Company Secretary Job Description [Updated for 2024] (2024)

In the modern corporate world, the significance of a company secretary is immensely vital.

Business landscapes evolve, and with each change, the demand for knowledgeable professionals who can navigate, enhance, and protect our corporate governance system escalates.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s genuinely expected from a company secretary?

Whether you are:

A job seeker aiming to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
Or simply captivated by the role and intricacies of corporate governance,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable company secretary job description template, tailored for effortless posting on job boards or career portals.

Let’s dive right into it.

Contents show

Company Secretary Duties and Responsibilities

Company Secretaries play a crucial role in the administration of a company, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements and implementing decisions made by the Board of Directors.

They also provide advice and ensure the company maintains high standards of corporate governance.

Here are their primary duties and responsibilities:

Convene and service annual general meetings (AGMs)/meetings (producing agendas, taking minutes, conveying decisions, handling meeting correspondences, etc.)
Provide legal, financial and strategic advice to the Board of Directors
Oversee policies, making sure they are kept up to date and referred to the appropriate committee for approval
Maintain statutory books, including registers of members, directors and secretaries
Deal with correspondence, collate information and write reports, ensuring decisions made are communicated to the relevant company stakeholders
Contribute to meeting discussions, as and when required, and advise members of the legal, governance, accounting and tax departments of the implications of proposed policies
Monitor changes in relevant legislation and the regulatory environment and take appropriate action
Ensure the company complies with all applicable codes, in addition to its legal and statutory requirements
Manage the office space and deal with personnel administration, including training, appraisals and disciplining staff.

Company Secretary Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a qualified and professional Company Secretary to join our team.

The Company Secretary will be responsible for ensuring that our organization complies with standard financial and legal practice and maintains high standards of corporate governance.

They will handle the administration of company records, advise on company law and ensure all company policies and procedures are up to date and in line with current legislation.

Responsibilities

Oversee and ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements
Ensure the implementation of decisions made by the Board of Directors
Maintain statutory books, including registers of members, directors, and secretaries
Manage the organization’s risk management strategy
Develop and oversee the systems that ensure the company complies with all applicable codes, as well as its legal and statutory requirements
Monitor changes in relevant legislation and the regulatory environment and take appropriate action
Liaise with external regulators and advisers, such as lawyers and auditors
Organize and prepare agendas and papers for board meetings, committees, and annual general meetings (AGMs)

Qualifications

Proven work experience as a Company Secretary
Knowledge of corporate governance issues and best practice
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects at once
Experience with legal matters, such as creating partnerships, mergers, etc.
In-depth understanding of the laws applicable to the running of a company
BSc degree in Law, Business Administration or relevant field
Member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA)

Benefits

401(k)
Health insurance
Dental insurance
Retirement plan
Paid time off
Professional development opportunities

Additional Information

Job Title: Company Secretary
Work Environment: Office setting with occasional meetings outside of the office. Travel may be required for company meetings or seminars.
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Chief Executive Officer or Board of Directors.
Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
Pay Range: $100,000 minimum to $175,000 maximum
Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
Employment Type: Full-time
Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

What Does a Company Secretary Do?

A Company Secretary, often referred to as a Corporate Secretary, plays a vital role in a company’s administrative procedures.

They primarily work in the corporate sector but can also be found in public agencies and nonprofit organizations.

Company Secretary Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Company Secretary should possess the following skills and qualifications:

Excellent organizational and time management skills to manage meetings, take minutes, maintain company records, and comply with statutory requirements efficiently.
Strong knowledge of corporate law and governance is essential to ensure that the company operates within the law and regulations.
Exceptional communication skills to correspond with company directors, shareholders, government departments, and statutory bodies effectively.
Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with board members, stakeholders, and government agencies.
Attention to detail is crucial in ensuring accurate documentation, compliance with legal procedures, and updating corporate records.
Problem-solving skills to address corporate governance issues and provide practical solutions.
Good numerical skills for understanding and preparing financial reports and statements.
Professionalism and integrity to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive company information and make unbiased decisions.
Ability to multi-task and work under pressure, managing several projects simultaneously.

Company Secretary Experience Requirements

Entry-level Company Secretary candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often gained through an internship or part-time role in a legal or business environment.

They can also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Assistant Company Secretary, Legal Assistant, or Compliance Officer.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their knowledge of company law, corporate governance, and company administration in entry-level Company Secretary roles.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience in their background and may be ready for a senior Company Secretary or Corporate Governance Advisor position.

In addition, many employers require candidates to have a membership of a professional body such as the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA).

Some companies, particularly larger ones, may also require their Company Secretary hires to have advanced relevant experience, such as experience of working with boards of directors or knowledge of specific industries.

Company Secretary Education and Training Requirements

A Company Secretary typically needs a bachelor’s degree in business administration, law, finance, or a related field.

They must also have a deep understanding of company law, corporate governance, financial planning, and strategic management.

In many countries, company secretaries are required to be certified by a recognized professional body such as the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) in India or the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) in the UK.

The certification program usually includes theoretical and practical training in company law, corporate governance, secretarial practice, and financial and general management.

Some positions may require the Company Secretary to have a master’s degree in law or business administration, especially for large companies with complex operations.

Continuing education is also essential for Company Secretaries to keep up-to-date with changes in legislation, regulations, and best practices.

This can be achieved through seminars, workshops, or further studies.

Having a higher degree or additional certification can indicate a candidate’s dedication to the role and potential for leadership within the company.

Company Secretary Salary Expectations

A Company Secretary earns an average salary of $58,770 (USD) per year.

However, the actual salary can significantly vary depending on factors such as experience, qualifications, the size of the company, and the geographic location.

Company Secretary Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Company Secretary need?

Company Secretaries should have excellent organization and communication skills, as they will often be dealing with both internal and external stakeholders.

They should have a strong attention to detail, be able to work under pressure, and possess good legal knowledge.

Furthermore, they should have a solid understanding of business strategy and corporate governance issues.

Do Company Secretaries need a degree?

Yes, a Company Secretary typically needs a degree in business, law, finance, or a related field.

However, the specific requirements may vary depending on the country and organization.

In addition, many Company Secretaries hold professional qualifications such as those offered by the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA).

What should you look for in a Company Secretary resume?

A Company Secretary’s resume should demonstrate a strong understanding of corporate law and governance, as well as experience in a corporate environment.

Look for previous roles that involved risk management, compliance, and liaising with board members.

Additionally, Company Secretaries should possess excellent organizational and communication skills, so evidence of these are also important.

What qualities make a good Company Secretary?

A good Company Secretary is extremely organized, meticulous, and has a great ability to multitask.

They should be able to handle confidential information with discretion.

They also need to have a deep understanding of the company’s operations and the laws that govern it.

Excellent communication skills are also key, as they’ll need to liaise with various stakeholders, including board members, employees, and regulators.

Is it difficult to hire a Company Secretary?

The difficulty in hiring a Company Secretary largely depends on the specific requirements of the role.

For larger, publicly listed companies, finding a candidate with the necessary experience, skills, and qualifications can be challenging.

Smaller companies may find it easier to hire for this role but may still face challenges in finding candidates with the right mix of business and legal understanding.

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve decoded the complexities and intricacies that come along with the role of a company secretary.

Surprised?

It’s not just about managing administrative tasks.

It’s about safeguarding the company’s legal interests, one regulatory requirement at a time.

Armed with our reliable company secretary job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to embark on this journey.

But why limit yourself?

Plunge further with our job description generator. It’s your ultimate guide to creating razor-sharp job postings or perfecting your resume to the tee.

Remember:

Every decision made is a step closer to organizational success.

Let’s achieve that success. Together.

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