Glossary · Roles

Virtual assistant vs executive assistant (VA vs EA)

A virtual assistant handles a set of tasks, often for several people or functions, while an executive assistant owns the workload of one leader and manages it proactively. The difference is scope and judgment: a VA completes assigned work well; an EA decides what needs doing and protects the leader's time.

Illustration of a hiring glossary: a reference page of terms with book, search, document and checklist icons

What it means in practice

Choose a VA when you have clear, repeatable tasks you can document: data entry, order processing, scheduling, customer messages. Choose an EA when your own time is the bottleneck and you need someone to run your calendar, inbox, and follow-ups with minimal direction.

Many founders start with a VA and grow the role into an EA as trust builds. Hiring the person with EA potential from the start saves a second search later.

At Rekruuto, both roles are full time, based in the Philippines, and $1,800 a month, so the choice comes down to the work, not the budget.

  • Virtual assistant (VA)

    A virtual assistant (VA) is a remote professional who handles administrative, operational, or specialist work for a business from another location.

  • Executive assistant (EA)

    An executive assistant (EA) supports one senior leader, managing their calendar, inbox, travel, meetings, and priorities so the leader can focus on decisions only they can make.

  • Delegation

    Delegation is handing ownership of a task or outcome to another person, along with the context, authority, and resources to complete it.

  • Job description (JD)

    A job description (JD) is a written summary of a role: its purpose, main responsibilities, required skills and tools, working hours, and how success is measured.

Read next

Hire a full-time professional from the Philippines

Every Rekruuto hire is a full-time professional based in the Philippines who works your hours. Most roles are $1,800 a month, software developers start at $2,500 a month, and an AI Implementation Specialist is $2,500 a month. Candidates pass top 2% vetting, hiring takes 14 days, and every hire starts with a 1-week trial with a replacement or refund.

Book a strategy callAll glossary terms