Company Secretary

Company secretaries make sure that directors follow company law and financial regulations.

Typical Salary

£35,000 To £70,000

Typical Hours

37 to 39 a week
evenings occasionally

How To Become a Company Secretary

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • training with a professional body

College / University

You'll need a foundation degree or degree in a relevant subject like:

  • business
  • law
  • accountancy
  • public administration
  • at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
  • You could start by doing a higher national diploma in business management or law before applying to join a company as a trainee company secretary.

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a higher national certificate or higher national diploma
  • Apprenticeship

    You may be able to become a company secretary by first qualifying as a solicitor through a degree aprenticeship.

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
  • Routes into this Career

    Routes into this Career are not listed for this job.

    Other Routes

    You can take professional qualifications offered by ICSA: The Governance Institute 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.

    Skills And Knowledge

    You'll need:

    • administration skills
    • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
    • the ability to work well with others
    • to be flexible and open to change
    • 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
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

    Day To Day Tasks

    In this role you could be:

    • preparing annual company reports
    • administering share option schemes and paying dividends
    • advising directors and board members about their legal responsibilities
    • dealing with other professionals like lawyers and auditors
    • sending company information to Companies House or the Stock Exchange

    Working Environment

    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.

    Volunteering Opportunities

    Volunteering Opportunities are not listed for this job.

    Tips & Information

    Professional and industry bodies

    You can join ICSA: The Governance Institute for professional recognition, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.

    Further information

    You can find out more about how to become a company secretary from ICSA: The Governance Institute.

    Restrictions & Requirements

    To be the secretary of a public limited company (PLC), you'll need to qualify with ICSA: The Governance Institute or already be an accountant, solicitor or barrister.

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