How to Become a Company Secretary (Governance)
Season 1, Episode 7, Apr 29, 2020, 10:00 AM
Are you thinking of a Career where your interests in Law and Business intersect? Working as a Company Secretary could just be the career for you!
In this episode of Careers Conversations, Career Advisor Siobhan Murphy is joined by John Burns (ICSA), Dara Shine (pursuing qualifications) and Claire O’Brien (Senior Company Secretary) to unpack what this profession is all about. The panel discusses how best to approach this career, the qualifications that are necessary and the attributes that will help you to succeed.
Episode seven was recorded on 4th March
Episode seven was recorded on 4th March
This episode was produced with the assistance of Kate Dowling (Final Year Communications Student).
0:00-0:54 Introduction
Introduction of speakers Siobhan Murphy (DCU Careers Advisor).
- John Burns, Business Development Manager for Ireland from the Chartered Governance Institute (ICSA).
- Dara Shine, DCU BCL & Masters Graduate, a current first year in the role of Company Secretary with Matheson.
- Claire O Brien, a qualified senior Company Secretary with BDO.
0:55-1:24 Siobhan asks John to explain what a Company Secretary is.
Company secretary is someone who sits on the board of directors of a company, looks after governance and compliance requirements, ensuring efficient operation and management of the board.
1:25-3:10 Siobhan asks John what is role of ICSA.
Role of ICSA is to provide support to their members, in terms of events, CPD, training & development and campus recruitment of company secretaries. Mentions that those with Business, Law & Finance backgrounds may suit this role.
3:11-05:49 Siobhan asks John for insight on company secretaries and bad press associated with those who may not have been adhering to good governance.
The ICSA ensure secretaries are trained and up to speed with changing regulation, to ensure sufficient governance. It is the duty of the company secretary to call out where governance issues may arise. Companies that have had bad press may have had a weak board of membership, with no company secretary, so the ICSA try to emphasise the importance of this role. Importance of networking and sharing insight amongst the members.
05:50-08:09 Siobhan asks John what kind of person is suitable for the role.
Someone who:
- Is a good communicator – both written & verbal.
- Understands legislation and regulation.
- Is confident, not afraid to speak up.
- Protects confidentiality.
- Is an influencer & leader.
- Has an eye for detail.
John also discusses importance of CV, its level of detail and Siobhan mentions availing of services like CV Clinics.
08:10-09:07 Siobhan asks Dara about her motivation to become a Company Secretary.
Found out about it after she graduated and figured she matched the requirements (organised, had eye for detail etc), and got good training and guidance from Matheson and support to do the ICSA Part-time qualification in Marino College.
09:08-09:32 Siobhan asks Dara how long is the course and about the time commitment required.
2 years for basic qualification, 3 years for masters qualification. Dara mentions it is very manageable alongside work. It runs 4 times a month, on Fridays & Saturdays.
09:33-10:34 Siobhan asks Dara for a run-down of a typical day in the life.
Every day is very different due to constant change with regards to governance and legislation, but often its preparing board packages for board meetings, dealing with client queries, creating agendas, ensuring client’s compliance calendars are in check.
10:35-10:51 Siobhan asks Dara what experience has she gotten, has she attended AGMs.
Yes, Dara has, its currently a busy time for AGMs, end of Q1. She has been able to organise and plan many of them.
10:52-11:28 Siobhan asks Dara for what she likes the most about the role.
Dara likes hearing about directors and the way they report on whatever goings on there is.
11:29-12:15 Siobhan asks Claire, as a qualified senior company secretary, how did she find balancing the part time course and working.
It is very manageable if you have a company that supports you, majority of companies in Dublin are. Claire got study leave, which helped. The college are very conscious and supportive too.
12:16-12:49 Siobhan asks Claire and the changes she’s seen and experience gained at the senior level, as she is now qualified.
The responsibility has increased. Progression is present.
12:50-13:40 Siobhan asks Claire how mobile is the career.
You can use your qualification in Australia, Canada, Cayman Islands.
13:41-14:16 Siobhan asks Claire her favourite part of the job.
The client facing element, being to help with processes.
14:17-15:28 Siobhan asks Claire the deadlines & the management of them.
Claire mentions the ‘e-filing’ deadline, and the implementation Registration Beneficial Ownership deadline, which came at the same time, which meant a bit more pressure.
15:29-16:37 Siobhan asks Claire what is the most important skill for the role.
Communicating with your team and management, especially for issues etc.
16:38-17:00 Finishing statements.