give workers good advice in response to their queries.
FAQs about working as an HR administrator
Here are the most asked questions about working as an HR Administrator:
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what does an HR administrator do?
As an HR Administrator, you manage the administrative functions of the HR department. That involves updating employee data and carrying out data entry. You prepare the necessary documents to ensure the human resources department has the relevant records. Sometimes, the job involves collating and preparing payroll data and providing administrative support in learning and development.
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what qualifications does an HR administrator need?
If you want to be an HR Administrator, complete a Certificate III or IV in human resources or business administration. Consider a bachelor's degree to improve your competitive edge in the industry. Work experience also broadens your career opportunities.
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what is the salary of an HR admin?
As an HR Administrator, your remuneration package is $68,250 per year. At entry-level positions, your earnings begin at $61,000 annually and increase gradually to $78,300 per year. The remuneration package usually depends on the company and your experience level.
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is there a difference between an HR generalist and an HR admin?
An HR Generalist completes all the tasks associated with human resource management, from recruitment to payroll processing and employee relations. An HR Administrator focuses on administrative functions like data entry and confirming compliance documents.
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is an HR administrator a good job?
The HR Administrator role is an exciting career if you love working with people. An HR Administrator role usually involves working in a fast-paced office environment. If you are highly organised and detail-oriented, becoming an hr administrator is a suitable career.
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how do I apply for an HR administrator vacancy?
Applying for an hr administrator job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our hr administrator jobs. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.
