what is an account manager?
An account manager typically serves as a point of contact within the company. You are the person clients reach out to when they have questions or concerns and are responsible for meeting their needs. You work closely with them to understand their requirements, identify opportunities for improvement, and provide solutions.
Your role varies depending on the company and the industry you work in. However, your main responsibility across all industry sectors is to build strong relationships with clients and ensure that they are satisfied with the company's products or services. You act as a liaison between the company and the client, ensuring clear communication and swift resolution of any issues.
As an account manager, you demonstrate various skills, including excellent communication and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and an ability to multitask. You work well under pressure and are comfortable with handling multiple clients at once. You also have a good understanding of the products or services you manage and can provide technical support when needed. In cases where a higher level of technical support is required, you ensure your client receives that support from the appropriate personnel.
Does a career as an account manager sound like something that appeals to your organised nature and strong people skills? If so, keep reading to find out what skills, competencies, and qualifications will help you thrive in this profession.
see vacanciesaverage salary of an account manager
According to Payscale, the average salary of an account manager is ₹592,818 per year. This average represents a typical salary, as it falls almost centrally in the overall pay range for account managers. That range starts with entry-level account manager roles, which earn an average of ₹263,000 per year. At the other end of the scale, the most experienced account managers earn an average of ₹10,00,000 per year. Bonuses, commissions, and profit-sharing agreements can also increase your potential salary.
factors that affect an account manager's pay
As an account manager, your salary can be influenced by various factors, including your experience level, location, and the industry in which you work.
One of the most significant factors affecting your salary as an account manager is your experience level. If you are just starting your career, you may be offered an entry-level position with a lower salary. However, as you gain more experience and develop your skills, you can expect your salary to increase over time.
Where you live can also impact your salary as an account manager. In general, salaries tend to be higher in major metropolitan areas, where the cost of living is typically higher. However, keep in mind that salaries can also vary by region, so it's essential to research the average salary in your specific location.
The industry your employer operates in is also a factor. For example, organisations working in industries such as finance or technology may offer higher salaries than those working in retail or hospitality. Highly competitive industries or those requiring specialised skills tend to offer higher salaries to attract and retain talent.
While a degree is not always required to become an account manager, having a relevant degree or certification can increase your earning potential, especially when applying for your first account manager position.
types of account manager
There are several different types of account manager positions. These positions can vary depending on the industry, company size, and specific job requirements. Here are a few examples of the different types of account managers:
- key account manager: a key account manager manages a company's most important clients. These clients typically generate a significant amount of revenue for the company and require a high level of attention and support. You work closely with these clients to understand their needs, identify growth opportunities, and ensure they are satisfied with the company's products or services.
- regional account manager: you are responsible for managing a specific geographic area or region. You work to establish relationships with clients in the region, identify potential new clients, and drive sales growth. You are able to work independently and have a deep understanding of the local market and competition.
- technical account manager: you are responsible for managing clients who use the company's technical products or services. These clients may require specialised technical support, such as troubleshooting or system integration. A technical account manager must have a deep understanding of the company's products or services and be able to provide technical support to clients as needed.
- national account manager: you are responsible for managing large client companies with a presence across multiple regions or countries. You work to establish and maintain relationships with these clients, develop strategies to drive growth, and ensure that the company is meeting the client's needs on a national level.
working as an account manager
Account managers act as a point of contact for clients, building and maintaining relationships with their organisation's clients. Your goal is to ensure that solutions are delivered and clients' needs are met.
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account manager job description
The specific duties of an account manager include:
- building and maintaining relationships: your primary responsibility as an account manager is to build and maintain strong relationships with clients. You communicate regularly with clients, understand their needs, and provide solutions that meet those needs. Building strong relationships with clients ensures they remain loyal to your company and continue doing business with your organisation over time.
- driving sales: account managers are also responsible for driving sales and revenue growth. You identify opportunities for cross-selling or upselling, working with clients to develop new products or services, and developing strategies to increase sales and revenue over time. By driving sales growth, you can help ensure the company's long-term success.
- project management: you may also be responsible for managing specific projects related to your clients. You coordinate with other departments or teams within the company, such as project managers. You ensure projects are completed on time and within budget and communicate project updates to clients.
- reporting: account managers are responsible for reporting and analysis. You analyse client data, identify trends, and provide regular reports to management on the performance of your accounts. By providing valuable insights and recommendations, you can help to ensure that the company continues to improve its products or services and remains competitive in the marketplace.
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work environment
Your work environment is typically office-based. You enjoy a clean, well-lit indoor working environment while you are at your desk. However, depending on the size of the company and the scope of your job, you may also do some travelling. Remote work is a possibility in this profession.
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who are your colleagues?
As an account manager, your colleagues include sales-related staff, such as business development managers, brand managers, customer service representatives, and telesales agents.
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work schedule
Account manager roles are mostly full-time, 40 to 48 hours a week. If your organisation's clients are in the same time zone as your employer, your schedule will likely follow standard business hours. If you have clients worldwide, you may be expected to work less sociable hours to accommodate those clients. If your job involves travel, that may also lead to work outside of normal business hours.
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job outlook
Experience is an important factor in progressing as an account manager. Gaining experience and building a portfolio of satisfied clients—as well as driving sales and growth for your employer—will generally lead to higher salaries and more opportunities. You can move up the ladder into roles such as key account manager or even join the executive team.
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advantages of finding an account manager job through randstad
Finding your account manager job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid on a monthly basis
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as an account manager is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
education and skills
Some of the academic qualifications for account managers include:
- 12 standard: you must have completed a 10+2 level of school education in maths, accounts, economics, business studies, or statistics under a recognised board, with an aggregate of 50 per cent.
- bachelor's degree: while it is possible to enter this profession without a degree, a bachelor's degree in a related subject will greatly improve your chances of being hired, as well as your earning potential. Such courses include a bachelor's of business administration, a bachelor's of commerce, and a bachelor's of mass communication.
- master's degree: it is not necessary to pursue a master's degree for this profession. However, doing so can significantly increase your earning potential and prospects.
account manager skills and competencies
Some of the qualities of an account manager include:
- communication skills: one of the most critical skills for an account manager is strong communication skills. You can communicate effectively with clients, understand their needs, and provide solutions that meet those needs. You also communicate regularly with internal teams and management to ensure everyone is on the same page.
- interpersonal skills: you build and maintain strong relationships with clients, work well with internal teams, and can handle difficult situations with tact and diplomacy.
- problem-solving: as an account manager, you encounter a variety of problems and challenges. You identify problems, develop solutions, and implement those solutions quickly and effectively. Strong problem-solving skills are essential for success in this role.
- time management: account managers are often responsible for managing multiple clients and projects simultaneously. Effective time management skills make this aspect of the job much easier. You are able to prioritise tasks, manage your time effectively, and meet deadlines consistently.
FAQs about working as an account manager
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of account manager.
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what does an account manager do?
Account managers work directly with clients on behalf of their organisation. They deal with issues and maintain relationships with those clients.
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why is a good account manager necessary?
Providing a good customer experience is an essential part of maintaining a relationship with clients. Account managers help to prevent communication breakdowns and ensure clients receive any information they need.
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what are an account manager's roles and duties?
As a primary point of contact, an account manager's duties revolve around meeting the client's needs. This may involve chasing up departments, responding to complaints, and ensuring a clear connection between client and company.
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is account manager a high position?
An account manager is an entry-to-mid-level role, largely dependent on experience. The more experience you have, the more senior your position is likely to be.
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is account manager a stressful job?
As with many roles focused on sales, an account manager's job can be quite stressful. You often deal with multiple clients simultaneously and must handle complaints.
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how do I apply for an account manager vacancy?
Applying for an account manager job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our job offers for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here!
