Assistant Company Secretary

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.

Key Responsibilities

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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

1. Relevant Legal, Governance, or Finance qualification such as LLB, CIS (CGISA), or equivalent. Admitted Attorney would be advantageous.
2. Minimum five to eight years' experience in corporate governance within a banking, financial services, or investment environment.
3. Strong knowledge of the Companies Act, Banks Act, King IV, and JSE Listings Requirements.
4. Understanding of banking regulations, financial services legislation, and governance codes.
5. Experience engaging at Board and Executive levels, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
6. Strong drafting and interpretation skills, with the ability to produce detailed governance documents, policies, and reports.
7. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and risk management capabilities.
8. Exceptional communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.
9. Ability to work independently and apply sound judgment in governance matters.
10. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure financial environment.