Company Secretary

A company secretary is a representative of the company, employed to carry out ministerial or administrative duties. “Secretary” is sometimes the entry-level title given to an inexperienced candidate who may start out by working in a group, filing papers, answering telephones, scheduling appointments, and handling mail for their employers. Senior secretaries perform supervisory duties or act as office managers who may order supplies, schedule meetings, handle petty cash, and make travel arrangements. Company secretaries specialize in one type of office work. For instance, legal secretaries are familiar with the terms and procedures used by lawyers; medical secretaries work in the offices of doctors, hospitals, and other places where knowledge of medical terms is essential. Bilingual secretaries work for the government and for other organizations that maintain contact and exchange letters with offices abroad. There is a growing demand for these specialists due to the proliferation of the corporate sector.

Courses and Eligibility:

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) offers a three-stage course for students to qualify as company secretaries. The foundation course, which can be availed after the completion of the 10+2 examination, is 8 months long. After graduating from it the candidate can take up the 9-month intermediate course. The last stage of the course is the final examination after which the candidate becomes an associate member of the ICSI and can start a career as a company secretary.

Career Prospects:

A fresh graduate can aspire to get employed in government accounts as well as in law departments. Most of the qualified company secretaries can find well-paid positions in both public and corporate sectors, in banks and financial institutions, stock exchanges, company law boards, and government departments. A secretary in a small firm may advance to office manager or transfer to a more responsible job in a larger organization. In large firms good secretaries may be given more administrative responsibility. They may become administrative assistants. Some take college courses in administration and progress to entry-level management positions.

Remuneration:

Company secretaryship is a well-remunerated career option because of its multifaceted nature. Graduates can expect around Rs.10,000 to 15,000 per month at the junior level and Rs.30,000 to 35,000 per month at the senior level. Secretaries working in international companies earn even higher.