What Does an Account Manager Do?
An account manager acts as the primary liaison between a company and its clients, ensuring their needs are met and relationships are maintained. This role is central to customer satisfaction and retention, requiring strong interpersonal skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Account managers often handle a portfolio of clients, providing ongoing support, tracking performance metrics, and identifying opportunities to enhance service delivery or expand business.
While the specifics vary by industry, account managers are responsible for translating client goals into actionable plans within their organization. They collaborate with internal teams like sales, marketing, product development, and customer support to fulfill client needs efficiently. They’re also often tasked with contract renewals, upselling additional services, and handling escalations to ensure long-term satisfaction and success.
Looking to Hire an Account Manager?
Speak with one of our recruiting experts today.
Account Manager Core Responsibilities
- Build and maintain strong client relationships through regular communication and exceptional service
- Serve as the main point of contact for assigned accounts
- Develop strategic account plans to support client goals and retention
- Coordinate with internal teams to deliver solutions that meet client expectations
- Monitor account performance and produce regular status reports
- Identify upselling and cross-selling opportunities
- Resolve issues and manage escalations in a timely manner
- Track client feedback and relay insights to internal stakeholders
- Ensure all contractual obligations are met and prepare renewal proposals
- Maintain accurate records in CRM and reporting tools
Required Skills and Qualifications
Hard skills
- Proficiency in CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Strong analytical and reporting capabilities
- Knowledge of account lifecycle management
- Competence in project coordination and task tracking
- Basic financial and budget management understanding
Soft skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- High emotional intelligence and client empathy
- Strong problem-solving and negotiation skills
- Time management and ability to prioritize competing demands
- Collaborative mindset and team coordination abilities
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, communications, or a related field
Certifications
- Certified Account Manager (CAM), Salesforce Administrator, or PMP may be preferred for specific industries or roles
Preferred Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in a client-facing or account management role
- Background in a specific industry such as SaaS, healthcare, finance, or marketing
- Familiarity with data analytics tools or customer success platforms
- Experience managing enterprise-level or key accounts
- Demonstrated success in upselling or revenue growth strategies
National Average Salary
Account manager salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Account Manager is:
$61,255
Sample Job Description Templates for Account Managers
Junior Account Manager
Position Overview
A junior account manager supports senior team members in managing client relationships and delivering successful outcomes. This entry-level position is ideal for individuals eager to learn account management fundamentals while gaining hands-on experience in client-facing roles.
Junior Account Manager Responsibilities
- Assist in maintaining and updating client records in CRM systems
- Support communication between internal teams and clients
- Prepare reports and status updates for account managers
- Help coordinate client meetings and follow-ups
- Monitor project deadlines and assist in ensuring deliverables are met
- Respond to client inquiries and escalate issues when needed
- Perform research to support account strategy and planning
Junior Account Manager Requirements
Hard skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic CRM tools
- Familiarity with project coordination
- Basic understanding of marketing, sales, or account management
Soft skills
- Strong attention to detail
- Willingness to learn and take initiative
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
- Organizational and time management abilities
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, or a related field
Certifications
- None required
Junior Account Manager Preferred Qualifications
- Internship or 6–12 months of experience in a client-facing role
- Experience using CRM platforms like Salesforce or HubSpot
Mid-Level Account Manager
Position Overview
A mid-level account manager independently manages a portfolio of client accounts, serving as the main point of contact and ensuring their satisfaction. This role balances strategic oversight with hands-on execution, making it vital to client retention and success.
Mid-Level Account Manager Responsibilities
- Manage day-to-day communication and service delivery for assigned clients
- Build trusted client relationships and understand their business goals
- Develop project plans aligned with client objectives
- Coordinate with internal departments to meet client expectations
- Identify upselling opportunities and present tailored solutions
- Track account performance and provide regular updates to clients
- Handle client feedback and resolve issues efficiently
Mid-Level Account Manager Requirements
Hard skills
- Strong command of CRM tools and project management software
- Experience analyzing account metrics and presenting insights
- Understanding of sales and customer lifecycle management
Soft skills
- Strong relationship-building and communication skills
- Proactive and solution-oriented mindset
- Ability to manage multiple accounts and deadlines
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, communications, or related field
Certifications
- Salesforce certification or equivalent preferred, but not required
Mid-Level Account Manager Preferred Qualifications
- 2–4 years of experience in account management or client services
- Background in a specific industry (e.g., SaaS, healthcare, finance)
Senior Account Manager
Position Overview
A senior account manager leads high-value client relationships, acting as a strategic advisor and driving account growth. This role requires strong leadership and cross-functional collaboration to deliver excellent service and long-term client satisfaction.
Senior Account Manager Responsibilities
- Lead relationships with major clients, ensuring high levels of satisfaction
- Develop long-term account strategies based on client goals
- Guide junior team members and oversee their work
- Collaborate with sales and marketing to identify new business opportunities
- Prepare and present detailed account performance reviews
- Negotiate contracts, renewals, and service agreements
- Address escalated issues and ensure rapid resolution
Senior Account Manager Requirements
Hard skills
- Advanced CRM and reporting capabilities
- Strategic planning and client growth experience
- High-level presentation and proposal development
Soft skills
- Leadership and mentorship abilities
- Negotiation and conflict-resolution skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or relevant graduate coursework a plus
Certifications
- PMP, Salesforce, or industry-specific credentials preferred
Senior Account Manager Preferred Qualifications
- 5+ years in account management, with experience leading large or complex accounts
- Industry-specific expertise and strategic planning background
Enterprise Account Manager
Position Overview
An enterprise account manager oversees relationships with large, often multi-location clients. This role requires complex coordination, stakeholder management, and a deep understanding of the client’s strategic objectives.
Enterprise Account Manager Responsibilities
- Manage enterprise-level accounts with multiple stakeholders
- Create strategic account plans tailored to client objectives
- Facilitate collaboration across internal departments and client teams
- Ensure delivery of consistent, high-quality service
- Monitor account health metrics and drive performance improvements
- Develop long-term growth opportunities and upsell initiatives
- Represent the company in executive-level client meetings
Enterprise Account Manager Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience managing large-scale or enterprise accounts
- Expertise in CRM, analytics, and business planning tools
- Familiarity with complex procurement and contract processes
Soft skills
- Executive presence and stakeholder management
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving
- High emotional intelligence and adaptability
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in business or related field; MBA preferred
Certifications
- Project management or enterprise sales certifications preferred
Enterprise Account Manager Preferred Qualifications
- 6+ years of experience managing enterprise-level clients
- Background in B2B or complex sales environments
Global Account Manager
Position Overview
A global account manager handles international client relationships, ensuring seamless service across borders and time zones. This role demands strong cross-cultural communication skills and the ability to manage geographically dispersed teams.
Global Account Manager Responsibilities
- Manage global accounts and act as a single point of contact
- Align account strategies across international markets
- Coordinate with regional and local teams to meet client goals
- Navigate regulatory, logistical, and cultural considerations
- Maintain strong client communication across time zones
- Report on global account performance and recommend improvements
Global Account Manager Requirements
Hard skills
- Experience with international account management
- Understanding of global business practices and compliance
- Proficiency in collaboration and communication platforms
Soft skills
- Cross-cultural communication and diplomacy
- Organizational agility and adaptability
- Strategic planning across diverse markets
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in international business, marketing, or related field
Certifications
- Multinational account or export compliance certifications preferred
Global Account Manager Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years of experience with international clients
- Fluency in multiple languages or experience living abroad
Strategic Account Manager
Position Overview
A strategic account manager focuses on long-term partnerships with high-value clients, ensuring they receive tailored solutions and strategic guidance. This role blends relationship management with business development and planning.
Strategic Account Manager Responsibilities
- Build deep relationships with strategic clients to understand long-term goals
- Develop custom plans to support client success and retention
- Act as a consultant and advisor on business initiatives
- Collaborate across departments to deliver solutions that drive value
- Identify and pursue opportunities to grow client revenue
- Lead executive-level presentations and account reviews
- Track market trends and anticipate client needs
Strategic Account Manager Requirements
Hard skills
- Strategic planning and consultative sales skills
- Advanced CRM and data visualization expertise
- Financial modeling and business case development
Soft skills
- High-level communication and presentation abilities
- Visionary thinking and initiative
- Ability to influence across all levels of an organization
Educational requirements
- Bachelor’s degree required; MBA strongly preferred
Certifications
- Strategic account management certification (e.g., SAMA) preferred
Strategic Account Manager Preferred Qualifications
- 7+ years in strategic or enterprise account roles
- Experience driving large-scale client initiatives and growth strategies