Corporate Secretary

Corporate secretaries oversee regulatory responsibilities of corporations. This involves assisting the board of directors in understanding and meeting all applicable regulatory issues, ensuring the corporation operates within the bounds of the law. Corporate secretaries are ultimately responsible for the legal filings of corporations, such as disclosures to shareholders, annual and quarterly earnings and account information, and tax obligations. They consult with board members and make recommendations regarding policies necessary to meet corporate responsibilities. They may (along with their staff) organize board meetings, set agendas, and review materials for accuracy before distribution to the board.Corporate secretaries work full time in an office environment; however, as they are responsible for a key part of corporate governance, they may frequently work longer hours to meet deadlines for document filings. These professionals interact with individuals at many levels of a corporation, including members of the board of directors, other department heads, their own staff, and others; with information from colleagues, they ensure all legal obligations are met, research and analyze issues, and make reports on their findings. Additionally, they work with regulators to keep up to date on regulatory changes and ensure corporate responsibilities are completely met.Corporate secretaries are typically required to hold a bachelor’s degree in business or a related field. They must have significant experience (generally five or more years) in corporate governance or corporate law. In some cases, they may be required to hold a paralegal certification to make corporate filings.

As a Corporate Secretary with 6-9 years of experience in the AE, your main responsibilities include:

• Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, including drafting and filing necessary documents.
• Managing corporate governance matters, such as organizing board meetings, preparing agendas, and recording minutes.
• Facilitating effective communication between the board of directors, senior management, and shareholders.
• Overseeing the maintenance of corporate records, including shareholder and board member information, and ensuring their accuracy.

The role of a Corporate Secretary is pivotal in ensuring effective corporate governance and compliance. Professionals with 6-9 years of experience in the United Arab Emirates can explore various alternative roles. Here are four options to consider:

• Compliance Manager: A position that involves overseeing regulatory compliance, implementing policies and procedures, and conducting audits to ensure adherence to legal requirements.
• Legal Counsel: A role focused on providing legal advice, drafting and reviewing contracts, and managing legal risks for the organization.
• Risk Manager: A position that involves identifying and assessing risks, developing risk management strategies, and implementing risk mitigation measures to safeguard the organization.
• Corporate Governance Specialist: A role that focuses on enhancing corporate governance practices, ensuring transparency, and implementing best practices for board operations and shareholder engagement.

The job role of Corporate Secretary in the United Arab Emirates is expected to witness significant growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, there has been a steady increase in employment opportunities for Corporate Secretaries, with a projected upward trend in the coming years. According to Google data, the demand for skilled professionals in this role is anticipated to rise, resulting in more job openings. The United Arab Emirates' dynamic business landscape and growing corporate sector contribute to the positive outlook for the growth of this position, making it a promising career choice.