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Farm secretary

Alternative titles for this job include Agricultural business administrator, rural business administrator

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

Average salary (a year)

£24,000 Starter

to

£38,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 40

You could work

between 8am and 6pm flexibly

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

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

College

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

  • business administration
  • bookkeeping
  • accounting
  • T Level in Management and Administration

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do 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

You'll usually need:

  • 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

More Information

Direct Application

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 or accounting.

Other Routes

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 looking for a change of career.

More Information

Career tips

An understanding of farming and rural life will be helpful, particularly if you've lived or worked on a farm before.

Further information

You can find out more about working as a farm secretary and other roles through The Institute of Agricultural Secretaries and Administrators and Tasty Careers.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • business management skills
  • administration skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to work on your own
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • the ability to organise your time and workload
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

As a farm secretary, you could:

  • carry out admin tasks using agricultural business software
  • use livestock and crop records to help with production planning
  • apply for government grants and subsidies
  • prepare farm business accounts and tax returns
  • calculate wages and update staff records
  • order and pay for new equipment and supplies
  • keep up to date with farming, health and safety and tax laws

Working environment

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

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Business Administration Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £14,918.80 a year Annually
  • Location: HA8 6LE

Level 3 Business Administration apprenticeship

  • Wage: £13,741 a year Annually
  • Location: HARROW

Courses In England

Business Administration

  • Provider: LIMM SKILLS ACADEMY LIMITED
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Not known

Business Administration

  • Provider: CITY OF BRISTOL COLLEGE
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Bristol

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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