Company Secretary (CS)

An important link between the company and its shareholders, Company Secretary is becoming an increasingly vital and good career option.

Every listed company, at the stock market, employs a company secretary to deal with the formalities involved in stock and trading.

The vital role of a Company Secretary further extends to all the legal matters that goes into company’s new investments, project deals, mergers, acquisitions etc.,

A degree in this field would equip you with the knowledge of company laws, taxes and accounting etc.

What would you do in this profession?
A Company Secretary performs the following functions:-
 

	handling legal aspects involved in - formation, amalgamation, winding up, merger, take-over, acquisitions etc.,
	getting approvals for new investments and projects
	administering the issue of shares, dividends, bonus and handling shareholder grievances
	updating company’s information at the stock market
	liaison with government and other departments for
	central / sales tax, excise laws, corporate and labour laws
	organising and recording board meetings and annual general meetings
	keeping up to date with company laws and amendments

Career prospects
With industries venturing into new areas - mergers,  takeovers,  collaboration, getting listed in foreign stock exchanges etc.,. are becoming common, that brings along all the complex legal issues that are associated with it.

A company secretary with his statutory powers and knowledge of accounting and legal matters plays a vital role in every large and growing organisations to settle such issues, quickly and smoothly.

Thus, Company Secretary, as a career choice, is a positive one. The demand for which will see a continuous rise in the coming years.

What skills should you posses?
 

Students aspiring to become Company Secretary should have / develop the following skill-sets that would help them achieve a better success rate and growth:-

	effective and clear communication
	analytical mind to interpret facts and figures
	good understanding of business law and finance
	attention to detail
	time management
	sound judgement
	problem solving skills

Eligibility, Entrance Exams and Institutes
The minimum qualification to pursue a Company Secretary degree is a pass in XII or graduation (preferably - Law / Commerce)

ICSI (The Institute of Company Secretaries of India) conducts the company secretary course in India.

for course details, years of study, exam pattern, eligibility, training etc., visit -http://www.icsi.edu/

Advice
You would be dealing with legal and finance related matters in your job. Hence a strong background of law and finance during college years will build a strong foundation for you to handle these matters.