Your business functions well, its core functions run smoothly, and you’re making profits right off the bat. Who do you normally end up thanking for this? Sadly, most of the credit is given to front-office endeavors, not knowing, that if it weren’t for the back office, the entire business would crumble.
First, let’s take a moment to thank our back office staff for their continued support, and to appreciate what they do truly, we have to understand their roles & responsibilities. Let’s review the essential back-office roles and responsibilities that enable businesses to function & succeed!
Understanding the Definition of Back Office
Yes, we’ve mentioned it countless times before, the back office supports the business infrastructure from the back end, allowing the front office to properly conduct their mission.
It sounds rudimentary, but their core function is the heart, lungs, and well just about all necessary internal organs that support life, while front office is the brain. We hope this viewpoint explains their definition and importance deeply, with just a few words.
The Driving Force of the Back Office – Roles & Responsibilities
Without further ado, let’s get into the specifics. Here are 11 essential back office roles & responsibilities that drive success in the setting we have today.
1. Data Management
Data, the most important factor for business growth and survivability needs experts who aid in storing, organizing, and managing it all. Being at the forefront of strategy, these experts guide the entire trajectory of the business, providing data to the entire team.
They are usually tasked with ensuring data accuracy and accessibility all across the workplace. Data management executives may be considered the sensory organs of the company, making sure the business doesn’t take the wrong steps.
2. Human Resources Management
We are all familiar with all the buzz surrounding HR. This back office role looks into recruiting and onboarding new employees. Often at the center of everything that’s got to do with employees, the HR is responsible for handling employee records and benefits, providing counseling and other forms to support.
They look after the well-being of employees while ensuring the effectiveness of their performance.
3. Finance and Accounting
Business is all about money. The front office is usually busy making money, leaving the back office with the task of counting the earnings. Managing company finances, including budgets and expenses, finance and accounting executives track the overall cash flow.
They are tasked with conducting audits and preparing financial statements as well, allowing the business organization to carefully plan out the next profitable move.
4. Inventory Management
Businesses that are all about buying and selling simply can’t do without professional inventory managers. Keeping track of what’s coming in and going out is a task that requires much attention.
Overseeing stock levels and ordering supplies daily, inventory management ensures smooth trade. They manage inventory databases, giving a full report of what’s in stock, and what needs restocking.
5. Tech and IT Support
In this age of data and technology, businesses can’t do without this specific back-office role. Everyone’s got a computer, and there has to be someone looking into their functionality.
Tasked with maintaining and upgrading IT systems and the infrastructure, tech support is the most sought individual in a work environment providing technical support to every employee. They set up the whole thing and keep it going seamlessly.
6. Corporate Strategy and Development
Corporate Strategy and Development is the brains behind a company’s battle plan in the corporate world. Their job? To plot the company’s future moves with an eagle eye on market trends and untapped opportunities.
These pros are the ones making the calls on big deals, like mergers and strategic partnerships, ensuring they fit the company’s goals like a glove. They’re the navigators steering the business ship, keeping it on a steady course to success and away from the icebergs of the market.
7. Administrative Support
Administration is the most important facet of a business. The only debate remains on where their influence lies. It is an accepted fact that there needs to be someone who looks after everything, and it is usually administrative support personnel constantly involved in coordinating office activities and operations.
Their role dictates their influence, managing clerical duties and office supplies. Is this something your business can do without?
8. Research and Development
You may think the R&D department is for a certain type of business, but its impact on the overall trajectory of the business reflects its necessity. Tasked with researching to improve existing products and processes, the R&D department allows room for growth and expansion.
In most cases, R&D is constantly developing new products and services, or paving the path for diversification, and yes, this falls under the jurisdiction of the back office.
9. Quality Assurance
Quality Assurance is the watchdog of a company’s product integrity. These detail-oriented pros have one job: to make sure every product hitting the market is up to snuff.
They’re the ones who test and prod, leaving no stone unturned to ensure that every item meets the gold standard. From the smallest widget to the most complex service, they’re the guardians at the gates, making sure that everything the company does lives up to the promise it makes to its customers.
10. Legal Services
Business organizations all operate under the law. Upholding these laws and regulations allows businesses to stay legitimate, and mitigates risks. Usually, hiring a legal advisor to the back office team does the trick.
Legal advisors keep everything in order, ensuring company compliance with laws and regulations. They are also tasked with identifying and mitigating risks that would endanger the overall survivability of the business. Legal advisors also look into taxation, and lawsuits, guiding the company smoothly through every turmoil.
11. Procurement
Procurement is the business’s dealmaker, the team that hunts down the best goods and services without breaking the bank. Their day-to-day? Hammering out contracts and building solid relationships with suppliers.
They’re the savvy negotiators, the ones with an eye for value and a knack for sealing a deal that’s good for the company’s coffers, keeping the supply chain humming smoothly.
How it All Comes Together
In back-office operations, leading the team requires a skilled and cool head. Back office management is what keeps it all together and functioning perfectly. With their entire team working in unison to streamline and boost business processes, their hands are usually full.
This often collides with front office processes, leading to a number of issues. Despite all these difficulties, outsourcing has always remained as the best alternative to managing your back office teams. Learn the benefits of outsourcing your back office, and step ahead of all other business organizations competing for the top spot.
Conclusion:
With the cogs and gears that make up the entirety of back office, each designation has its pivotal role to play in aiding business organizations with smooth functionality, and streamlined processes.
On the surface, managing such a multifaceted team could prove challenging, but experts out there are willing and ready to take on these back office roles and responsibilities.
Get onboard with professional outsourcing organizations to maximize the effectiveness of your business processes today!
