The Accountant as Company Secretary

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Want to be in the room when big decisions are made? Find out why accountants are a natural fit for the company secretary role.

£100 +VAT

4 CPD hours

120 days’ access

Use ACPD101 for 10% off any purchase.

The Accountant as Company Secretary

£100 +VAT

4 CPD hours 120 days’ access
Use ACPD101 for 10% off any purchase.

The Accountant as Company Secretary

This course is not currently available. To find out more, please get in touch.

This course will enable you to

  • Understand the duties of the company secretary
  • Recognise the legal and practical responsibilities of the company secretary
  • Identify the attributes of an effective company secretary
  • Contribute to the effectiveness of the board, and the overall success of the organisation
  • Enhance your position as a trusted adviser to the board

About the course

The company secretary sits at the intersection of governance, leadership and compliance – a role that puts you at the heart of decision-making and strategic direction. For finance professionals looking to expand their influence and move closer to the boardroom, it’s a logical and rewarding step. But stepping into the role requires more than just technical knowledge; it demands a blend of legal insight, soft skills and leadership awareness.

This course explores the evolving responsibilities of the company secretary, with a focus on how accountants are well placed to succeed in the role. You’ll examine core legal duties, statutory reporting, and how to support the board and senior leadership. Practical guidance on managing meetings, building effective agendas, and creating value in governance functions is complemented by a look at the personal and interpersonal skills that define success in the role.

This course will give you the insight and confidence to consider, or step into, the role of company secretary. You’ll be able to strengthen your ability to contribute to the board, navigate legal responsibilities, and shape how your organisation operates at the highest level.

Contents

The role

Your most important job
The role of the company secretary
Your skills
Why accountants are good company secretaries
Being in the room
Successful company secretaries
Balancing responsibilities

Legal duties and responsibilities

Legal context
The right side of the law
Keeping required registers
Annual reporting and statutory filing requirements
The chief governance officer
AGMs and EGMs
Executing documents
Audit and risk management

Enabling the board to lead and succeed

In the meeting
The annual workplan
Planning with leadership
Preparing board packs
Enabling presentations
Adding value
Minutes
Practical responsibilities
Board evaluation
Director recruitment
Going digital

Developing your soft skills

Being recognised
It’s who you know
Your colleagues
Intervening
The importance of CPD
Supporting directors
Individual directors
Developing a service culture

Managing your development

The future
The evolution of the role
Trust and respect
Earning trust
Taking responsibility
Gaining experience
Final thoughts

How it works

Author

Gerry Egan accountingcpd-author

Gerry Egan

Gerry Egan has had a storied career, spanning over 30 years. His CV boasts positions as head of communications and public affairs, company secretary, and group director. He now works as an independent consultant, and as a director for Life Credit Union. He is an expert in business-to-Government relations, ESG strategy and reporting, and data protection oversight.