Company secretarial work is one of the most rewarding, but often misunderstood career paths in business. Far from being purely administrative, it sits at the heart of corporate governance, compliance, and strategic decision-making. If you’re detail-oriented, organised, and interested in business law or governance, it could be an ideal career.
In this guide, I’ll explain how to get started, the skills you need, and what employers expect when hiring in this field.
What Does Company Secretarial Work Involve?
A company secretary (CoSec) plays a central role in ensuring that an organisation operates legally and efficiently. They support the board of directors, oversee compliance, and help manage corporate governance frameworks.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Organising board and shareholder meetings, including agendas and minutes
- Ensuring compliance with company law and regulations
- Filing documents with Companies House
- Advising directors on governance and legal obligations
- Acting as a communication link between the board, shareholders, and regulators
This means the role combines legal knowledge, business awareness, and strong organisational skills.
How to Start a Career in Company Secretarial Work
1. Choose the Right Educational Path
There’s no single route into the profession, but common starting points include:
- A degree in law, business, finance, or accounting
- A relevant professional qualification
- Apprenticeships in business or governance
You can also begin in an administrative, legal, or compliance role and transition into company secretarial work
2. Gain the Key Professional Qualification
The most recognised route in the UK is the Chartered Governance Institute (CGI) qualification.
The programme covers governance, law, finance, risk, compliance, strategy & boardroom dynamics. It can be completed alongside full-time work and typically takes 2-4 years depending on your starting point.
Achieving chartered status demonstrates that you have the knowledge and experience needed for senior governance roles and is unofficially an expectation when you reach a certain level of role in certain types of organisations.
3. Get Relevant Experience Early
Employers value practical experience just as much as academic credentials. You can build this through:
- Internships or placement years
- Entry-level roles in company secretarial, governance, compliance functions
- Administrative roles supporting boards or senior management
- Professional services firms who take on a variety of company secretarial and governance work
Even experience in finance, HR, or legal teams can be a stepping stone into governance.
4. Start in an Entry-Level Role
Typical starting roles include:
- Trainee Company Secretary
- Company Secretarial Assistant
- Governance or Compliance Assistant
From here, you can progress to senior roles such as Assistant Company Secretary, Deputy Company Secretary, and eventually Company Secretary or Head of Governance.
What Skills Do Employers Look For?
Employers are looking for a combination of technical knowledge and personal qualities. Based on job descriptions and industry frameworks, here’s what matters most:
1. Strong Knowledge of Governance and Law
You don’t need to be a solicitor, but understanding of the following is essential for most roles:
- Company law (especially the Companies Act 2006)
- Governance principles (Corporate Governance Code or similar)
- Regulatory frameworks
2. Attention to Detail
Accuracy is critical. Missing a filing or making an error can lead to penalties for the business. Many duties involve maintaining precise records and meeting strict deadlines
3. Organisation and Time Management
Company secretaries manage multiple deadlines, board meetings, and compliance tasks simultaneously. Employers expect candidates to be highly organised and able to prioritise effectively.
4. Communication and Interpersonal Skills
You’ll regularly interact with:
- Directors and senior leadership
- External advisers such as lawyers and auditors
- Regulators and shareholders
Clear communication and professionalism are essential in maintaining trust and ensuring smooth governance processes.
5. Commercial Awareness
Modern company secretaries are more than administrators, they act as advisers. Employers value candidates who understand how governance decisions affect business strategy and risk.
6. Adaptability and Problem-Solving
The regulatory landscape is constantly changing, so employers want people who can adapt, stay up to date, and respond to new challenges confidently.
What Employers Really Want (Beyond the CV)
- Employers are increasingly looking for candidates who can:
- Support board-level decision-making
- Build relationships and act as trusted advisers
- Combine technical knowledge with a proactive mindset
- Contribute to governance improvements and organisational growth
In other words, they want business partners—not just administrators.
Is Company Secretarial Work a Good Career?
This career offers:
- Strong earning potential
- Opportunities across all industries and sectors
- A clear and fast progression into senior leadership and board-level roles
- The chance to influence how organisations are run
It’s a particularly resilient field, with demand remaining steady in regulated industries.
A career in company secretarial work is ideal for people who enjoy structure, responsibility, and working closely with senior leaders. It offers a unique blend of law, business, and strategy—and can lead to some of the most influential roles within an organisation.
If you’re just starting out, focus on:
- Building relevant knowledge (especially governance and law)
- Gaining practical experience
- Working towards a recognised qualification
Do that, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful career in company secretarial work.