Company Secretary Job Description | Governance & Compliance

The Company Secretary role is responsible for ensuring effective corporate governance, statutory compliance and efficient administration of board and shareholder processes. Candidates with corporate secretarial experience, strong knowledge of company law and excellent stakeholder management skills should apply.

Company Secretary Job Profile

The Company Secretary supports the board of directors and senior leadership by managing statutory obligations, governance processes and record keeping. The post-holder provides timely advice on corporate governance best practice and ensures the company meets filing and reporting requirements under relevant legislation.

This role combines legal, administrative and advisory functions. It requires close working with directors, company officers and external advisers to maintain the integrity of corporate records, facilitate governance meetings and protect the organisation's statutory compliance position.

Company Secretary Job Description

The Company Secretary plans and delivers all aspects of board and committee administration, including agendas, papers, minutes and follow-up actions. They ensure meetings are conducted in accordance with the articles of association and governance policies, and that directors receive clear, accurate information to discharge their duties.

In addition to board support, the role manages statutory filings, maintains statutory registers, and prepares compliance submissions to regulators and authorities. The Company Secretary monitors changes in company law and governance standards, advising the board on implications and required actions to maintain compliance.

The role requires safeguarding corporate governance processes, coordinating with legal and finance teams on corporate transactions, and acting as a confidential adviser to the board on governance, conflicts of interest and director duties. The post-holder will also manage shareholder communications and support annual general meeting arrangements.

Company Secretary: Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare agendas, board papers and supporting materials for board and committee meetings.
• Record, draft and circulate accurate minutes and ensure timely follow up of actions.
• Maintain statutory registers, minute books and corporate records in accordance with legal requirements.
• Manage statutory filings and returns with relevant regulators and authorities.
• Provide governance advice to the board and senior management on company law and best practice.
• Ensure compliance with articles of association, governance policies and board procedures.
• Coordinate induction and ongoing governance training for directors and officers.
• Support preparation and administration of annual general meetings and shareholder resolutions.
• Oversee conflict of interest processes and declarations for directors and senior officers.
• Liaise with external advisers, auditors and regulators on governance and compliance matters.
• Assist with corporate transactions, restructurings and the preparation of board approvals and documentation.
• Monitor changes in company law and regulatory requirements and implement necessary policy updates.
• Manage confidential corporate information and maintain high standards of corporate record security.
• Contribute to the development and review of governance frameworks, policies and codes of conduct.

Company Secretary: Requirements and Qualifications

• Degree in law, business, finance or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Professional company secretarial qualification or equivalent recognised credential desirable.
• Several years of experience in company secretarial, corporate governance or compliance roles.
• Strong knowledge of company law, governance codes and statutory filing obligations.
• Proven experience supporting boards and committees, including minute taking and board administration.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to advise senior stakeholders.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail in documentation and record keeping.
• Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and integrity.
• Organisational skills with the capacity to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Experience liaising with regulators, auditors and external legal advisers.
• Good analytical and problem solving skills and ability to interpret legislation and guidance.
• Professional demeanour and ability to work effectively with boards and senior management.