Chartered Secretary Career Description
The role of the chartered secretary is wide ranging, stimulating and at the heart of modem business. Responsibilities range from accounting and financial management to research and business planning, from economics to human resources and from company secretaryship to general management, the latter involving all aspects of running a company.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
Chartered secretaries are responsible for ensuring that their company's performance and response to circumstances is timeous, appropriate, efficient, well-organised and profitable.
To maintain effectiveness in a constantly changing environment, chartered secretaries have to keep abreast of developments in a variety of fields. This calls for an alert mind to absorb the impact of changes in company law, corporate governance, risk management, retirement funding, risk funding, taxation, accounting, insurance, manufacturing regulations, employment conditions, computer systems, industrial relations and much more. In the course of a normal day, advice may be called for in matters as divergent as purchasing, planning, finance or personnel.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Chartered secretaries must be professional executives and they must have a strong sense of discipline and an eye for detail. It is also important that they have a feel for what is socially and environmentally appropriate. Chartered secretaries need to have the ability to express themselves in writing and good people skills will enable them to communicate with people at various levels. The ability to adapt to change in the business environment is also important.
Where can I work?
Once qualified and after they have gained business experience, chartered secretaries will be equipped to hold senior positions. The broad skills base of the CIS qualification allows them to choose from a variety of professions, in various spheres of commerce and industry. If they wish to work overseas, chartered secretaries will find that businesses throughout the world recognize their international qualification.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Chartered secretaries can choose between working in a company or in private practice. Closed corporation legislation has paved the way for chartered secretaries and business managers to act as consultants,
administrator / accounting officers or company secretaries to small/medium businesses in terms of planning, organizing, controlling and submitting financial returns at the year-end.
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