Darryl Samuels balances the books for PA Life Training Day

Finances used to be left to an entire department of people, but with budget cuts taking place at many smaller companies, PAs are often tasked with picking up these duties. To help those attending the next PA Life Training Day on 14 November at the Grange Tower Bridge Hotel, Darryl Samuels from Souters Training will be providing an overview of business finance and how PAs can excel. We asked Darryl a few questions to find out more about this informative session.

Tell us about yourself and your background.
I have experience in administration and financial management in all sizes of company, from SMEs to large multinational firms.

What associations and professional bodies are you a member of?
The Chartered Institute of Bankers and the Institute of Canadian Bankers (where I’m a fellow).

Can you give us a glimpse of what you’ll cover in your talk?
Understanding financial terms and reports; explanation of balance sheets; profit and loss; cash flow statements and budgets; what invoices and statements should contain. The session will deliver skills and qualifications that are suited to a PA and will explain what career benefit they can get from this knowledge.

In your opinion, what are the current three most important challenges PAs and EAs face?
1 To become more involved in the management process
2 To obtain other non-direct skills in order to blend with specialised functions
3 To manage change well.

Where do you see the PA/EA role going in the short term? In the longer term?
I think the traditional secretarial-type role will be phased out. PAs/EAs will need to become more involved in the management process and be more of a team member than a secretary.

Why is an event like PA Life Training Day so important?
To expose participants to the current trends emerging and how they impact the PA/EA role.

What advice can you give PAs and EAs?
I would say it’s key to continue to upgrade your skills and obtain training in new areas.