S1 Ep7: How to Become a Company Secretary (Governance)

In this episode of Careers Conversations, Career Advisor Siobhan
Murphy is joined by John Burns (ICSA), Dara Shine (pursuing
qualifications) and Claire O’Brien (Senior Company Secretary) to
unpack what this profession is all about. The panel discusses how
best to approach this career, the qualifications that are
necessary and the attributes that will help you to succeed.

Episode seven was recorded on 4th March


This episode was produced with the assistance of Kate
Dowling (Final Year Communications Student).



0:00-0:54 Introduction


Introduction of speakers Siobhan Murphy (DCU Careers Advisor).


John Burns, Business Development Manager for Ireland from the
Chartered Governance Institute (ICSA).

Dara Shine, DCU BCL & Masters Graduate, a current first
year in the role of Company Secretary with Matheson.

Claire O Brien, a qualified senior Company Secretary with
BDO.






0:55-1:24 Siobhan asks John to explain what a Company
Secretary is.


Company secretary is someone who sits on the board of directors
of a company, looks after governance and compliance requirements,
ensuring efficient operation and management of the board.





1:25-3:10 Siobhan asks John what is role of
ICSA.


Role of ICSA is to provide support to their members, in terms of
events, CPD, training & development and campus recruitment of
company secretaries. Mentions that those with Business, Law &
Finance backgrounds may suit this role.





3:11-05:49 Siobhan asks John for insight on company
secretaries and bad press associated with those who may not have
been adhering to good governance.


The ICSA ensure secretaries are trained and up to speed with
changing regulation, to ensure sufficient governance. It is the
duty of the company secretary to call out where governance issues
may arise. Companies that have had bad press may have had a weak
board of membership, with no company secretary, so the ICSA try
to emphasise the importance of this role. Importance of
networking and sharing insight amongst the members.





05:50-08:09 Siobhan asks John what kind of person is
suitable for the role.


Someone who:


Is a good communicator – both written & verbal.

Understands legislation and regulation.

Is confident, not afraid to speak up.

Protects confidentiality.

Is an influencer & leader.

Has an eye for detail.



John also discusses importance of CV, its level of detail and
Siobhan mentions availing of services like CV Clinics.





08:10-09:07 Siobhan asks Dara about her motivation to
become a Company Secretary.


Found out about it after she graduated and figured she matched
the requirements (organised, had eye for detail etc), and got
good training and guidance from Matheson and support to do the
ICSA Part-time qualification in Marino College.





09:08-09:32 Siobhan asks Dara how long is the course and
about the time commitment required.


2 years for basic qualification, 3 years for masters
qualification. Dara mentions it is very manageable alongside
work. It runs 4 times a month, on Fridays & Saturdays.





09:33-10:34 Siobhan asks Dara for a run-down of a typical
day in the life.


Every day is very different due to constant change with regards
to governance and legislation, but often its preparing 
board packages for board meetings, dealing with client queries,
creating agendas, ensuring client’s compliance calendars are in
check.





10:35-10:51 Siobhan asks Dara what experience has she
gotten, has she attended AGMs.


Yes, Dara has, its currently a busy time for AGMs, end of Q1. She
has been able to organise and plan many of them.





10:52-11:28 Siobhan asks Dara for what she likes the most
about the role.


Dara likes hearing about directors and the way they report on
whatever goings on there is.





11:29-12:15 Siobhan asks Claire, as a qualified senior
company secretary, how did she find balancing the part time
course and working.


It is very manageable if you have a company that supports you,
majority of companies in Dublin are. Claire got study leave,
which helped. The college are very conscious and supportive
too.



12:16-12:49 Siobhan asks Claire and the changes she’s
seen and experience gained at the senior level, as she is now
qualified.


The responsibility has increased. Progression is present.





12:50-13:40 Siobhan asks Claire how mobile is the
career.


You can use your qualification in Australia, Canada, Cayman
Islands. 





13:41-14:16 Siobhan asks Claire her favourite part of the
job.


The client facing element, being to help with processes.





14:17-15:28 Siobhan asks Claire the deadlines & the
management of them.


Claire mentions the ‘e-filing’ deadline, and the implementation
Registration Beneficial Ownership deadline, which came at the
same time, which meant a bit more pressure. 





15:29-16:37 Siobhan asks Claire what is the most
important skill for the role.


Communicating with your team and management, especially for
issues etc.





16:38-17:00 Finishing statements.