Company secretary

Responsible for:

As a company secretary or chartered secretary, it would be your job to make sure that your company and its directors obey company law and financial regulations.

You would have a wide range of financial and legal management responsibilities, which would typically include: sending company information to Companies House or to the Stock Exchange, preparing annual company reports, administering share option schemes and paying dividends, keeping up to date with company law, advising directors and board members about their legal responsibilities, being the company’s named representative on legal documents and dealing with other professionals like lawyers and auditors.

Average salary:

Salaries are usually between £35,000 and £55,000 a year, although top salaries are generally between £70,000 and £120,000.

Typical working hours:

Your standard working week would be 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, although part-time work is also possible. You may sometimes work extra hours to meet deadlines, or attend evening meetings.

Qualifications:

Most company secretaries have substantial business experience, and many have degrees or professional qualifications in business, law, accountancy or public administration.

To be the secretary of a public limited company, you must by law either qualify with the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA), or be an accountant, solicitor or barrister. 

General requirements:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Good presentation
• Organisational and negotiation skills
• High degree of attention to detail
• Good understanding of business law and finance with sound judgment

Career prospects:

All registered companies must by law have a company secretary. With experience you could become a company's chief executive or managing director. Alternatively, you could choose to work freelance as a consultant or a part-time company secretary for several smaller businesses.