Company Secretary
Job Description:Company secretaries make sure that directors follow company law and finance rules.
Job Category:What you will do:
In this role you could:
- prepare yearly company reports
- control share option schemes and pay profits
- provide legal advice to directors and board members
- deal with other professionals like lawyers and auditors
- send company information to Companies House or the Stock Exchange
- keep up to date with policy, legal and statutory requirements for the business
Skills:
You’ll need:
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
As well as:
- administration & organisational skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with others (teamwork)
- to be flexible and open to change (adaptable)
- excellent written communication skills
- patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- excellent verbal communication skills
Entry Requirements:
To become a Company Secretary, there are no specific subjects that are mandatory. However, pursuing certain subjects and developing key skills can be beneficial for this role, which involves managing legal and administrative aspects of a company’s activities. Here are some relevant subjects:
- English Language: Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for drafting and reviewing legal documents, preparing reports, and communicating with company stakeholders.
- Mathematics (Maths): Basic numeracy skills are important for financial management, budgeting, and understanding financial reports.
- Business Studies or Economics: courses in Business Studies or Economics can provide insights into business operations, corporate governance, and the economic environment in which companies operate.
- Law: While not typically available, a foundation in legal principles and an understanding of company law can be valuable for a Company Secretary’s role.
- Information Technology (IT): Proficiency in using computer software, particularly for document management and record-keeping, is important.
Post School
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- training with a professional body
University
You’ll need a foundation degree or degree in a relevant subject like:
- business
- law
- accountancy
- public administration
You’ll also need relevant business experience in areas like:
- pensions or insurance
- personnel
- accounts and credit control
- purchasing
- office management
You could get valuable work experience during your studies by doing a placement year or summer internship.
College
You could start by doing a higher national diploma in business management or law. Then you can apply to join a company as a trainee company secretary.
Apprenticeship
You may be able to become a company secretary by first qualifying as a solicitor through a degree apprenticeship.
Other Routes
You can take professional qualifications offered by The Chartered Governance Institute UK and Ireland to become a company secretary.
You’ll begin by doing the Chartered Secretaries Qualifying Scheme, which starts at foundation level. You can join at a more advanced level if you already have a relevant qualification, for example in law.
Restrictions and Requirements
This may vary from country to country, but in the UK, to be the secretary of a public limited company (PLC), you’ll need to qualify with The Chartered Governance Institute UK and Ireland or already be an accountant, solicitor or barrister.
Working Hours and Environment:
Your typical work hours could be variable.
You could work in an office.
Career Path & Progression:
With experience, you could become a company’s chief executive or managing director.
You could also work freelance as a consultant or a part-time company secretary for several smaller businesses.