What does an Account Executive do?
Account executives work in a sales role, helping to maintain or extend existing accounts (customers) and develop new accounts. In many organizations, account executives work with sales representatives, account managers, etc. and offer higher-level leadership. Depending upon the industry an account executive may progress into enterprise account management, regional or national account management, etc.
Account executives almost always hold an undergraduate degree from a four year university and often have a degree in marketing, sales, business or communications. Beyond book smarts, successful account managers have an ease with people, an ability to develop new relationships easily and beyond all else, confidence in the products and services they are offering.
- Create detailed business plans to facilitate the attainment of goals and quotas
- Manage the entire sales cycle from finding a client to securing a deal
- Unearth new sales opportunities through networking and turn them into long term partnerships
- Present products to prospective clients
- Provide professional after-sales support to enhance the customers’ dedication
- Remain in frequent contact with the clients in your responsibility to understand their needs
- Respond to complaints and resolve issues aiming to customer contentment and the preservation of the company’s reputation
- Negotiate agreements and keep records of sales and data
- Proven experience as an Account Executive, or in other sales/customer service role
- Knowledge of market research, sales and negotiating principles
- Outstanding knowledge of MS Office; knowledge of CRM software (eg. Salesforce) is a plus
- Excellent communication/presentation skills and ability to build relationships
- Organizational and time-management skills
- A business acumen
- Enthusiastic and passionate
- BSc or BA in business administration, sales or marketing
Account Executive Salaries
Average Base Pay
Account Executive Career Path
Learn how to become an Account Executive, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Account Executive Insights
The Knot Worldwide“Everyone and I do mean everyone is super supportive and really does have your back.”
United Wholesale Mortgage (UWM)“My team leaders were awesome and understanding and I really liked almost all of my coworkers.”
Pulsus Group“I am happy with the team I worked with Everyone at this company is honest and fair.”
Wistia“Wisitia's brand is strong and it's a great place to start your career.”
Shiftboard“The CEO and CMO are top notch and make Shiftboard a great place to work.”
Zingtree“all I knew is that the product seemed great and they had a great base of existing customers.”
NewDay USA“I happened to have a good manager who was helpful and I enjoyed working with.”
Ican BPO“Hygienic canteen washroom is good nice ambience gaming room is the best just need more light's”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of account executives
During a typical day, an account executive serves as the main contact point between a vendor and a client. They spend each day attending to the business relationship with the client, and they fulfill the contract terms to keep the client happy.
Account executives are essential to a variety of companies since they develop relationships with clients. One of the advantages of working as an account executive is fostering strong relationships. They do most of their work in an office so they can meet with team members, clients, and management.
Yes, account executives can receive a decent salary. The average annual base pay for account executives is HK$16,000 in the United States, depending on where they live and years spent in this field. With additional experience, they can earn as much as HK$23,450 each year.
Working as an account executive has its challenges, because they could encounter factors that can ruin the deal. They might end up negotiating prices of products and services, which can be difficult if clients aren't flexible in pricing. Also, they need a solid understanding of ethical guidelines from regulatory authorities.