Virtual Assistant Careers

Overview

Virtual assistants (VAs) provide administrative, scheduling, email, and light bookkeeping support to businesses remotely. Many VAs are self-employed contractors serving multiple clients; others work for VA agencies that place them with clients. Established VA agencies are legitimate; be cautious of platforms that ask you to pay to join.

Typical daily responsibilities

• Managing a client's inbox, calendar, and travel bookings.
• Drafting social media posts or scheduling content.
• Doing light bookkeeping in QuickBooks or Xero.
• Coordinating with a client's vendors and contractors.
• Producing simple reports in Excel or Google Sheets.

Required skills

• Excellent written English and email etiquette.
• Strong self-management — you'll set your own schedule.
• Comfort using video calls, screen sharing, and shared drives.
• Basic bookkeeping and spreadsheet ability.

Recommended training on this website

Combine our Office Skills lessons (Outlook, calendars, communication) with Excel and Bookkeeping basics. Add Typing and 10-Key so you can process a client's data quickly.

Helpful software to learn

• Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.
• QuickBooks Online or Xero for bookkeeping tasks.
• Canva for light social/graphics work.
• A time-tracking tool such as Toggl or Clockify.

Typical salary range

Entry-level VAs often bill $18–$30 per hour; experienced specialists in bookkeeping or executive support can bill $40–$75+ per hour. Rates vary widely by niche, client, and country.

Advancement opportunities

• Specialize in bookkeeping, executive support, or e-commerce operations.
• Grow a VA agency and hire subcontractors.
• Transition to a full-time remote office role with a favorite client.