An account handler is often referred to as an account executive in an advertising agency. The handler is often considered a liaison between the advertising agency and its clients, the advertisers. Account handlers are the agency contacts for clients, and they manage all general interaction and communication between the advertiser and agency.
Advertiser-Agency Relationship
Advertisers are profit and nonprofit organizations that deliver paid messages through various types of advertising media. Some advertisers have their own in-house advertising departments, but many work with external ad agencies that help them develop unique advertising campaigns and then facilitate placement through selected media. The advertiser is the client that hires the agency and pays it for its creative development and advertising management services.
Account Handler Duties
An account handler generally functions as the client's main contact who helps make certain the advertiser's needs are met. Specific duties for this position are to convey the client's specific campaign requirements and expectations to the agency team, monitor client deadlines, make certain agency performance meets advertiser standards and help develop the agency's long-term relationship with the client, according to Spotlight Ideas.
Employment Settings
Account handlers work in a wide array of advertising employment settings. Traditional creative advertising agencies and integrated advertising agencies are among more common workplace settings. Other prominent agency settings include direct marketing and digital agencies. Account handlers also work in other types of marketing companies, such as media and public relations agencies. Account handlers sometimes move into other management roles within the advertising industry.
Additional Insights
Account handlers typically report to account managers or directors. An account handler's job is often one of the more challenging roles in an ad agency, but it does not always bring significant glamor. The Total Jobs website notes that handlers commonly work from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., though advertising agencies notoriously function at odd hours when working on major client projects. Handlers need good communication skills, presentation skills, confidence, people skills and a good business sense.
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