Assistant Company Secretary

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.