The Company Secretary

I learned everything I knew about being a company secretary on the job as there was no one around to tell me how to do it. Luckily for me, there was a ‘shake-up’ at the company and less than a year from joining, I was appointed company secretary.

Typical path?
I’m not sure if there is a conventional route for people going into this kind of role. Some people take special company secretary’s exams after university but many come to the profession as qualified lawyers or accountants.

Skills and personality
Here’s my top five list of skills:

• Common sense
• Ability to think laterally – to find solutions
• Attention to detail
• Stamina (ability to work long hours)
• Man-management and organisational skills

Personality traits that help in my job include a sense of humour, diligence and the patience and ability to do lots of things at once.

Freedom and control
I get loads of autonomy in my job. Although I report to the board of directors and work very closely with the finance director, because I am relatively senior and am the only lawyer working in my organisation, I am allowed to get on with my job most of the time.

The hours
Normally, I work about 55 hours a week but quite often I have busy periods where I work over 60 hours a week. When it’s quieter, I’ll work about 50 hours.

The cash
My basic salary falls into the £65,000 to £100,000 bracket. But including benefits I earn over £100,000. I think I am paid well for working hard.

Starting salaries for qualified company secretaries (those who have trained specifically for the role) are in the £30-£35,000 region. Newly qualified solicitors working in private practice in London now earn about £40,000 and salaries increase quickly with experience.