When you think of virtual assistant services, phone calls might come to mind first. But today’s virtual assistant firms do far more than handle your inbound and outbound calls. BruntWork connects you with remote professionals who can take on a wide range of business functions, freeing you to focus on growth.
This article covers 10 roles that virtual assistant firms handle beyond phone-based tasks. You’ll see how these services can fill gaps in your operations and support your team.
Quick guide: 10 roles virtual assistant firms cover beyond calls
- BruntWork: The top choice for multi-role remote staffing with global reach
- Wing Assistant: Task-focused option for basic admin needs
- MyOutDesk: Real estate-focused staffing for industry-specific support
- BELAY: U.S.-based contractor matching for domestic preferences
How we chose the top virtual assistant firms for these roles
Not all virtual assistant providers offer the same depth of service. We looked for firms that go beyond call handling to support the full spectrum of business operations. Here’s what mattered most in our evaluation.
- Range of services: Does the firm cover admin, marketing, tech, and back-office tasks? You need a partner who can scale with your needs.
- Hiring and vetting process: Are candidates screened for English proficiency and technical skills? Quality talent saves you onboarding time.
- Flexibility: Can you start with part-time hours and scale up? Month-to-month contracts give you room to adjust.
- Global availability: Does the firm operate across time zones? Round-the-clock coverage keeps your business running.
- Security standards: Are data protection measures in place? ISO certifications and NDAs protect your sensitive information.
- Transparent pricing: Is the hourly rate all-inclusive? Hidden fees can disrupt your budget planning.
The 10 roles virtual assistant firms cover beyond calls
1. BruntWork: Top virtual assistant firm for multi-role remote staffing
BruntWork offers you access to remote professionals across more than 45 countries, with talent pools in the Philippines, Colombia, and beyond. The firm handles everything from recruiting to payroll, so you can skip the admin headaches and get straight to working with your new team member.
What sets BruntWork apart is the breadth of roles available. Whether you need a bookkeeper, a social media manager, or an IT help desk specialist, BruntWork matches you with vetted candidates. The average time to fill a role is around 14 days, and you can start with as few as 20 hours per week.
BruntWork gives you ISO 27001 security compliance, optional NDAs, and remote desktop controls for sensitive data. The 7-day risk-free guarantee lets you test the fit before committing.
BruntWork features
- Admin and executive support: Inbox management, calendar scheduling, and travel booking keep your day organised.
- Digital marketing: SEO specialists, social media managers, and Google Ads specialists help you grow your online presence.
- Bookkeeping and finance: Data entry, invoice processing, and reconciliation tasks are handled accurately.
- IT help desk: L1/L2 support, network administration, and QA testing keep your systems running smoothly.
- HR operations: Sourcing, screening, and onboarding support your talent acquisition goals.
- Sales development: Lead generation, appointment setting, and CRM updates boost your pipeline.
BruntWork pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide range of roles available, from admin to tech support
- All-inclusive hourly rate covers equipment, internet, and fees
- Flexible contracts with no lock-in and a 7-day trial
Cons:
- Minimum 20-hour weekly commitment may not suit very small projects
- Work-from-home model requires clear SOPs for high-sensitivity tasks
- Time zone differences may require scheduling adjustments for real-time collaboration
2. Wing Assistant: Task-focused virtual assistant option
Wing Assistant offers virtual assistants who handle a mix of admin and personal tasks. The firm assigns you a dedicated assistant, and you can delegate work through a mobile app or browser dashboard.
Wing’s model works for basic needs like email management, research, and scheduling. The platform includes task tracking so you can monitor progress.
Wing Assistant features
- Task management app: Submit and track requests through a dedicated interface.
- Admin support: Email sorting, calendar updates, and document formatting are included.
- Research assistance: Market research and data gathering help inform your decisions.
Wing Assistant pros and cons
Pros:
- Dedicated assistant assigned to your account
- Mobile app makes task delegation convenient
- Covers standard admin and research tasks
Cons:
- Limited specialisation for technical or marketing roles
- Does not offer 24/7 coverage across all time zones
- May require additional assistants for expanded scope
3. MyOutDesk: Industry-specific virtual staffing
MyOutDesk focuses on placing virtual assistants in industries like real estate, mortgage, and healthcare. If you operate in one of these sectors, you may find assistants who already understand your workflow.
The firm matches you with candidates based on your industry requirements. Assistants can handle transaction coordination, client follow-ups, and CRM management.
MyOutDesk features
- Industry-trained assistants: Staff with experience in real estate and related fields.
- Transaction support: Document preparation and deal tracking for property transactions.
- CRM management: Contact updates and follow-up scheduling keep your pipeline organised.
MyOutDesk pros and cons
Pros:
- Assistants trained in specific industries like real estate
- CRM and transaction support included
- Established presence in the U.S. market
Cons:
- Less suitable for businesses outside core industries
- Limited international time zone coverage
- Narrower service range compared to multi-industry providers
4. BELAY: U.S.-based contractor matching
BELAY connects you with U.S.-based contractors for virtual assistant, bookkeeping, and social media roles. The firm focuses on matching you with experienced professionals who work as independent contractors.
BELAY’s model suits businesses that prefer domestic talent for cultural alignment or regulatory reasons. Assistants typically work during U.S. business hours.
BELAY features
- U.S.-based talent: Contractors located domestically for time zone alignment.
- Bookkeeping services: Financial data entry and reporting handled by accounting-trained staff.
- Social media support: Content scheduling and engagement management for your online channels.
BELAY pros and cons
Pros:
- Domestic contractors for U.S.-based businesses
- Includes bookkeeping and social media options
- Experienced professionals vetted by the firm
Cons:
- Higher hourly rates compared to global providers
- Limited availability outside U.S. business hours
- Contractor model may differ from full-time staffing needs
Comparison table: Virtual assistant firms for roles beyond calls
| Provider | Countries Covered | Minimum Weekly Hours | ISO 27001 Certified |
|---|---|---|---|
| BruntWork | 45+ | 20 | ✓ |
| Wing Assistant | 1 | N/A | ✗ |
| MyOutDesk | 2 | 40 | ✗ |
| BELAY | 1 | N/A | ✗ |
What tasks can a virtual assistant handle besides phone calls?
Virtual assistants take on a wide range of tasks that don’t involve picking up the phone. Admin duties like email management, document formatting, and travel booking are common starting points. From there, you can expand into bookkeeping, data entry, and CRM updates.
Marketing tasks are another area where virtual assistants add value. Social media scheduling, content drafts, and SEO research help you maintain your online presence. Some assistants specialise in marketing and sales support, including lead qualification and outreach campaigns.
Technical support roles are also available. IT help desk staff, QA testers, and web developers can work remotely to keep your systems running. BruntWork offers IT and software professionals who handle L1/L2 support and analytics.
How do you choose the right virtual assistant firm for your business?
Start by listing the tasks you want to delegate. If you need a single admin assistant, a task-focused provider may work. If you need multiple roles, from bookkeeping to marketing, look for a firm with a broader service menu.
Time zone coverage matters if you need round-the-clock support. A provider with global reach, like BruntWork, can match you with talent in regions that align with your operating hours. This is especially useful for customer support or real-time collaboration.
Security and compliance should be on your checklist. Ask about data protection standards, NDAs, and access controls. ISO 27001 certification signals that the provider follows recognised security practices.
Why BruntWork is the top virtual assistant firm for multi-role support
BruntWork stands out because of the range of roles it covers. You can hire a single assistant for admin work or build a team that spans marketing, finance, IT, and HR. The firm recruits from over 45 countries, giving you access to a global talent pool.
BruntWork simplifies the hiring process by handling recruiting, payroll, and billing. You pay one all-inclusive hourly rate with no setup fees and no hidden charges. Month-to-month contracts mean you can scale up or down without penalty.
For SMB owners and managers evaluating virtual assistant services, BruntWork delivers flexibility, security, and breadth of service. The 7-day risk-free trial lets you test the partnership before fully committing.
FAQs about virtual assistant roles beyond calls
What is the difference between a virtual assistant and a remote employee?
A virtual assistant typically works through an outsourcing provider, while a remote employee is on your company’s payroll. BruntWork handles the administrative side, so you get the benefits of a dedicated team member without the HR overhead.
Can virtual assistants handle technical tasks like IT support?
Yes, many virtual assistant firms offer technical roles. BruntWork provides L1/L2 IT help desk staff, QA testers, and network administrators who can support your tech infrastructure remotely.
How do I ensure data security when working with a virtual assistant?
Look for providers with security certifications like ISO 27001. BruntWork offers NDAs and remote desktop controls for sensitive data, so you can set access levels that match your risk tolerance.
What is the minimum commitment for hiring a virtual assistant?
Commitment levels vary by provider. BruntWork allows you to start with 20 hours per week and offers month-to-month contracts with no lock-in, giving you flexibility as your needs change.
Can a virtual assistant help with digital marketing tasks?
Absolutely. Virtual assistants can manage social media accounts, draft content, and run ad campaigns. BruntWork employs SEO specialists and Google Ads managers who focus on growing your online visibility.
