Farm secretary

Entry Requirements:

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly
• training with a professional body

Entry requirements:

College

You may find it useful to do a college course in a relevant subject like a:

• Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping
• Level 2 Diploma in Business Administration
• Level 3 Certificate in Accounting
• T Level in Management and Administration

Entry requirements:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through a Business Administrator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or an Assistant Farm Manager Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.

These apprenticeships can take up to 2 years to complete.

Entry requirements:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

DirectApplication

You could apply directly for jobs. Employers will usually ask for GCSEs grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths, or equivalent qualifications.

You'll also need experience of office administration and knowledge of bookkeeping.

OtherRoutes

You could take a training course through a professional body like The Institute of Agricultural Secretaries and Administrators .

You can take these courses whether you're working in the farming industry or are looking for a change of career.

Required Skills:

Digital skills : to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Skills:

• administration skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to work on your own
• sensitivity and understanding
• to be flexible and open to change
• excellent verbal communication skills
• customer service skills
• knowledge of English language
• the ability to read English
• active listening skills
• excellent written communication skills
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to organise your time and workload
• thinking and reasoning skills
• a desire to help people
• business management skills
• concentration skills
• a good memory
• the ability to work well with your hands

What you'll do:

Farm secretaries are responsible for the day-to-day running of the business side of farms.

As part of your day-to-day duties you could:

• use tailor-made agricultural business software
• keep records of livestock and crops to help with crop and stock planning
• apply for government grants and subsidies
• prepare farm business accounts and tax returns
• deal with wages and staff records
• cost, order and pay for equipment and supplies
• do typing, filing and other general administrative tasks
• keep up to date with farming, health and safety and tax laws

Location : You could work in an office, from home or on a farm.

Salary:

Starter : £16,000
Experienced : £37,000

These figures are a guide

Working hours:

37 - 39 hours a week

Working Pattern is between 8am and 6pm flexibly

Career Path:

With experience, you could become a farm manager.

You could also move into other types of rural business, like stables or countryside management, or use your business and administrative skills in other industries.