Assistant Company Secretary

Rory Mackie & Associates; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent global asset management firm in Cape Town is looking for a Senior Assistant Company Secretary. This role involves providing governance advice, managing board meetings, and ensuring compliance with regulatory obligations, particularly the South African Companies Act. The ideal candidate will possess a law degree, experience in corporate governance, and strong organisational skills. This is a demanding position that requires close attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Qualifications

• Experience in statutory filings with CIPC and corporate compliance.
• Strong understanding of South African Companies Act and King IV principles.
• Experience advising senior leadership on corporate governance.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on corporate governance best practices and regulatory compliance.
• Manage board and committee meetings, including minutes and resolutions.
• Advise on legal and compliance risks impacting governance obligations.
• Implement automation of governance and compliance processes.

Skills

Organisational skills

Detail-oriented

Legal compliance knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Relationship building

Education

Law degree

Qualification as a company secretary

Tools

Entity management platforms

Board portals like Diligent

Job description

Overview

Our client, an independent global asset manager with R3.08 trillion in assets under management, is seeking a Senior Assistant Company Secretary. The Company Secretarial team is a global team with responsibility for maintaining the integrity of the company’s corporate governance framework. They thrive on exceptional organisational prowess and attention to detail. Strengths that are paramount in navigating a complex mix of legal and regulatory requirements.

They are looking for an individual with exceptional organisational skills, a keen eye for detail, and a robust understanding of legal and regulatory environments. This role requires a proactive approach to handling a broad range of responsibilities, from organising board and committee meetings and minute-taking to statutory filings, as well as being involved in a number of governance projects.

The Assistant Company Secretary role is highly demanding, requiring exceptional organisational skills and a strong ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing legal and governance advice, including minute writing, and ensuring the organisation’s compliance with corporate governance regulations, statutory obligations, and best practices.

Responsibilities

Corporate governance & compliance

• Provide expert advice on corporate governance best practices, directors’ duties, and regulatory compliance
• Ensure compliance with the South African Companies Act, King IV principles, and other relevant governance frameworks
• Develop, implement, and oversee corporate governance policies, processes, and compliance frameworks
• Monitor and assess regulatory updates, advising senior leadership on governance-related legislative changes
• Advise on and support the refinement of the company’s global governance framework

Board & committee support

• Take responsibility for a portfolio of committee and/or board meetings, including their administration
• Manage a range of day-to-day support functions, working closely with team members to maintain an efficient and professional company secretariat function across the business
• Support and facilitate board and committee meetings, including agenda setting, board pack preparation, and minute-taking
• Ensure effective management of board resolutions, governance records, and compliance reporting
• Provide governance training and advisory support to subsidiary company board members, executives, and other stakeholders
• Assist in drafting, maintaining, and reviewing board and committee charters, governance manuals, and policies

Legal & risk advisory

• Advise on legal and compliance risks impacting the organisation’s governance and regulatory obligations
• Support contract negotiations and reviews to ensure compliance with regulatory and corporate requirements
• Assist with due diligence, risk mitigation strategies, and entity structuring from a governance perspective
• Provide legal guidance on commercial and corporate transactions, ensuring alignment with governance standards, where required

Technology & Process Automation

• Implement and oversee the automation of governance and compliance processes using technology tools
• Leverage board portal software (e.g. Diligent) and entity management platforms to improve efficiency
• Support digitalisation initiatives to enhance reporting, governance compliance tracking, and regulatory submissions
• Train internal teams on the adoption of technology-driven governance solutions

Stakeholder & Regulatory Engagement

• Act as the primary point of contact for senior managers, Executive Directors, Non-Executive Directors, regulators, and governance stakeholders
• Engage with industry bodies, legal advisors, and corporate governance networks to stay abreast of best practices
• Support internal leadership with strategic governance and compliance decision-making

Requirements

• A law degree
• Experience using entity management platforms and board portals (e.g. Diligent, GEMS, or similar tools) is advantageous.
• Qualification as a company secretary
• Strong working knowledge of the South African Companies Act, King IV, and applicable governance legislation.
• Experience in statutory filings with CIPC and corporate compliance matters.
• Proven ability to advise senior leadership and boards on corporate governance and legal matters

Skills and Attributes

• The ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships
• The ability to ‘approach and own’ and continuously look for opportunities to develop
• A strong belief in doing the right thing
• Driven by results
• Ability to recognise and embrace change
• A client focused and collaborative approach
• A curiosity about technology and its potential to drive innovation
• High conviction and be comfortable sharing opinions