BDO South Africa: Executive Personal Assistant Role Now Open

BDO South Africa invites suitably qualified and experienced candidates to apply for their Executive Personal Assistant (Executive PA) vacancy. This opportunity is ideal for professionals who have strong administrative experience and want to work closely with senior executives in a fast-paced corporate environment. Candidates with a National Diploma or Degree and at least 5 years of executive support experience are encouraged to apply.

A High-Level Executive Support Role in a Leading Corporate Environment

If you are someone who enjoys working in a structured but busy environment, where every day brings new challenges, then this role could be a perfect fit. BDO South Africa is looking for a highly organised, proactive, and professional Executive Personal Assistant who can provide full administrative and operational support to executives.

This is not a basic office job. It is a senior-level support role where you will be directly involved in executive decision-making processes, coordination of business activities, and communication between departments and external stakeholders.

The ideal candidate must be confident, calm under pressure, and able to handle confidential information with the highest level of discretion.

About BDO South Africa

BDO South Africa is part of a global professional services network that offers audit, tax, advisory, and business consulting services. The company is known for its strong corporate standards, professionalism, and commitment to excellence.

Working at BDO means being part of a structured environment where accuracy, efficiency, and teamwork are highly valued. Employees are expected to perform at a high standard while maintaining professionalism in all interactions.

What the Executive Personal Assistant Will Do

The Executive PA plays a central role in ensuring that executives operate efficiently and remain well-organised. This includes managing schedules, communication, travel, documentation, and overall office coordination.

Executive Support Duties

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Managing executive diaries, meetings, and appointments
• Coordinating travel arrangements including flights, accommodation, transport, and visas
• Handling personal tasks such as catering and executive-related arrangements
• Preparing agendas, meeting minutes, and presentation materials
• Compiling briefing notes, reports, and supporting documents
• Managing communication between executives, staff, and external stakeholders
• Acting as the first point of contact for executive offices
• Supporting project planning and business coordination activities
• Ensuring smooth workflow across executive offices

This role requires someone who can think ahead, solve problems quickly, and keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Administrative Responsibilities

The Executive PA will also handle a wide range of administrative tasks, including:

• Drafting letters, emails, reports, and presentations
• Managing correspondence and executive communication
• Handling high-level queries and escalations
• Supporting directors with administrative needs
• Ensuring proper document management and filing systems
• Maintaining accuracy in all records and submissions

Strong writing skills and attention to detail are essential for success in this area.

Procurement and Financial Support Tasks

This role also involves supporting procurement and expense management functions:

• Ordering stationery and office supplies
• Purchasing marketing materials and corporate gifts
• Negotiating prices for cost efficiency
• Managing stock levels
• Tracking executive expenses and budgets

A good understanding of financial processes and business operations will be an advantage.

Travel and Logistics Coordination

The Executive PA will manage all executive travel arrangements, including:

• Booking flights and accommodation
• Organising car rentals and transport
• Handling visa applications
• Coordinating airport transfers
• Ensuring smooth travel schedules

This requires excellent planning skills and strong attention to detail.

Office and Operational Coordination

Additional responsibilities include supporting daily office operations:

• Assigning tasks to drivers and managing logistics
• Supervising reception team performance
• Ensuring proper communication of events and schedules
• Coordinating with IT support for technical issues
• Managing asset registers and equipment tracking
• Liaising with facilities teams for office maintenance and events
• Ensuring clean, organised, and professional office spaces

This makes the role highly diverse and operationally important.

Skills and Competencies Required

To succeed in this position, candidates must have a combination of technical skills and strong personal qualities.

Technical Skills

• Strong Microsoft Office skills
• Experience with calendar and scheduling tools
• Familiarity with project management systems
• Knowledge of reporting and financial dashboards
• Strong document formatting and writing ability
• Understanding of business operations and corporate structure

Personal Attributes

The ideal candidate should demonstrate:

• High level of confidentiality and discretion
• Strong organisational and multitasking abilities
• Ability to prioritise tasks effectively
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Emotional intelligence and relationship management skills
• Ability to stay calm under pressure
• Initiative and problem-solving ability
• Professionalism and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

These traits are critical when working closely with senior executives.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• National Diploma or Degree in Office Administration, Business Administration, or related field
• At least 5 years of experience in executive administrative support or as a Personal Assistant to senior management or executives
• Previous corporate environment experience is preferred

Why This Opportunity Is Worth Considering

Executive Personal Assistant roles are among the most important support positions in any organisation. They require trust, responsibility, and strong organisational ability.

At BDO South Africa, this role offers exposure to high-level corporate operations, strategic planning, and executive decision-making. It is an opportunity to build a strong career foundation in corporate administration and business support.

A Career Step for Experienced Professionals

If you are an experienced Executive PA who is confident in handling complex tasks, managing executive schedules, and supporting high-level business operations, this position at BDO South Africa could be the next step in your career.

This is a chance to work in a professional environment where your skills, experience, and attention to detail will make a real impact.