CAO Full Form

Chief Administrative Officer

A chief administrative officer (CAO) manages corporate, public, and governmental organizations. CAOs handle day-to-day operations and overall company success. CAOs manage a company's finances and create goals, rules, and processes to improve efficiency and compliance. They report directly to the CEO and act as top management's liaison. CAOs handle administrative and accounting staff. These executives prioritize policy, process, profits, and regulatory compliance. They work closely with departments and teams to ensure their effectiveness and identify improvement opportunities. A CAO can identify what requires to be changed or improved in a low-performing department.

CEO duties and responsibility

A CAO's major responsibilities are overseeing high-level management and other workers and maintaining company efficiency. In IT, banking, government, education, and healthcare, CAOs are common. It needs high-level decision-making, leadership, and communication. CAOs work closely with company leaders and must report to the CEO on departmental performance. CAOs should be able to provide complex business and financial facts to company stakeholders. It's a role that needs change management and multitasking. CAOs need a trusting relationship with the CEO to promote business efficiency.

CAO responsibilities vary by industry but include the following

• Managing department and management KPIs
• Strategizing, planning, and budgeting
• Training new administrators
• Coaching administrative staff
• Manager reviews
• Working with C-suite and board
• Staying current on government administrative, accounting, and financial reporting requirements and regulations
• Reports directly to the council
• Ensures compliance with municipal resolutions, policies, and programs
• Advises the council on municipal operations
• Hires directs, manages, and supervises municipal employees
• Exercises the authorities and performs the responsibilities and functions delegated to the CAO by the council, MGA, or another act.

Council expects from CAO

• Prepare and disseminate council meeting agendas and associated papers so members can participate and make educated choices.
• Prepare monthly financial statements that show the municipality's financial status;
• Provide well-researched, easy-to-understand reports with alternatives to rectify issues and a recommended course of action.

Conclusion

The council may focus on policy-making rather than day-to-day operations by appointing a CAO. Councils must recognize that the CAO is their lone employee and must engage with other municipal workers through the CAO. Members of the council may only obtain information from municipal personnel.