Senior Assistant Company Secretary

Rory Mackie & Associates; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent global asset manager is seeking a Senior Assistant Company Secretary to maintain the corporate governance framework and ensure compliance with regulations. The role involves organizing board meetings, providing legal and governance advice, and managing multiple priorities while implementing technology-driven solutions.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of the South African Companies Act and King IV.
• Experience with statutory filings and corporate compliance.
• Proven advisory experience to senior leadership.

Responsibilities

• Manage corporate governance processes and compliance frameworks.
• Support board and committee meetings, including agendas and minute-taking.
• Advise on legal risks and support contract negotiations.

Skills

Compliance

Corporate Governance

Legal Advisory

Stakeholder Engagement

Relationship Management

Education

Law degree

Qualified company secretary

Tools

Diligent

GEMS

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 responsible for maintaining the corporate governance framework, requiring exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail. The role involves organizing board meetings, minute-taking, statutory filings, and participation in governance projects. The successful candidate will manage multiple priorities, provide legal and governance advice, and ensure compliance with corporate governance regulations 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 and support on the refinement of the business’s global governance framework.

Board & committee support

• Manage a portfolio of committee and board meetings, including administration and support functions.
• 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 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 when 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-related 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 :

• Law degree.
• Experience using entity management platforms and board portals (e.g., Diligent, GEMS, or similar tools) is an advantage.
• Qualified 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 tasks confidently.
• A strong belief in doing the right thing.
• Driven by results.
• High conviction and comfort in sharing opinions.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and assimilate information.
• A curiosity about technology and its potential to drive innovation.