Corporate Secretary Job Description Template

Tsiala Jobava

Last updated on January 17, 2025 | 8 min read

Job Description Template

General overview of the role

The Corporate Secretary is a critical administrative and governance professional responsible for ensuring the organization adheres to corporate governance regulations and fulfills its legal and regulatory obligations. This role involves managing the flow of information between the board of directors, executives, and shareholders, maintaining corporate records, and overseeing legal documentation. The Corporate Secretary provides essential support to the board, facilitating effective decision-making and upholding the organization’s compliance and governance standards.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide comprehensive administrative support to the board, including scheduling meetings, preparing agendas, and recording accurate minutes.
• Ensure board meetings and governance activities comply with company policies, bylaws, and legal requirements.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the board, management, and shareholders, facilitating effective communication and decision-making.
• Maintain and organize corporate records, ensuring accuracy and accessibility for meeting minutes, resolutions, and shareholder communications.
• Assist with the preparation and timely filing of statutory documents, including annual reports, shareholder notices, and regulatory filings.
• Oversee director and shareholder elections, preparing necessary documentation and coordinating meetings.
• Provide expert guidance on corporate governance practices, compliance, and regulatory obligations.
• Monitor regulatory changes, advising on updates to ensure corporate compliance with laws and governance best practices.
• Prepare and distribute meeting materials, including financial reports and legal documents, ensuring stakeholders are well-informed.
• Support governance policies and procedures by reviewing, updating, and maintaining bylaws, charters, and codes of conduct.

Required Skills and Experience:

• A bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Law, Finance, or a related field is required.
• 3–5 years of proven experience in a corporate governance or legal support role, such as Corporate Secretary or Paralegal, is essential.
• Comprehensive knowledge of corporate governance principles, legal requirements, and regulatory filing processes is necessary.
• Familiarity with securities laws and regulations, particularly those governing public companies and shareholder reporting, is highly valued.
• A strong understanding of corporate bylaws, legal documentation, and board meeting processes is essential.
• Demonstrated experience working closely with senior executives, board members, and external advisors to support governance and compliance functions.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills are required, with the ability to produce precise, concise, and professional reports and legal documents.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities while maintaining accuracy.
• Proven ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive corporate matters with discretion and professionalism.
• Proficiency in office software, including Microsoft Office Suite, and governance software or platforms, is essential.

Nice to Have/Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Certification in Corporate Governance (e.g., Chartered Governance Professional or equivalent).
• Experience with regulatory bodies (e.g., SEC, Companies House) and public company filings.
• Familiarity with legal research tools and corporate governance software.
• Experience working with multinational organizations and understanding of cross-border governance issues.
• Knowledge of emerging trends in corporate governance, including environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.
• Legal background or experience in a law firm, mainly corporate or securities law.

What we offer

• Extensive health and wellness coverage.
• Work-from-home options and flexible hours.
• Paid time off for vacations, holidays, and sick leave.

Here are a few more benefits that, according to Forbes, are valued by employees:

• Retirement savings plans with employer matching, such as 401(k) plans, are significant to employees.
• Early leave on Fridays.
• 4-day work week.
• Private dental insurance.

About us

We recommend including general information about the company, such as its mission, values, and industry focus. For instance, you could say:

“DevsData LLC is an IT recruitment agency that connects top tech talent with leading companies to drive innovation and success. Their diverse team of US specialists brings unique viewpoints and cultural insights, boosting their capacity to meet client demands and build inclusive work cultures. Over the past 8 years, DevsData LLC has successfully completed more than 80 projects for startups and corporate clients in the US and Europe.”

Explore sample resumes

Explore our resume samples to hire a top Corporate Secretary. They offer a clear guide to evaluating resumes and selecting the best talent.

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Common challenges faced by Corporate Secretaries

Providing comprehensive board support:
Corporate Secretaries must juggle scheduling, preparing agendas, and recording minutes, ensuring board activities run smoothly and comply with legal requirements.

Navigating regulatory compliance:
Staying up-to-date with corporate laws, securities regulations, and governance practices is essential to avoid legal risks and ensure adherence to evolving standards.

Balancing diverse responsibilities:
With responsibilities ranging from recordkeeping and board support to compliance and governance, managing priorities and meeting tight deadlines is a recurring challenge.

Facilitating director and shareholder processes:
Coordinating elections, preparing necessary documentation, and managing meetings require effective planning and attention to detail.

Monitoring regulatory updates:
Corporate Secretaries must track changes in laws and governance practices to implement necessary updates and maintain compliance.

Managing corporate policies and procedures:
Keeping governance documents, such as bylaws, charters, and codes of conduct, updated and compliant requires consistent oversight and collaboration.

Corporate secretary salary

Salaries for the Corporate Secretary role can vary significantly based on location, industry, and experience:

• Entry-level positions: Corporate Secretaries starting their careers typically earn between $150000–$190000 annually.
• Mid-level and experienced professionals: Experienced Corporate Secretaries, particularly those managing large teams or operating in complex industries like finance or healthcare, can expect salaries ranging from $200000–$300000 annually.
• Top-tier executives: Senior Corporate Secretaries or those working for Fortune 500 companies can command salaries exceeding $300000 annually.

Please note that these figures are approximate and can vary based on specific job responsibilities, company size, and individual qualifications.

Contact DevsData LLC

If you’re looking to hire a qualified Corporate Secretary, contact DevsData LLC general@devsdata.com or visit www.devsdata.com. The company’s recruitment process is thorough and efficient, utilizing a vast database of over 65000 professionals.

They are renowned for their rigorous 90-minute interviews to assess candidates’ technical skills and problem-solving abilities.

Additionally, DevsData LLC holds a government-approved recruitment license, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.