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This position has closed. BMO removed this listing from their careers page on Sep 30, 2026. The interview prep below is still useful, and there are similar open roles at the bottom of this page.

Senior Administrative Assistant

BMO · Chicago, IL · $45,000–$95,000 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 31, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Sep 29, 2026

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

This role provides senior administrative and operational support to one or more executives within a large team. Who have you supported, and at what level?

What they are checking: Support at the stated seniority

You'd build relationships with internal and external stakeholders and act as relationship management for assigned initiatives. How do you represent an executive when they are not in the room?

What they are checking: Acting on someone else's behalf

The posting says you break down strategic problems and provide insights and recommendations. Tell me about a recommendation you made that was taken.

What they are checking: The stated expectation beyond administration

What would you do

Two executives both need you in the same hour. How do you decide?

What they are checking: The daily conflict of supporting several people

You'd see confidential material constantly. Where is the line on what you discuss and with whom?

What they are checking: Discretion, the foundation of the job

This is based at Canal Street with an application deadline of September 29. What would you want to know about the executives and the team before you took it?

What they are checking: The stated terms plus diligence

About the work

You'd handle financial and human resources administration alongside the executive support. Which of those have you done, and which would be new?

What they are checking: The named breadth, placed honestly

You'd lead planning, coordination and implementation of department events. Walk me through running an event for a large team.

What they are checking: Event ownership, a named duty

You'd gather and format data into regular and ad hoc reports and dashboards. What have you built, and in what?

What they are checking: The analytical half, often overlooked in this role

You'd employ tracking and exception reports to manage information. How do you keep on top of what an executive has committed to?

What they are checking: Follow-through systems

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by BMO.

Application Deadline: 09/29/2026 Address: 320 S Canal Street Job Family Group: Business Management Performs a variety of administrative and clerical tasks, financial and human resources administration and provides professional support to one or more Managers and their direct reports. The role provides general offices services ensuring all administrative and operational processes and control standards are followed, while seeking to determine, develop, and participate in implementation of improvement opportunities, contributing to the effective and efficient operation of the business group. • Provides subject matter expertise and advice related to assigned strategic initiatives and act as relationship management for assigned initiatives. • Builds effective relationships with internal/external stakeholders. • Breaks down strategic problems, and analyses data and information to provide insights and recommendations. • Gathers and formats data into regular and ad-hoc reports, and dashboards. • Leads the planning, coordinating and implementing department events. • Provides senior level administrative and operational support within a large, diverse team including one or more senior executives. • Employs systems (e.g. customized exception reports, tracking reports etc.) to manage information. • Integrates information from multiple sources to enable more efficient processes, enhanced analysis and/or streamlined reporting. • Provides input into the planning and implementation of administrative programs. • Coordinates and monitors budgets and reporting on results vs. budget. • Provides coaching and mentoring to more junior administrative assistants to support them in developing capability to carry out current job accountabilities. • Manages and monitors calendars and upcoming events. Dispatches meeting invitations, books meeting rooms and arranges for resources and other requirements in support of smooth and efficient meeting facilitation. Supports the coordination and implementation of department events. • Develops and maintains a filing system; ensures business and operational reports, forms, and other documentation, paper or electronic, are readily available. • Supports the development of tailored messaging, which may include writing, editing and distributing communications (e.g., correspondence, presentations, policies & procedures). • Dispatches outgoing communications. Answers central phone line, responding to and resolving/escalating inquiries. • Processes invoices for payment in adherence with documented processes and guidelines and vendor agreements • Prepares and logs departmental expense claims and reports. Tracks expenses to ensure they stay within budget. • Makes travel arrangements, booking flight/hotel reservations as needed. • Liaises with internal business units and external vendors and participates in the local coordination and implementation of premises and building related matters including incoming / outgoing staff and contractors, relocations, office planning and new furniture requirements while ensuring minimal interruptions to business operations. • Maintains supplies inventory by checking stock to determine inventory level; anticipating needed supplies; placing and expediting orders for supplies; verifying receipt of supplies. • Ensures all vacation and absence scheduling is documented, takes into account critical business needs, follows guidelines, and is managed consistently across employees in the group; identifies scheduling conflicts for resolution. • Coordinates training requirements for staff (research, booking, cancellations, confirmations, etc.). • Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders in order to deliver on business objectives. • Organizes work information to ensure accuracy and completeness. • Focus may be on a business/group. • Thinks creatively and proposes new solutions. • Exercises judgment to identify, diagnose, and solve problems within given rules. • Works mostly independently. • Broader work or accountabilities may be assigned as needed. • Take measured risks while protecting the bank by applying our Risk Management Framework in the execution of your role, in line with our Risk Culture and within our approved Risk Appetite, making sound and risk informed decisions that align to business strategy, protect assets, and adhere to applicable policy documents (Frameworks, Policies, Standards, Procedures and Supporting documents), laws and regulations. Qualifications: • Typically 7+ years of relevant experience in an administrative/ professional support function, demonstrating progressive responsibility and post-secondary degree in related field of study. • Specialized knowledge from education and/or business experience. • Verbal & written communication skills - In-depth. • Collaboration & team skills - In-depth. • Analytical and problem solving skills - In-depth. • Influence skills - In-depth. Salary : $45,000.00 - $95,000.00 Pay Type: Salaried The above represents BMO Financial Group’s pay range and type. Salaries will vary based on factors such as location, skills, experience, education, and qualifications for the role, and may include a commission structure. Salaries for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on number of hours regularly worked. For commission roles, the salary listed above represents BMO Financial Group’s expected target for the first year in this position. BMO Financial Group’s total compensation package will vary based on the pay type of the position and may include performance-based incentives, discretionary bonuses, as well as other perks and rewards. BMO also offers health insurance, tuition reimbursement, accident and life insurance, and retirement savings plans. To view more details of our benefits, please visit: https://jobs.bmo.com/global/en/Total-Rewards About Us At BMO we are driven by a shared Purpose: Boldly Grow the Good in business and life. It calls on us to create lasting, positive change for our customers, our communities and our people. By working together, innovating and pushing boundaries, we transform lives and businesses, and power economic growth around the world. As a member of the BMO team you are valued, respected and heard, and you have more ways to grow and make an impact. We strive to help you make an impact from day one – for yourself and our customers. We’ll support you with the tools and resources you need to reach new milestones, as you help our customers reach theirs. From in-depth training and coaching, to manager support and network-building opportunities, we’ll help you gain valuable experience, and broaden your skillset. To find out more visit us at http://jobs.bmo.com/us/en BMO is proud to be an equal employment opportunity employer. We evaluate applicants without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, sexual stereotypes, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or any other legally protected characteristics. We also consider applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. BMO is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to BMOCareers.Support@bmo.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Note to Recruiters: BMO does not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to BMO, directly or indirectly, will be considered BMO property. BMO will not pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. A recruiting agency must first have a valid, written and fully executed agency agreement contract for service to submit resumes.

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