The job scope encompasses ensuring the company’s compliance to regulatory requirements so that the running of the company adheres to company laws. The company secretary also deals with high level individuals such as stakeholders, the board of directors and shareholders to ensure the decisions of the board of directors (resolutions) are implemented. This position requires one to be closely involved with corporate governance and conduct, usually in meetings. For example, the company secretary handles the administrative aspect of an annual general meeting to make sure it meets all the requirements by law, but that is not all. They are responsible for the proceedings and procedures of a company’s listing in the stock market, the training of non-executives and trustees, the management of employee benefits such as pensions and share schemes, the insurance administration, the negotiation of contracts, risk management and organisation and interpretation of financial accounts.

The company secretary serves as the central source for advice on business conduct, covering anything from legal to accounting advice and corporate strategy planning. Company secretaries can advise a business owner on the risks and merits of taking on a partner, the sale or transfer of company shares and the legal procedure for dissolving a business. No company can exist without a company secretary. To conduct such important matters, a company secretary undergoes training with the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA), the international qualifying and membership body for company secretaries and governance professionals. A law graduate who has the right qualification makes a strong candidate for the job as a company secretary, as he or she will have both the legal background and the professional qualification setting them apart from the rest. Once a candidate passes the CGQP (Chartered Governance Qualifying Programme) exam, previously known as the ICSA Qualifying Programme, and becomes a member, he or she is free to pursue the occupation as a career.

The best candidates are those that possess a sharp eye for detail and exactness in documenting regulatory paperwork. One mistake can be quite costly. So the person is usually meticulous and orderly. This basically means being involved in administrative tasks of the highest order. As a company secretary, one can work in a senior managerial role with large corporations or multinational companies doing the work mentioned above. He or she will be the glue that keeps the company together. Alternatively an individual could eventually set up their own practice. With their own business, they can be hired by numerous companies to provide services for a monthly retainer, plus ad hoc fees. These companies are usually small and medium enterprises that cannot afford to hire a dedicated, full-time company secretary. Whichever path is chosen, the career is rewarding to those who find satisfaction in keeping order.