Do you have a passion for software? Would you like to be involved in the daily operations of a company? If so, a position as a salesforce administrator would be the perfect job for you. Salesforce administrators help promote company efficiency by managing the CRM software, Salesforce. To be successful in this role, Salesforce administrators should have expertise with Salesforce and be able to troubleshoot any problems that arise.
As a Salesforce administrator, you will define requirements for CRM software to connect different departments in the company together to organize their notes, activities, and statistics into one system. This allows employees to access client data whenever they need it to optimize customer service and sales.
Salesforce administrators will need to stay on top of Salesforce updates to improve efficiency in the company. This will require Salesforce administrators to be independent in their work as they establish and form development changes and improvements within the CRM system. Salesforce administrators that help improve company operations will have opportunities for job growth and promotion within their organization.
Sample job description
Are you a technical expert? Can you translate client needs into tangible results? If so, apply for our position as a Salesforce administrator! Salesforce administrators use their deep knowledge of the Salesforce platform to define requirements and tailored customizations for clients. They handle database management, security, compliance, and interacting with the users to ensure efficiency and quality. These administrators use a variety of languages and API’s and generally have a well-rounded understanding of the technical challenges presented during the development and maintenance of the platform. Having soft skills that allow you to translate complex, technical solutions to non-technical clients, and being able to transform their needs and wants into a usable platform is vital to success in this role. If this describes you, please apply.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Handle all fundamental Salesforce administrative functions including routine tasks such as user account maintenance and workflows
- Carry out regular internal Salesforce system audits and upgrades
- Work with the management team to determine appropriate Salesforce processes
- Grow the Salesforce skillset throughout the organization, and facilitate the training of new users
- Act as a liaison between Salesforce users, vendors, and application development teams
- Work independently with members of the community to establish and form development requirements
Education and experience
This position requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, plus a minimum of two years of experience as a Salesforce administrator. Most important is to have official certification from Salesforce. The company offers several levels of certification for administrators. Preparation and registration information is available on the Salesforce website.
Required skills and qualifications
- Expertise in Salesforce
- Proven project management ability
- Excellent at meeting deadlines
- Innovative and analytical thinker with solid problem-solving skills
- Proficient in written and verbal communication
- Ability to assess information from multiple sources and resolve conflicts
Preferred qualifications
- Strong Salesforce product knowledge and at least 5+ years of Salesforce administration hands-on experience with Sales Cloud
- Certified Salesforce Administrator
- Additional Salesforce certifications
- Understanding of basic triggers/Apex code knowledge
Typical work environment
Salesforce administrators will spend a significant amount of time seated at a computer. The vast majority of their day will be working with software-related issues, writing and reviewing code, and monitoring tests and live platforms for quality.
Meetings with clients, management, and stakeholders may be likely, so light travel to office environments should be expected as well. Additionally, this position may be done remotely, providing employees, freelance, and agency workers with more flexible arrangements.
Typical hours
The typical work hours for a Salesforce administrator are from 9 AM to 5 PM in an office setting.
Available certifications
As Salesforce administrators work in a variety of industries, there are many institutions that offer certifications, including:
- Complete Salesforce Classic Administrator. This foundational course taught by Udemy provides the core concepts of the platform, along with several mechanics and methods for deploying the platform. This is an excellent entry point for beginners who wish to learn more about the platform and its uses, and for intermediates who would like to get reacquainted.
- Salesforce Administrator Credential. This module-based learning course provided by Trailhead will teach basic concepts and principles used within Salesforce. Once you’ve finished, you’ll be able to test your proficiency through a series of assignments and hands-on tests. This is another excellent beginner-level option, and it’s even free!
- Intermediate Salesforce Certification. This certification offered by InLearning is a great next step for those seeking further mastery over their platform. Beginners and intermediates alike will benefit from taking this course, and upon completion, the holder will demonstrate their commitment and working knowledge of Salesforce.
- Salesforce Certified Advanced Administrator. For those looking to take their careers to the next level, this course provided by Udemy is an excellent choice. If you’re intimately familiar with the platform, and you’d like certification to prove it, look no further. You only need the Udemy prerequisite to apply.
Career path
This position requires a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field, plus a minimum of two years of experience as a Salesforce administrator. Job candidates also need official Salesforce certification. Salesforce administrators can further their careers with advanced certification, real-world experience, and proven leadership abilities.
US, Bureau of Labor Statistics’ job outlook
SOC Code: 15-1245
| 2020 Employment | 168,000 |
| Projected Employment in 2030 | 181,200 |
| Projected 2020-2030 Percentage Shift | 8% increase |
| Projected 2020-2030 Numeric Shift | 13,200 increase |
Position trends
According to the industry website Salesforce Integration, one trend that will affect all IT sectors in the near future, including Salesforce administration, is the increasing use of digital technology. This transformation is happening quickly, as most IT administrators have already integrated wearable technology or plan to do so in the next year. Technology has the power to open up new opportunities by connecting those who are unconnected. Another growing trend is the use of APIs (Application Programming Interface). The world is continuing to expand digitally, providing access to applications and content on our devices. APIs allow this expansion to happen by connecting companies who offer these services right to our devices.