With the dream of achieving something significant, many individuals choose to pursue professional courses. But with so many options available, such as ACCA, CA, CMA, CMA USA, CS, and many others, it can be challenging to decide which one to choose.
Today, let’s explore one such course—Company Secretary (CS). In this blog, we’ll cover who a Company Secretary is, how to become one, the roles and objectives of a Company Secretary, and other essential information about this career path.
Who is a Company Secretary?
Company Secretaries are responsible for various tasks, including accounting, legal advice, human resource management, and executive assistance. The Company Secretaries Act of 1980 mandates the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) to train and supervise these professionals. ICSI boasts over 60,000 members and 250,000 students. Under the new UGC standards, a Company Secretary’s qualification is considered equivalent to a postgraduate degree.
A Company Secretary is a senior role in corporate governance, ensuring statutory and regulatory compliance. Despite the title, this role is not clerical; it involves ensuring the organization follows laws and regulations while keeping the board informed of their legal responsibilities.
Roles and Responsibilities of a Company Secretary
According to the Companies Act, a Company Secretary:
- Must be a member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI).
- Plays a crucial role in an organization by performing duties with care and diligence. Besides being a legal advisor, they ensure all business processes comply with legal provisions, or they could be held accountable for violations.
- Advises authorities and the Board of Directors (BOD) on risk management, business policies, corporate social responsibilities, brand management, and ensures effective communication between stakeholders, authorities, and the government.
How to Become a Company Secretary?
- Eligibility: You must have passed the Senior Secondary Examination (10+2).
- Streams: Candidates from science, commerce, and arts streams (excluding fine arts) are eligible for admission.
- Course Duration: The CS course duration varies across different levels:
- Foundation (CSEET): 8 months
- Executive: 9 months
- Professional: 15 months
Overview of the CS Course 2024
The Company Secretary course consists of three levels:
- Foundation (CSEET)
- Executive
- Professional
Eligibility Criteria for Each Level
- Foundation/CSEET: 10+2
- Executive: CSEET or Graduation
- Professional: Completion of the Executive level
Course Duration
- CSEET: 8 months
- Executive: 9 months
- Professional: 15 months
Career Opportunities with a CS Qualification
Pursuing the Company Secretary course in 2024 opens up various career opportunities:
- Corporate Governance Advisor: As a CS, you will guide the board on best practices in governance, ensuring ethical and efficient operations.
- Legal Expertise: You will assist with compliance, ensuring adherence to laws and regulations.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that the company meets all legal obligations.
- Strategic Management and Planning: Involvement in corporate planning and strategic decision-making.
Who Can Become a Company Secretary?
If you have a business background and want to work in a respected field, consider the Company Secretary (CS) course in 2024. Essential skills include:
- Interpersonal Skills: Ability to interact and collaborate with others.
- Time Management: Efficiently handling tasks and meeting deadlines.
- Teamwork: Working effectively with colleagues.
- Corporate Law Knowledge: Understanding legal aspects of business.
- Precise Planning: Strategic and meticulous planning skills.
- Language Proficiency: Fluency in spoken and written English.
Subjects in the CS Course 2024
CSEET Programme: Covers entrepreneurship, management, business ethics, accounting, and economics.
- Business Environment and Law
- Business Management, Ethics, and Entrepreneurship
- Business Economics
- Fundamentals of Accounting and Auditing
CS Executive Programme: Focuses on corporate law, tax law, accounting, auditing, and securities legislation, divided into two modules.
Job Opportunities and Average Salaries
- Business Consultant: INR 9.2 to 10 lakh
- Company Registrar: INR 12.5 to 13.5 lakh
- Legal Advisor: INR 3.6 lakh to 5.2 lakh
- Corporate Policymaker: INR 5.3 lakh to 6.6 lakh
- Chief Administrative Officer: INR 3.3 lakh to 4.8 lakh
- Principal Secretary: INR 6.7 lakh to 9.8 lakh
- Managing Director: INR 12 lakh to 13.1 lakh
- Chairman: INR 15 lakh to 25 lakh
Conclusion
The Company Secretary (CS) course provides a prestigious and rewarding career path, blending legal expertise, corporate governance, and strategic management skills. As the demand for qualified Company Secretaries grows, opportunities abound in corporate advisory, compliance, and strategic roles. With guidance from Lakshara Academy in association with KS Academy, your journey to becoming a Company Secretary can be your next big step towards a successful career in the corporate world.