How to Become a Corporate Secretary
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Corporate Secretary
What does a Corporate Secretary do?
A Corporate Secretary executes and maintains all required official corporate filings, documents, reports and records according to applicable laws and regulations. Responsible for shareholder relations, communicating with Board members and coordinating shareholder lists and registrations. Being a Corporate Secretary researches and responds to shareholder requests for information. Manages the coordination of Board and shareholder meetings and the preparation of all necessary agendas and documents required for the meetings. Additionally, Corporate Secretary the incumbent in this role is usually an officer of the corporation. May require a Juris Doctor degree. Typically reports to top management. The Corporate Secretary manages a departmental function within a broader corporate function. Develops major goals to support broad functional objectives. Approves policies developed within various sub-functions and departments. Comprehensive knowledge of the overall departmental function. To be a Corporate Secretary typically requires 8+ years of managerial experience.
A corporate secretary is a vitally important member of the board of directors.
A corporate secretary has a very complex role compared to the typical office administrative assistant who performs tasks such as scheduling meetings, taking minutes and providing other secretarial support.
Corporate secretaries are legally required by all states for every corporation.
Although each corporation defines specific duties of a corporate secretary in the corporation bylaws, there are some general responsibilities all corporate secretaries are expected to carry out.
One of the primary responsibilities of a corporate secretary is to ensure a board of directors has the proper advice and resources to fulfill their duties to shareholders according to state law.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Corporate Secretary
Best tips for those who want to become a Corporate Secretary
Here are some tips to become a Corporate Secretary.
The Corporate Secretary also organizes and runs the AGM.
This duality can create its own set of issues, including role confusion (lawyer/officer), potentially conflicting legal and professional duties and obligations, issues of legal privilege, etc.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Corporate Secretary
Best colleges and universities for Corporate Secretary
- Butler University
- Carroll College
- Cooper Union
- High Point University
- Princeton University
- Providence College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Corporate Secretary
Is being a Corporate Secretary Worth it?
There are still disputes on who should (could) exercise functions of corporate secretary on practice.
There are still disputes on who should (could) exercise functions of corporate secretary - officer (employee of an enterprise), corporate secretary office (a number of employees) or external organization (legal entity) as outsource.
Familiar with Corporate Secretary matters (Annual Report, Bappepam/ IDX reporting).
Corporate secretaries are often lawyers or business professionals with extensive training in governance responsibilities.
The corporate secretary also has the ultimate responsibility to maintain important corporate documents and records, such as disclosure information, compliance with state laws, and Securities and Exchange Commission reporting and compliance.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Corporate Secretary
What skills do you need to be a Corporate Secretary?
A manager is often judged based on the success of their team and those working below them, as such, many skills are needed. Success in this role depends on a critical ability in the following: Board Relations, Regulatory Reporting, Securities Laws and Regulations Compliance. Experience in the following is fundamental to this role: Document Creation Software, General Office Software, Presentation Software. Skills may vary from job-to-job, but these skills are the ones most commonly associated with this role.
The corporate secretary still needs to have the knowledge and experience that’s required of corporate secretaries.
Today’s corporate secretaries need to be knowledgeable about technological advances that help to create efficiency and cost-savings for the board.
The nonprofit corporate secretary requires the understanding and knowledge of the not-for-profit corporation's thrust and purpose.
The nonprofit corporate secretary must have excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to interact with board officials, directors and the organization's membership, all of whom come from multiple business or cultural backgrounds.
A smart corporate secretary stays knowledgeable of current issues by reading corporate governance publications and attending educational workshops regularly.
Step 6: View average salary for Corporate Secretary
How much does a Corporate Secretary make?
The average salary range for a Corporate Secretary is from $193,917 to $301,237. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
-
View average salary for the United States
-
Adjust salary by state
Average salary for Corporate Secretary jobs
Step 7: Find relevant Corporate Secretary jobs, and apply.
Looking for Corporate Secretary jobs?
Here are some Corporate Secretary jobs in the United States.