The company secretary or CS is a strategic position of significant influence at the heart of governance operations within UK organizations. Company secretaries are required to have a broad skill set. It includes corporate law, governance, corporate secretarial practice, and finance. The average company secretary salary in the UK is ₹ 50,50,415 annually and ₹ 2,589 per hour. According to salary expert compensation data, the estimated salary for Company Secretary will increase by 14 % over 5 years.
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As a company secretary, you must ensure an organization complies with the legal and financial requirements. That is why thoroughly understanding the laws affecting your work area is vital. A company secretary in the UK has diverse responsibilities with the potential to earn six-figure salaries.
Company Secretary Job Opportunities in the UK
In the UK, company secretaries work across sectors in various organizations. The opportunities for a CS in the UK are endless, from private companies to public companies to not-for-profit ones. Some individuals work for professional service firms, while others run their businesses in partnerships or work as sole practitioners. The latter provides a range of clients with company secretarial services for a fee.
Responsibilities of a Company Secretary in the UK
The responsibilities of a company secretary may vary depending on the organisation’s size, the sector in which it operates, and the job role. However, here are some of the typical responsibilities of a company secretary.
- Supporting the board of directors and ensuring that they function effectively.
- Keeping the board informed of the shareholders’ views.
- Constantly monitoring the changes in relevant legislation and taking action accordingly.
- Overlooking the day-to-day administration of the organization. It could include maintaining statutory books, organizing AGMs and board meetings, and taking minutes.
- Developing and overseeing that the organization complies with all applicable codes.
- Paying dividends and taking an active part in sharing issues and mergers.
- Filing vital documents like audit reports and annual tax returns with Companies House.
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Company secretary salary in the UK based on specialisation
The Company Secretary’s Salary in the UK depends on factors like job title, location, and organization. The average salary in the UK for an assistant company secretary is ₹ 63,85,239, and the salary for a trainee company secretary is ₹ 32,53,881. Let’s get into the salary you can expect in different roles to give you a clearer idea.
| Specialisation | Average Salary Annually (INR) |
| Company Secretary | 50,50,415 |
| Assistant Company Secretary | 63,85,239 |
| Deputy Company Secretary | 64,95,944 |
| Trainee Company Secretary | 32,53,881 |
*Note- All the above salaries are approximate figures per existing data and are subject to change. Your salary will vary based on factors like the company you work for, its location, and the type of business it is. The income numbers provided are based on ‘per annum salary’ and are meant to give you a general idea and can vary.
The ones at the top end of the salary scale and working for the Financial Times Stock Exchange can earn significant six-figure salaries with five-figure bonuses.
Qualifications/Education For Company Secretaries in the UK
This field is open to graduates of all areas in the UK. However, the following subjects may be preferable as they can offer some exemptions from the professional examinations:
- Finance
- Accountancy
- Law
- Business Management
A good honours degree is necessary if you’re looking to apply to larger firms and earn higher bucks. While some employers prefer graduates, others may consider candidates with relevant HND subjects. Moreover, professional qualifications such as the CGI examinations that lead to the designation ‘Chartered Secretary’ are essential for public sector Chartered Secretaries.
You can enter this career by finishing an apprenticeship scheme like the trainee-internship jobs advertised by the Chartered Governance Institute UK and Ireland. This institute’s Chartered Governance Qualifying Program is divided into two levels. Part One can be completed at level 6, equivalent to a final year undergraduate degree. Part Two learning can be completed at level 7, equivalent to a post-graduation. The CGI has a list of registered tutor partners on their website that individuals can choose from while preparing.
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Company secretary salary in the UK based on Experience
Significant professional experience is essential to growing as a Chartered Secretary in the UK. Company Secretary salary in the UK based on years of experience includes factors like skills, qualification and work experience.
| Level of Experience | Average Annual Salary (INR) |
| Entry-level | 35,35,492 |
| Experienced level | 70,97,348 |
that you can undertake formal training in company secretarial work. Wondering what counts as relevant work experience in this field? Here are some of the niches you can gain experience in this field.
- Office Management
- Credit Control
- Accounts
- Purchasing
- Insurance
- Pension
- Sales administration
- Personnel
Some individuals consider a full-time diploma course to lead to a partial or full ICSA qualification. However, others qualify as accountants or lawyers to become Company secretaries eventually.
Career Prospects as a Company Secretary in the UK
One of the most famous routes to developing a successful career in this area is gaining chartered status with the Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland. It requires tenacity and immense dedication. Individuals with at least eight years of work experience (three at the senior level) can apply to become a fellow at the CGI. According to salary expert compensation data the estimated salary for Company Secretary will increase by 14 % over 5 years.
You’ll have to stay up to date with the developments in the legislation throughout your career. The best way of doing that is by reading professional journals such as CGI’s Governance & Compliance magazine and newsletters. Another highly recommended thing is sharing practices with fellow chartered secretaries and networking.
Skills Required To Make It As a Top Company Secretary in the UK
Here are some skills required to make it as a top company secretary.
- Management skills
- Verbal and written communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- The ability to work with individuals at all levels.
- Analytical skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Attention to detail
- Team Working skills
- A commercial frame of mind
- The ability to perform under pressure
- A good grasp of corporate governance issues
- Discretion when handling confidential information
Benefits of Becoming a Company Secretary in the UK
There are various benefits of becoming a company secretary in the UK. Read on to learn about some of them.
- The potential of earning a six-figure salary.
- Access to a wide variety of job roles across sectors.
- Being able to handle or having a diversity of opportunities.
- A fast track to high-level roles.
Final Thoughts
Like everywhere else, the Company Secretary course and profession are reputed in the UK. Not only is it prestigious, but also financially satisfying. Individuals who start a career in this field can expect to earn good salaries. Moreover, some incentives can be leveraged as well. You will start anywhere from 32,53,881 INR as a trainee company secretary. Moreover, it brings benefits like a fast track to high-level roles and access to various job titles across sectors.
If you want to become an in-house legal expert and a compliance officer for an organization, this profession is for you. To get more information on company secretary salaries in the UK, book your free counselling call on LeapScholar today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can Indian CS work in the UK?
A. Yes, an Indian CS can work in the UK. There is a collaboration between ICSI and the Chartered Governance Institute UK and Ireland through a memorandum of understanding. It allows Indian Company Secretaries to work in the United Kingdom. So, after clearing some papers, Indian CS professionals can work in England and Ireland.
Q. How much does a company secretary earn in London, England?
A. The average salary of a company secretary in London, England, is 50,50,415 INR, per Glassdoor.
Q. How much is the average salary of a company secretary in Scotland, UK?
A. On average, a company secretary in Scotland makes 51,500 pounds sterling.
Q. What are the duties of a Company Secretary in the UK?
A. A CS’s duties in the UK include maintaining statutory books, organizing board meetings, filing necessary documents with the Companies House, and liaising with other external advisors and regulators.
Q. Which visa is required to work in the UK?
A. A skilled worker’s visa permits you to work with an authorised employer that can be undertaken in or outside the United Kingdom. This visa has replaced Tier 2 of the General Working Visa. It will also make it easier for you to work in UK waters.
Q. What is a Type 2 visa in the UK?
A. Tier 2 Visa, General. Tier 2 VisaGeneral route is available for immigrants who have been offered a place to work in the United Kingdom and whose sponsors are UKVI-approved employers. This is the most common migration route for skilled workers who wish to work in the United Kingdom.
Q. How do I apply for a work visa in the UK?
A. Requirements for applying for a Tier 2 visa in the UK:
1. A valid sponsor’s certificate issued by the employer.
2. The salary and the details of your finances.
3. Travel history and current passport.
4. Certificates that prove your knowledge of the language.
5. Police verification certificate.
Other supporting documents.
Q. Who is eligible to work in the UK?
A. If you are a citizen of either Britain or Ireland, you shall automatically be entitled to work in the United Kingdom. You have pre-settled or settled status from the EU Settlement Scheme – or you’ve applied, and you’re waiting for a decision. You’ve got a residence permit under the EU’s settlement scheme.
Q. Is it easy to get a UK work permit?
A. It is more difficult to enter the United Kingdom on some work visas, with specific requirements for certain routes. You may apply for a UK visa three months before your planned arrival date. However, it is worth remembering that processing your visa application may take up to three weeks.
Q. Do I need sponsorship to work in the UK?
A. You will generally have to obtain a job offer with sponsorship from UK employers before applying for most work visas. The Home Office must also confirm that such an employer is on the list of eligible employers.
Q. Is it worth moving to the UK from India?
A. The cost of living in the United Kingdom is generally very high compared to India, mainly for rent and utilities. But it depends, of course, on where you are moving from India and what country you’re relocating to in the UK. The cost of moving from India to the UK can also be checked.
Q. Which is the best place to live in the UK for Indians?
A. The best place in the UK for Indian students is London, as it has world-class universities, various cultural experiences and excellent employment opportunities.
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