Long ago, a business secretary existed to take notes and do as the Board demanded. They were the ones sent to fetch paperwork or remind them of what was said at a meeting.
Nowadays, a company secretary serves a more essential role in an organization. While they still take notes, it’s so they can execute all the decisions made by the corporation’s Board of Directors. They promote business growth through their efforts.
Here are seven factors to consider when looking at your company secretary options.
1. Responsibilities of a Company Secretary
The job description of a corporate secretary includes attending board meetings, keeping records, serving as an advisor, and training new board members. In a way, they serve as a facilitator for the board. Without the secretary, the board would struggle to organize their meetings and manage all their documentation.
2. Organizational Skills
Since the business secretary enables the board to do their job, they need strong organizational skills. They should be able to create agendas, reserve meeting spaces, and be involved in strategic planning. A secretary is also responsible for overseeing any shareholder meetings.
3. Typing and Writing Speed
Your company’s business secretary will do a lot of typing and writing throughout the workday. Not only are they gathering notes on decisions and upcoming changes, but they manage the company’s compliance.
The average type speed for a secretarial position should be about 65 words per minute. However, some employers look for people who can type much faster than that so they can take dictation at meetings.
4. Knowledge of Legalities
One of a secretary’s main goals is to ensure an organization is meeting its legal obligations. Even though they’re not the company’s compliance officers, they need to know all the regulatory and statutory requirements.
5. Personality
Although not directly tied to business development, a secretary needs to be personable. Not only should they have good customer service skills, but they should get along with everyone in the office.
6. Consultancy Skills
Since the secretary works directly with senior corporate officers, they need to have some consultancy skills. In other words, they should know all of the executive management and stakeholders in their company. Knowing who is in charge of what can help them navigate the framework of governance.
7. Time-Management Skills
Everything in a business runs on a schedule, and a business secretary needs to be able to keep up with it. There may be days when they’re expected to handle several projects all at once. This is normal when dealing with multiple executes and employees on a daily basis.
Click for a company secretarial if you need help finding one with this skillset.
Hire a Business Secretary Today
If you haven’t already hired a company secretary, then you may be missing one of the most important parts of your company. They keep your office running smoothly and manage important meetings for the executives. You want to make sure that you’re hiring the best person for that job.
Check out some of our other articles if you want to learn more about related business topics.
