What is an Account Executive?
Account Executives typically work within the sales and marketing team of a company and sell products or services to clients. An Account Executive develops pitches for services and products based on the client’s needs that they may or may not present to the clients themselves. He/She monitors and evaluates the progress and timeline of a project or a deal. To close a deal or transaction, the Account Executive must be able to maintain an excellent relationship with the client. Building trust and reputation for their products or services will also encourage future sales and purchases.
On this page, Links Recruitment will walk you through the role of an Account Executive. For employers who are looking to hire an Account Executive, this page can assist you in generating an application for hiring your next Account Executive and attract quality candidates. For job seekers, you will learn more about the role as well as possible career paths as an Account Executive.
What Does Account Executive Do?
Account Executives work to retain existing accounts/clients and carry out research and expand their network to identify prospective clients. They work closely with other teams – sales representatives, advertisement, marketing as well as the clients to ensure client satisfaction. An account executive attends regular meetings with clients and internal parties and acts as a link to ensure any needs or progress are communicated clearly. To succeed as an Account Executive, one strives to ensure company sales targets or goals are met or exceeded.
The following activities and responsibilities are generally included in an Account Executive job description:
- Expanding the current client network and identify prospective clients
- Conducting market research and analyzing market trends to develop a sales pitch
- Handing all processes within the sales cycle: from pitching to closing
- Presenting products or services to clients
- Maintaining close contact with clients and attending regular meetings
- Providing after-sales support to clients: invoicing, preparing reports, handling complaints and resolving any issues that arise
- Tracking and coordinating all activities under an account
Becoming an Account Executive is challenging, so you will need the right skills and experience to supplement this job position.
- Excellent negotiation, communication and presentation skills
- An active listener with an ability to identify client needs
- Ability to connect, build and maintain relationships in a professional manner
- Detail-oriented, highly organized with multi-tasking skills
- Strong analytical skills
- Possess an understanding of budget constraints and come up with creative solutions for budget control
- Proficient in Microsoft software
- Fluency in written and verbal English
A Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as marketing or business administration is usually preferable. Larger organizations may prefer candidates with Master’s degrees. Most Account Executives enter the company at a junior position such as Sales Representative and move up to the position after a few years of experience with a proven record of meeting and exceeding sales targets.
Roles for furthering up the ladder of an Account Executive career would typically be Account Manager, Sales Director, and Head of Sales.
| No. of Year Experience | Hong Kong Monthly Salary (HKD) | Singapore Monthly Salary (SGD) | China Monthly Salary (RMB) |
| 1 – 4 | 14.6K – 16K | 3K – 3.3K | 15K – 20K |
| 5 – 9 | 16K – 20.2K | 3.3K – 3.6K | 20K – 27K |
Check out Links International’s salary guide for more information on salaries and trends in 2019.
Looking for an Account Executive Job?
As an award-winning recruitment agency with 20 years of recruitment experience across Asia regions, our specialist can offer professional career advice and consultation for you. Find account executive roles on Link’s job board today!