With the dream of becoming something big many choose to go for professional courses. And be wondering which professional course to choose ??
As there’s a lot of options in the Market stating ACCA, CA, CMA , CMA USA, CS and many more to the list !!
Today we will know about one of such course which is COMPANY SECRETARY (CS)
In this blog we will learn about, who is a company secretary , how to become a company secretary , what are the roles and objectives of a company secretary and all other information regarding company secretary.
Who is a Company Secretary?
Accounting, legal advice, human resource management, and executive assistance are among the responsibilities of company secretaries. They can also study through distance education. The Company Secretaries Act of 1980 requires the Institution of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) to train and supervise them. ICSI has more than 60,000 members and 2,50,000 students. A Company Secretary's degree is considered equivalent to a postgraduate degree under new UGC standards.
A Company Secretary is a senior position in corporate governance, responsible for ensuring statutory and regulatory compliance. Despite the name, the position is not clerical or secretarial. The company secretary ensures that an organization follows applicable legislation and regulations and keeps board members informed of their legal responsibilities.
What are the roles and responsibilities of a Company Secretary?
According to the Companies Act, Company Secretary is one who-
Member of Institute of Company Secretaries of India(ICSI)
The company secretary is an essential part of a company; he must carry out his duties with reasonable care. Apart from being a legal mentor, he must ensure that all business procedures are in line with all legal provisions; otherwise, he may be held responsible for wrongdoing and dismissed for dishonesty or violations of an organization's legal rights.
Advising authorities and BOD (Board of Directors) on risk management, business
policies and strategies, corporate social responsibilities, brand equity and image building, managing the company's trademark rights, and guaranteeing healthy communication between stakeholders, authorities, and the government.
How to become a Company Secretary?
The eligibility for company secretary is Senior Secondary Examination (10+2).
Pass candidates in the science, commerce, and arts streams (excluding fine arts) are eligible for admission.
3.The duration of the Company Secretary course is 8 months which takes CS Foundation, 9 months for CS Executive, and 15 months for CS Professional. The CSEET exam has replaced the CS Foundation exam. Students who want to pursue a Company Secretary course after graduation are exempt from taking the CSEET.
Let us know more about the course for Company Secretary (CS) 2024
ICSI has officially specified the CS Executive eligibility criteria for 2024 on their website, icsi.edu. Candidates CS Executive course applicants should review these eligibility requirements ahead of time to avoid potential future disqualification.
The candidate has to give CSEET(FOUNDATION) as their entrance exam for the Company Secretary Course Entrance Exam.
Following by that there will be three levels stating :
Foundation(CSEET)
Executive
Professional
Now, let us look at the eligibility criteria for all the three levels
CSEET/ Foundation- 10+2
Executive- CSEET/Graduation
Professional- Executive
Now, let us look at the duration for all the three levels
CSEET - 8 months
Executive- 9 months
Professional- 15 months
Studying the Company Secretary Course 2024 opens up a variety of career options. Here's why.
Advising on Corporate Governance: As a Company Secretary, you will advise the board of directors on best practices in corporate governance, ensuring that the company operates ethically and efficiently.
Legal Knowledge
You will have the legal knowledge to assist internal members with compliance issues, ensuring that the company follows every relevant regulation and laws.
Corporate Laws and Securities Expertise:
With knowledge of corporate laws, securities laws, and the capital market, you will be prepared to handle a variety of legal and financial aspects of business operations.
Regulatory Compliance:
Company Secretaries are responsible for ensuring that all legal requirements are met within an organization.
Strategic Management and Planning:
You will be involved in strategic management and corporate planning, affecting the company's direction and future.
Overall, the Company Secretaryship program receives excellent reviews and prepares students for careers in legal, corporate governance, reorganizations, joint ventures, project planning, investor relations, corporate advisory services, and other areas. These professionals can find employment in colleges, universities, multinational corporations, and a variety of other business sectors.
Who can be a company secretary?
If you come from a business background and want to work in a credible industry, you should consider taking the Company Secretary (CS) course 2024. But before you enroll, it's good to have these skills:
Interpersonal Skills: You should be able to interact with others and work well in a group.
Time Management: The ability to manage your tasks efficiently and meet deadlines is critical.
Teamwork: Effective collaboration with colleagues is critical to success.
Corporate Law Knowledge: Understanding the legal aspects of business is essential.
Precise Planning: You must be able to plan things meticulously and strategically.
Language Proficiency: Being fluent in both spoken and written English will allow you to communicate effectively in the workplace.
The subjects in the Company Secretary Course 2024 for all the three levels:
As mentioned previously there are three levels - Foundation Programme, Executive Programme and Professional Programme. Now let us see the modules or the subjects in each of these levels.
CSEET Programme
The CSEET course teaches students a broad range of skills, such as entrepreneurship, management, business, ethics, accounting, and economics. The CS course details for the Foundation level are:
Business Environment and Law
Business Management, Ethics and Entrepreneurship
Business Economics
Fundamentals of Accounting and Auditing
CS Executive Programme
The CS executive course covers a wide range of topics, the majority of which are law-related. This section discusses corporate law, general legal principles, tax law, accounting and auditing procedures, and securities legislation. The CS executive course programme consists of two modules, I and II. Each module contains four papers. The CS course details for the Executive level are:
Module I | Module II |
Jurisprudence, Interpretation & General Laws | Corporate & Management Accounting |
Company Law | Securities Laws & Capital Markets |
Setting up of Business Entities and Closure | Economic, Business and Commercial Laws |
Tax Laws | Financial & Strategic Management |
CS Professional Programme
The CS Professional Program is the final step toward earning a certified degree. Candidates must successfully complete the CS executive programme before being considered for admission to the CS Professional course. The CS course information for the Professional level is:
Module I | Module II | Module III |
Governance, Risk Management, Compliances and Ethics | Secretarial Audit, Compliance Management and Due Diligence | Corporate Funding & Listings in Stock Exchanges |
Advanced Tax Law | Corporate Restructuring, Insolvency, Liquidation & Winding-up | Multidisciplinary Case Studies (The examination for this paper will be open-book examination) |
Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances | Resolution of Corporate Disputes, Non-Compliances & Remedies | Electives: 1 paper out of below 8 papers
(The examination for this paper is an open book examination) |
Job Opportunities and average salary for a completed Company secretary are as follows:
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 struggle is part of the journey.
-Article by Varshini
FAQs
What exactly does a Company Secretary do?
A Company Secretary ensures legal compliance, advises on corporate governance, and assists in strategic decision-making within a company.
What are the eligibility criteria for pursuing the CS course?
What is the duration of the CS course?
How does the CS course differ from other professional courses like CA or CMA?
What is the average salary range for Company Secretaries in India?
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