Introduction

The Company Secretary Course is a comprehensive program of study and training tailored to provide aspiring professionals with the knowledge and qualifications necessary to join the Indian corporate sector as a Company Secretary. The Company Secretary course is offered by National Institute of Company Secretaries (NICS) and can be obtained through several universities or institutes across India.

Talking about the Company Secretary Course, it is a postgraduate diploma in company secretaryship that equips students with the skills to handle data, records, and information in an application-centric environment. This knowledge can help organizations run more efficiently by providing sound advice on the conduct of business that covers everything from legal advice on conflicts of interest to accounting advice on financial reports, as well as strategy and corporate planning.

Company Secretary course makes Secretaries very highly specialized professionals who take charge of all governance-related issues and sign documents that are submitted to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, stock exchanges and the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). They have the responsibility of organizing board meetings, drafting and issuing notices to company directors, following up on orders related to these meetings, as well as overseeing legal compliance in their organization.

In addition to their administrative duties, Company Secretaries provide valuable advice on how businesses should be conducted in order to comply with regulations, handle situations involving conflict of interest, suggest ways to prepare financial reports and help develop corporate strategy and plan for the future.

The National Institute of Company Secretaries (NICS) offers a 12-month postgraduate diploma in company secretary course which includes a six-month internship. It is available at various centers across India and is offered in two streams: corporate law and general administration. The Company Secretary course has been designed to give students an in-depth understanding of company law, accounting and financial management, corporate governance and international business. Additionally, they will gain the skills to competently address legal issues associated with the running of companies, such as tax compliance regulations, anti-bribery rules and environmental impact assessments.

This Company Secretary Course has been tailored to equip students with the essential knowledge and skills they need to become a company secretary. The Company Secretary course includes the study of commercial law, tax laws, and other legal matters related to the running of companies. Furthermore, it provides a unique opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience through a six-month internship. During this period, they can apply their theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios and gain invaluable insights into the world of business law.

All About Company Secretary Course

The National Institute of Company Secretaries (NICS) offers a postgraduate diploma Company Secretary course, which is a full-time program that requires two years for completion. The three levels of the Company Secretary course are Foundation, Executive and Professional, each providing different levels of knowledge and understanding. 

At the Foundation level, the Company Secretary course covers fundamental topics such as company formation, corporate law and taxation which are essential for the successful completion of the program. On the other hand, the Executive level builds on this foundation by introducing more complex concepts like mergers & acquisitions, directors’ liability and audit & accounting standards, which are beneficial for new secretaries performing their daily duties as well as those seeking to advance further in their careers.

Finally, the Professional level focuses on specialized areas such as corporate governance and risk management that require an in-depth understanding of the subject matter to be successful.

The Company Secretary course is structured to provide comprehensive knowledge about the subject, with students having the opportunity to specialize in diverse areas such as corporate governance, risk management and more. The full-time and part-time options make it ideal for those looking for a flexible way to obtain a qualification.

Furthermore, the Company Secretary course also helps equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge required to tackle various professional examinations, such as ICSA (International Certified Secretaries Association), Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and CAIIB (Chartered Accountants in India). This ensures that they are well prepared to pursue a successful career in the chosen field.

Who Can Pursue Company Secretary Course

The Company Secretary Course is available to individuals from all educational backgrounds, who have achieved a degree in any field of study. This course provides an invaluable opportunity for those without an accounting degree to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to register as a company secretary. It offers students a comprehensive understanding of the regulations, procedures and practices associated with corporate governance and compliance. Additionally, it establishes an understanding of the duties and responsibilities of being a company secretary, equipping them with the expertise to manage a wide variety of tasks related to their role.

Now that it is clear about the eligibility for the Company Secretary course, let’s explore the two modules of the Company Secretary course.

Module A, Introduction to Company Secretary’s Role and Functioning, covers all aspects of a company secretary’s role in detail. It delves into their professional responsibilities at work place, as well as legal requirements they must adhere to throughout their career.

Module B, Understanding Financial Statements, focuses on understanding various types of financial statements such as Balance Sheet, Income Statement & Cash Flows. This module provides an in-depth look at each statement and how they impact the business. By mastering this module, a company secretary will have a comprehensive understanding of financial statements and be able to provide strategic advice to companies regarding their finances.

This Company Secretary course is invaluable for those who are looking to begin a career in finance and accounting. Through this course, one can gain an understanding of financial statements, which can enable them to evaluate the performance of their business, by analyzing various aspects such as Sales Revenue, Gross Profit Ratios, etc. over time. This knowledge can help to make informed decisions that will be beneficial for the company’s future success and growth.

Benefits of Company Secretary Course

The Company Secretary Course is a unique and highly competitive professional program in India, which requires dedication and hard work to be successful. It is a challenging field to enter, which makes the rewards even greater upon completion of the Company Secretary course. After graduating from the program, graduates can expect to have many potential opportunities for employment. This makes it an incredibly attractive option for students looking to pursue their future career goals with great commitment and diligence. With its high success rate, those who are willing to put in the effort can look forward to a rewarding future.

The Company Secretary course is a highly specialized and rigorous program of study that requires years of hard work and dedication to complete successfully. Its comprehensive syllabus encompasses every facet of corporate law, accounting, auditing and management practice, equipping students with the skills and knowledge to become a successful Company Secretary.

The Company Secretary course further provides students with the invaluable opportunity to gain real-world experience in larger companies, giving them a significant edge in their professional pursuits. In short, those who choose to undertake this arduous course will find themselves well-prepared for a variety of corporate roles upon its successful completion.

Company Secretary Eligibility Criteria

Age

Generally, a company secretary must be over 18 years old; however, some companies may accept candidates younger than 18 to fill the role. If you are under 18 and interested in becoming a company secretary, you should research other career options or consider enrolling in an educational institution that offers coursework in company secretarial practice. This way, you can gain experience and knowledge of the role before applying for any relevant positions with organizations or companies.

Education Qualification

The education and qualifications required to become a Company Secretary can vary from organization to organization, depending on the specific requirements that they have set for the personnel responsible for managing all day-to-day operations within the organization, including accounts receivable processing.

It is therefore important to know what kind of certificate or diploma is needed in order to take up a permanent job offer with a company, as this will save time and money when it comes to applying for higher positions within the same firm where previous qualification might not be enough. As far as education qualification is concerned, applicants must have obtained a degree from any recognized university or institution, with at least two years of experience in this field in order to be eligible.

The position of Company Secretary is an incredibly rewarding and challenging career path for any individual looking to make a lasting impact. To become a Company Secretary, an individual must have graduated from a recognized university or institution, as well as have a minimum of two years experience in this field. The salary offered for this position can vary significantly depending on the size and scope of the organization, and their specific requirements when hiring personnel members who are responsible for day-to-day operations such as accounts receivables processing and other related tasks. With the right qualifications and experience, becoming a Company Secretary can be an extremely lucrative career choice.

Company Secretary Required Skills

As a company secretary, you are expected to provide oversight and guidance to your team while ensuring that all paperwork is completed in a timely manner. To achieve success in this role, you must possess a wide range of skills including strong communication abilities, analytical thinking skills, problem-solving aptitude, the capacity to work well with others, creativity and innovation, leadership qualities such as the ability to effectively manage people and delegate tasks appropriately, organizational skills and excellent time management capabilities.

Additionally, being able to work under pressure and having a sharp eye for detail is essential for the job. Although having a degree in business administration or related fields is helpful but not mandatory for the position.

If you have several years of experience as an assistant or secretary and/or a Bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field, then you are eligible to apply for this position.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office software, knowledge of accounting practices, and familiarity with HR processes would give you an advantage over other candidates. Other desirable qualities include knowledge of software such as QuickBooks or other accounting programs; strong communication skills; analytical ability; problem-solving skills; teamwork skills (especially when it comes to working with others); creativity and innovation; leadership qualities such as managing people effectively or delegating tasks appropriately; organizational skills; good time management skills; the ability to work under pressure and a keen attention to detail.

Company Secretary Subjects & Specialisations

The Company Secretary course offers students a comprehensive range of legal and business skills, covering a broad spectrum of subject areas. These include Company Law, Corporate Governance, Accounting and Auditing, Taxation, Information Technology (IT), Human Resource Management (HRM), Law of Business Organisation (BOI), and Business Laws and Practices.

The curriculum is designed to give students an in-depth knowledge of the various aspects of company law, such as incorporation/formation/disincorporation; Articles of Association; Memorandum & Articles; capital markets including initial public offerings (IPO) and secondary stock issues; international trade in securities; global markets; corporate finance; mergers and acquisitions including takeovers, buyouts and liquidations; insolvency and restructuring including debentures, rescue transactions, reorganizations, bankruptcies and receiverships; matters related to foreclosure sales, transfers assignments and liens; easements; Fiduciary Duties and Trusteeship Liability etc.

Company Secretary Course Fee Structure

The company secretary course fee structure can vary depending on the institute, but the average cost associated with this program is Rs12000 as per ICSI, those who may not be able to pay this amount, they can opt to extend their library membership for one year by paying an extra fee of Rs1000/-. 

Those wishing to apply for the program must submit a variety of documents in order to be considered. These include:

A copy of their high school certificate/diploma or equivalent

A copy of their bachelor’s degree

A copy of their passport (which should have at least 6 months validity from date of application),

2 passport-sized photographs

A copy of their National ID card or International Passport

A copy of address proof (if applicable)

A self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage

An application form for MBA admission

A copy of their resume

A recent photograph

A statement of purpose

Recommendation letter from faculty member or supervisor

A copy of their academic transcript

A copy or their TOEFL score

A statement of purpose as to why they want to do MBA degree and an essay of 1500 words.

What is National Institute of Company Secretaries (NICS)

The National Institute of Company Secretaries (NICS) is a government-affiliated institute that focuses on courses in Company Secretarial Practice and Company Secretaryship. It is widely recognized for its high quality standards, having been established in 1988 as a member of the Association of National Examinations (ANEX). The Distance Education Bureau (DECB), Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India has further accredited NICS for providing distance education programmes through its network of partner institutions across India.

NICS is proud to be a member of the Association of National Examinations (ANEX), and has also established affiliations with the Indian Institute of Company Secretaries (IICS), International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) and Association of Company Secretaries (ACS). To further its commitment to excellence in education, NICS has even formed a strategic partnership with the University Delhi, in order to provide post graduate diploma courses on Corporate Governance & Legal Aspects under their educational umbrella.

These affiliations and partnerships are indicative of the institute’s dedication to providing an educational experience that meets the highest standards, while broadening the scope and level of expertise it can offer students.

The University of Delhi proudly offers a two-semester professional course in Company Secretaryship, approved by AICTE, Ministry of HRD, Government of India. This Company Secretary course is designed to equip students with both theoretical and practical knowledge in the field, with 10-12 papers covering all aspects related to Company Secretaryship being required for completion in each semester.

In addition to this, the institute also provides an MBA in Finance & Marketing Management to students through its network of partner institutions spread across India. This additional qualification can help students gain deeper insights and skills into the field and further their professional career.

The institute is approved by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) and has carefully designed its Company Secretary course to provide students with a well-rounded and holistic learning experience. By combining both practical experience and theoretical knowledge, the curriculum aims to ensure that students gain a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

The program provides students with a unique opportunity to gain specialized knowledge and expertise in these two important fields, equipping them with the skills necessary to excel in their chosen career paths.

Company Secretary Scope & Career Prospects

Company Secretaries play a vital role in any organization, overseeing all aspects of operations and ensuring that a business meets legal requirements and operates within accepted business practices. A Company Secretary’s job description typically includes tasks such as drafting and executing contracts and agreements, preparing financial statements, conducting internal audits and accounts, monitoring performance indicators on an ongoing basis and much more. 

Depending on the size of the company, the scope of responsibilities for a Company Secretary can range from managing a single department to taking charge of all facets of the business. The role can be divided into two general areas: corporate duties and general duties. Corporate responsibilities typically involve working with stakeholders such as shareholders, creditors, customers and other external parties while general duties include safeguarding corporate records, ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations and performing other administrative tasks. 

A career in company secretarial work offers plenty of opportunities for personal growth as well as professional advancement. The corporate secretary, or general company secretary, plays a vital role in the daily running of any business. They are responsible for making sure that all aspects of the company operate smoothly and are compliant with legal requirements and regulations as well as their own policies and procedures.

The company secretary must possess a deep understanding of the organization’s operations and its governing laws and regulations in order to provide sound advice to management on best practice. They are also tasked with ensuring that all business activities are conducted in an ethical manner, adhering to all applicable laws and regulations. 

In addition to overseeing the operations of the business, the company secretary must ensure that all documents related to corporate governance, such as shareholders’ agreements, minutes of meetings, financial statements and other records are kept up-to-date and accurate. They will also be responsible for drafting resolutions, managing communication with shareholders, preparing agendas for board meetings, maintaining statutory registers and filing annual returns.

The role of a company secretary is to ensure that the business adheres to its own policies, procedures and practices. This involves monitoring the organization’s compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and industry standards. Furthermore, they must be aware of any changes in legislation that could affect the company’s operations. Company secretaries are involved in many aspects of a business, such as financial management, human resources and risk management. Not only do they identify any potential legal issues, but they also provide guidance on how to best address them. They may even be responsible for preparing documents or reports related to corporate governance and regulatory compliance.

Conclusion

Having explored the Company Secretary Course offered by National Institute of Company Secretaries (NICS), it is clear that any candidate interested in taking the Company Secretary course must have completed their graduation with at least 60% marks.

The Company Secretary course provides a wide range of opportunities for the candidates, such as joining various organizations as a company secretary, or even taking on higher roles in finance departments, such as Finance Manager, Finance Analyst, or Finance Director. The Company Secretary course also has two levels which include Foundation and Executive. A person who has completed the Foundation level course can be appointed as an Associate Company Secretary or ACS with limited powers, while those who have completed the Executive level course may be given more responsibilities and powers as a full-fledged Company Secretary.

The person known as a Company Secretary (CS) can take the Executive level course after accumulating three years of experience in the fields of accounting, finance, and commerce. The Company Secretary Course is designed to help propel business forward in a professional manner by equipping those who take it with the necessary skills and knowledge for starting up or expanding a company.

The scope of company secretary roles is expanding along with the growing demand for them, so those who pursue this Company Secretary course can expect to gain access to highly paid positions across multiple industries including private and public sectors, banks and financial institutions, the Department of Company Affairs, stock exchanges, company law boards, and government departments.

As a company secretary, you act as an essential mediator between the company and its board of directors. Your role is more than just providing input on policy-making; you are also tasked with keeping meticulous records of all legal matters, managing public issues, negotiating with government agencies, and overseeing mergers and acquisitions or joint ventures.

In countries such as the UK, USA and other Western countries, there is a great demand for company secretaries. This creates opportunities to not only find work within the country but to explore potential employment opportunities abroad as well. Thanks to its remunerative nature, salaries for CS jobs can range from 3-5 lacs per annum for freshers all the way up to substantially higher amounts for experienced candidates who possess extensive knowledge in the field.