The Accountant as Company Secretary

by Gerry Egan

Want to be in the room when big decisions are made? Find out why accountants are a natural fit for the company secretary role.

price £100+vat
cpd hours 4 CPD hours
access 120 days' access

This course will enable you to

  • Understand the duties of the company secretary
  • Recognise the legal and practical responsibilities of the company secretary
  • Identify the attributes of an effective company secretary
  • Contribute to the effectiveness of the board, and the overall success of the organisation
  • Enhance your position as a trusted adviser to the board

About the course


The company secretary sits at the intersection of governance, leadership and compliance - a role that puts you at the heart of decision-making and strategic direction. For finance professionals looking to expand their influence and move closer to the boardroom, it's a logical and rewarding step. But stepping into the role requires more than just technical knowledge; it demands a blend of legal insight, soft skills and leadership awareness.

This course explores the evolving responsibilities of the company secretary, with a focus on how accountants are well placed to succeed in the role. You'll examine core legal duties, statutory reporting, and how to support the board and senior leadership. Practical guidance on managing meetings, building effective agendas, and creating value in governance functions is complemented by a look at the personal and interpersonal skills that define success in the role.

This course will give you the insight and confidence to consider, or step into, the role of company secretary. You'll be able to strengthen your ability to contribute to the board, navigate legal responsibilities, and shape how your organisation operates at the highest level.

Look inside

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Contents

  • The role
    • Your most important job
    • The role of the company secretary
    • Your skills
    • Why accountants are good company secretaries
    • Being in the room
    • Successful company secretaries
    • Balancing responsibilities
  • Legal duties and responsibilities
    • Legal context
    • The right side of the law
    • Keeping required registers
    • Annual reporting and statutory filing requirements
    • The chief governance officer
    • AGMs and EGMs
    • Executing documents
    • Audit and risk management
  • Enabling the board to lead and succeed
    • In the meeting
    • The annual workplan
    • Planning with leadership
    • Preparing board packs
    • Enabling presentations
    • Adding value
    • Minutes
    • Practical responsibilities
    • Board evaluation
    • Director recruitment
    • Going digital
  • Developing your soft skills
    • Being recognised
    • It's who you know
    • Your colleagues
    • Intervening
    • The importance of CPD
    • Supporting directors
    • Individual directors
    • Developing a service culture
  • Managing your development
    • The future
    • The evolution of the role
    • Trust and respect
    • Earning trust
    • Taking responsibility
    • Gaining experience
    • Final thoughts

How it works

Author

Gerry Egan

Gerry Egan has had a storied career, spanning over 30 years. His CV boasts positions as head of communications and public affairs, company secretary, and group director. He now works as an independent consultant, and as a director for Life Credit Union. He is an expert in business-to-Government relations, ESG strategy and reporting, and data protection oversight.

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Access to this course
Total CPD unitshourshours4 unitshourshours21 units20 hours21 hours1,500+ unitshourshours1,500+ unitshourshours
Access period120 days120 days12 months12+ months
Audit-proof CPD completion certificate
Immediate access to our entire CPD catalogue
Monthly webinars, 15-minute CPD Bites, video interviews with industry leaders, and more!
Account manager on hand to support your team’s needs
Learn moreLearn moreLearn more
Recommended

Why not upgrade?

Find the best way to complete your CPD

Licence

All you need for this year and more.

Access to this course
Total CPD unitshourshours1,500+ unitshourshours
Access period12 months
Audit-proof CPD completion certificate
Immediate access to our entire CPD catalogue
Monthly webinars, 15-minute CPD Bites, video interviews with industry leaders, and more!
Account manager on hand to support your team's needs
Learn more

Why not upgrade?

Find the best way to complete your CPD

Course

Need just a few unitshourshours?

Access to this course
Total CPD unitshourshours4 unitshourshours
Access period120 days
Audit-proof CPD completion certificate
Immediate access to our entire CPD catalogue
Monthly webinars, 15-minute CPD Bites, video interviews with industry leaders, and more!
Account manager on hand to support your team's needs

Why not upgrade?

Find the best way to complete your CPD

Pick n Mix

All you need for this year's CPD.

Access to this course
Total CPD unitshourshours21 units20 hours21 hours
Access period120 days
Audit-proof CPD completion certificate
Immediate access to our entire CPD catalogue
Monthly webinars, 15-minute CPD Bites, video interviews with industry leaders, and more!
Account manager on hand to support your team's needs
Learn more

Why not upgrade?

Find the best way to complete your CPD

Team

Keep your whole team up to date.

Access to this course
Total CPD unitshourshours1,500+ unitshourshours
Access period12+ months
Audit-proof CPD completion certificate
Immediate access to our entire CPD catalogue
Monthly webinars, 15-minute CPD Bites, video interviews with industry leaders, and more!
Account manager on hand to support your team's needs
Learn more

Why not upgrade?

Find the best way to complete your CPD

Licence

Recommended

All you need for this year and more.

Access to this course
Total CPD unitshourshours1,500+ unitshourshours
Access period12 months
Audit-proof CPD completion certificate
Immediate access to our entire CPD catalogue
Monthly webinars, 15-minute CPD Bites, video interviews with industry leaders, and more!
Account manager on hand to support your team's needs
Learn more

Course

Need just a few unitshourshours?

Access to this course
Total CPD unitshourshours4 unitshourshours
Access period120 days
Audit-proof CPD completion certificate
Immediate access to our entire CPD catalogue
Monthly webinars, 15-minute CPD Bites, video interviews with industry leaders, and more!
Account manager on hand to support your team's needs

Pick n Mix

All you need for this year's CPD.

Access to this course
Total CPD unitshourshours21 units20 hours21 hours
Access period120 days
Audit-proof CPD completion certificate
Immediate access to our entire CPD catalogue
Monthly webinars, 15-minute CPD Bites, video interviews with industry leaders, and more!
Account manager on hand to support your team's needs
Learn more

Team

Keep your whole team up to date.

Access to this course
Total CPD unitshourshours1,500+ unitshourshours
Access period12+ months
Audit-proof CPD completion certificate
Immediate access to our entire CPD catalogue
Monthly webinars, 15-minute CPD Bites, video interviews with industry leaders, and more!
Account manager on hand to support your team's needs
Learn more

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