Nature of work
A corporate secretary is responsible for a corporation’s legal and financial transactions. This person acts as the official record keeper of the corporation and is usually supervised by a corporate executive, such as the President or the CEO.
Duties and Responsibilities
A corporate secretary is expected to perform the following duties:
• Arrange board meetings and notify expected attendees
• Draft contracts and board resolutions
• Keep important records and files
• Prepare letters, reports and presentations
• Take minutes of the meetings
Requirements
1. Education
A Bachelor’s degree is commonly required in order to qualify for the position of a corporate secretary. A legal background, though not essential, will be very helpful in the performance of the duties aforementioned.
2. Knowledge
A corporate secretary must have an extensive knowledge of the following:
• Principles of corporate governance
• Corporate and securities law
• Administrative procedures like record-keeping, word processing, presentations, stenography and audio transcription
• English language including grammar, spelling and proper use of punctuations
3. Skills and Abilities
A corporate secretary must possess the following skills and abilities:
• Strong communication skills
• Excellent computer and technology skills
• Leadership skills
• Mediation or negotiation skills
• Critical thinking
• Ability to multi-task
• Ability to be flexible
• Proactiveness
Earnings
The salary of a corporate secretary is measured based on the person’s experience and skills, and the type, size and location of the corporation where the secretary works. The median annual pay is around $40,000.
For more detailed career guide please visit: Secretary Job description.