SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:
Assistant Company Secretary
Company Overview
Our Client is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Assistant Company Secretary to join their dynamic team. This role presents a unique opportunity for a seasoned governance professional to contribute to the success of a leading financial institution by ensuring the highest standards of corporate governance and compliance. We are looking for an individual with a strong background in the financial services sector, particularly from South Africa’s leading banks and investment firms.
Key Responsibilities
Company Secretarial Administration and Board Support
- Assist the Company Secretary in providing governance, regulatory, and compliance support to the Board of Directors and its Committees.
- Manage the end-to-end board and committee process, including the preparation of agendas, board packs, resolutions, and minutes with precision and confidentiality.
- Draft and manage Board and Shareholder resolutions.
- Assist with preparing notices for the AGM and other Shareholders’ meetings.
- Support Board and Committee evaluations and facilitate director training and onboarding to enhance corporate governance effectiveness.
- Draft and review Board and Governance Policies such as the Evaluation Policy and Policy of Policies.
Legislative and Corporate Governance
- Ensure compliance with the Companies Act, Banks Act, King IV, JSE Listings Requirements, SARB regulations, and other relevant financial sector regulations.
- Manage regulatory filings and statutory records to ensure full compliance with legal requirements.
- Monitor and implement regulatory updates, keeping the Board and senior leadership informed of industry changes.
- Provide compliance and execution advice as it relates to the Banks Act and Companies Act.
- Maintain statutory registers, including Company Register and CIPC filings such as director changes and disclosures.
Stakeholder Relations
- Advise the Board and senior management on corporate governance best practices and statutory obligations.
- Develop compliance checklists and governance frameworks to enhance corporate governance within the organization.
- Oversee the preparation of governance-related disclosures for annual reports and regulatory submissions.
- Participate in the development of strategies to enhance the Group’s corporate governance framework.
- Assist with in-house due diligence reviews on documents in the Virtual Data Room and manage external governance providers where necessary.
- Facilitate effective communication between the Board, senior executives, regulators, shareholders, and external legal counsel to ensure transparency and efficient information flow.
- Maintain and manage correspondence with SARB, JSE, and other regulatory bodies.
- Liaise with internal and external auditors to support governance assessments and regulatory reviews.
- Cultivate positive relationships with regulatory authorities and industry bodies to stay abreast of industry trends.
Special Projects and Strategic Initiatives
- Support the Group Company Secretary in governance workstream deliverables and corporate governance projects.
- Assist with special project steering committees, providing project management and governance oversight.
Management of Resources
- Lead and develop junior governance professionals, ensuring effective team performance.
- Provide mentorship and guidance to ensure compliance best practices are upheld within the team.
- Manage performance reviews, training, and development initiatives for direct reports.
- Ensure the accurate and secure management of governance records, both digitally and manually.
Key Requirements
- Relevant Legal, Governance, or Finance qualification such as LLB, CIS (CGISA), or equivalent.
- Admitted Attorney would be advantageous.
- Minimum five to eight years' experience in corporate governance within a banking, financial services, or investment environment.
- Strong knowledge of the Companies Act, Banks Act, King IV, and JSE Listings Requirements.
- Understanding of banking regulations, financial services legislation, and governance codes.
- Experience engaging at Board and Executive levels, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
- Strong drafting and interpretation skills, with the ability to produce detailed governance documents, policies, and reports.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and risk management capabilities.
- Exceptional communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to work independently and apply sound judgment in governance matters.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure financial environment.
