Company secretary
Business and Finance

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

University

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

• business
• law
• accountancy
• public administration

You'll also need relevant business experience in areas like:

• pensions or insurance
• personnel
• accounts and credit control
• purchasing
• office management

University (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

College

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.

College (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

• 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.

Apprenticeship (Entry requirements)

You'll usually need:

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

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.

More info

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.

What it takes

Skills & 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

Restriction & 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.

What you'll do

Day to day

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 and progression

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.