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 3-6 years of experience in the AE, your main responsibilities include:

• Ensuring compliance with corporate governance regulations and maintaining accurate records of board meetings, resolutions, and other legal documents.
• Assisting in the preparation and distribution of board meeting agendas, minutes, and other board-related materials.
• Coordinating with internal and external stakeholders to schedule and organize board meetings, including venue arrangements and logistics.
• Facilitating communication between the board of directors, executive management, and shareholders, and providing support in matters related to corporate governance and regulatory compliance.

The Corporate Secretary Job Role requires a work experience of 3-6 years in the AE. For professionals in this field, here are four alternative roles to consider:

• Legal Compliance Officer: A position that focuses on ensuring adherence to legal and regulatory requirements, managing compliance programs, and mitigating risks.
• Executive Assistant: A role that involves providing high-level administrative support to senior executives, managing schedules, organizing meetings, and handling confidential information.
• Investor Relations Manager: A position responsible for managing relationships with investors, communicating financial information, and coordinating investor events.
• Governance and Risk Manager: A role that involves overseeing corporate governance practices, managing risk assessment processes, and implementing risk management strategies.

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.