One of the most basic entry level jobs in business is a sales representative. They aggressively go after business in the face of tough competition and manage the sales cycle from the first prospective call to the deal follow up. They strive to exceed established sales goals by creating a network of loyal clients and contacts. Some of the other common entry level jobs can be found below.
Finance Coordinator
Finance coordinators learn various aspects of enterprise-wide, centralized accounting functions. Their basic responsibilities include preparing monthly accounting invoices, analyzing department budgets and conducting account and general ledger evaluations. They gather data for financial analysts who create monthly and quarterly reports. They support centralized asset processing for specific locations. Finance coordinators conduct cost accounting analysis, which includes asset physical count taking, inventory valuation audits and physical inventory inspections. They reconcile interdepartmental activities through reviewing accounts to insure they are in balance and accurate. Finance coordinators perform ad hoc analysis and generate customized reports as needed by finance and accounting managers. They need to be organized, independent, self-motivated and operationally disciplined.
Business Development Rep
Business development reps create and reinforce brand awareness through product engagement activities. They close business deals by meeting requirements, developing relationships, negotiating contracts and matching contract requirements with available resources and business operations. Business development reps perform appointment setting, sales scheduling, market analysis and prospect identification activities. They screen potential business deals by analyzing existing market trends, formulating strategies, assessing risk and estimating potential earnings and advantages. Business development reps must have strong sales and communication skills because they are tasked with increasing the company’s market position by establishing and managing referral relationships. They need experience in the sales cycle management process and professional relationship development process. Finance coordinators need to have the ability to calculate interest, discount and percentage amounts in complex financial reports.
Operations Assistant
Operations assistants are responsible for assisting with the efficient and effective management of company operations. They handle policies, objectives, budgets, security and business plans that are designed to take full advantage of long range opportunities. Operations assistants are often assigned to specific departments. For example, those who work in human resources will assist with employee training and organizational development. Those who work in compliance and risk management will focus on strategic plans that meet present and future operational requirements. Those who work with advertising will help with selling and promoting all products and services to enhance profitability and the public image within the community. Operations assistants will need strong reading, writing and verbal skills to analyze various reports and communications. They need to be able to comprehend company operations, policies and manuals.
Manager in Training
Managers in training are given field assignments to learn management and technical skills within their future job areas. They accumulate a high quality resource of knowledge, skills and work experience during the course of their training and fieldwork. Managers in training are taught how to conduct themselves in ethical, professional and appropriate manners with clients, coworkers, management and the public. They may be assigned to work on projects involving quality, safety or operational trends. They must identify process improvement opportunities related to better sales and performance, or lower percentages of error. They will most likely have to work long hours learning front and back office functions and responsibilities.
Additional common entry level jobs in business are business analyst, operations coordinator and administrative assistant.
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