At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch investment secretarial services and support for leading Investment Trusts.
- Company: Join a global leader in investment management with a diverse team of professionals.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Collaborative office culture with a focus on work-life balance and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the finance sector while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified company secretary or governance professional with board support experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 70000 £ per year.
About Columbia Threadneedle Investments
Working at Columbia Threadneedle Investments you'll find growth and career opportunities across all of our businesses. We're intentionally built to help you succeed. Our reach is expansive with a global team of 2,300 people working together. Our capability is diverse with more than 550 investment professionals sharing global perspectives across all major asset classes and markets. Our clients have access to a broad array of investment strategies, and we have the capability to create bespoke solutions matched to clients' specific requirements. Our unwavering focus on our clients and strong financial foundation connects each of our enterprise businesses — Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and RiverSource Insurance and Annuities.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Investment Company Secretary to join us. We are a leading manager of Investment Trusts, with in excess of £10bn in Assets Under Management spread across 8 Trusts, including the world's first Investment Trust F&C. You will be joining a team of eight Company Secretarial and Accounting professionals with support from an additional three administrators. You will report directly to our Head of Investment Trusts and will represent us as Company Secretary to a minimum of two leading Investment Trusts. We are open to candidates based in either Edinburgh or London for this role.
How you'll spend your time...
- To provide a quality investment secretarial service to a portfolio of clients. The products involved could include Investment Trusts and Investment Companies.
- To ensure the efficient running of these products and the provision of a high standard of service to the boards, shareholders and fund managers. This will include accounting/financial, company secretarial and corporate secretarial services.
- Develop strong working relationships with investment trust/company directors, in particular the chairs, maintaining regular dialogue with them.
- In conjunction with investment manager, co-ordinate and monitor strategic issues for investment trust/company clients. Actively participate in corporate transactions.
- Ensure efficient performance of ongoing investment secretarial duties:
- Board Meetings: Ensure proper planning of board agenda in advance of meetings; ensure preparation of accurate board papers, through detailed review, which are despatched to the board a week before the board meeting date; present at board meetings on company secretarial and strategic issues; prepare minutes for review by the chair within one week of the meeting.
- Financial reports and statutory returns: Co-ordinate the production of annual and interim and quarterly reports; perform detailed review of accounts; ensure financial reports meet all current legislative and regulatory requirements and are despatched to shareholders within statutory time scales; ensure all statutory forms are completed accurately and filed prior to deadline.
- Daily, monthly and quarterly valuations: Review daily, monthly and quarterly net asset values for accuracy and ensure timely announcement.
Other Duties:
- Ensure clients meet 1158 ICTA requirements (or other relevant tax status); ensure timely announcement to stock exchange of notifiable interests, share buy backs and any other notifiable events.
- Maintain and develop relationships with investment trust/company brokers, accountants, lawyers and bankers.
- Maintain a high level of market awareness and keep up to date with all legislative and regulatory issues.
To be successful in this role you will have...
- Previous board support experience, specifically minuting taking and preparation of relevant Board Papers and Annual and Interim Financial Statements.
- Must be proactive, personable and a self-starter who is extremely well organised.
- Must be a qualified company secretary / accountant, governance professional or qualified solicitor.
It would be great if you also had...
- Experience of Investment Companies, working with Boards and a familiarity with the AIC and Corporate Governance Codes.
- Minute taking at complex board meetings within financial services sector (ideally Investment Companies).
- Experience of statutory and regulatory filings.
In-Office Collaboration
We are a client-centric, relationship-based business. Working together, in-person, is foundational to how we achieve results. By fostering a culture of face-to-face collaboration, idea sharing, productivity and personal connection, we deliver for our stakeholders — clients, advisors, employees and shareholders. Our employees work in the office at least four (4) days per week, with flexibility to work from home one (1) day per week. Some roles may require additional in-office time or different in-office expectations, and specific requirements will be discussed during the hiring process.
Full-Time/Part-Time: Full time
Worker Sub Type: Permanent
Job Family Group: Legal Affairs
Columbia Threadneedle is a people business, and we recognise that our success is due to our talented people, who bring diversity of thought, complementary skills and capabilities. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and performance-based culture where everyone can belong, grow, contribute and realise their potential.
We appreciate that work-life balance is an important factor for many when considering their next move so please discuss any flexible working requirements directly with your recruiter.
Columbia Threadneedle Investments is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to racial or ethnic background, religion or belief, sex or gender, nationality, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, pregnancy or maternity or any other basis prohibited by law.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to aid your participation in the application or interview process, speak to your recruiter to discuss how we can support you.
Investment Company Secretary in Edinburgh employer: Ameriprise
Columbia Threadneedle Investments is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in either Edinburgh or London, where employees can thrive and develop their careers. With a strong focus on collaboration and client-centric values, the company fosters a culture of inclusivity and professional growth, providing ample opportunities for employees to engage with diverse investment strategies and contribute to meaningful projects. The commitment to work-life balance and flexible working arrangements further enhances the appeal of joining this leading investment management firm.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Investment Company Secretary in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Columbia Threadneedle Investments on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company’s recent projects and their approach to investment trusts. Being knowledgeable will show you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills as a Company Secretary can add value to their team. Tailor your examples to reflect their needs and demonstrate your proactive nature.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Columbia Threadneedle family.
We think you need these skills to ace Investment Company Secretary in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Investment Company Secretary role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in board support and financial reporting, to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with our needs. If you've got experience with investment companies or corporate governance, let us know how that makes you a strong candidate.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your points are easy to understand and directly related to the job description.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ameriprise
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of investment trusts and the role of a Company Secretary. Brush up on relevant legislation and regulatory requirements, as well as the AIC and Corporate Governance Codes. This will show that you’re not just interested but also knowledgeable about the industry.
✨Prepare for Board Meetings
Since you'll be involved in board meetings, practice how to present board papers and take minutes effectively. Familiarise yourself with the agenda structure and think about potential questions or issues that might arise during discussions. Being prepared will help you feel more confident and demonstrate your proactive nature.
✨Build Relationships
Columbia Threadneedle values strong relationships, so think about how you can showcase your interpersonal skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully built rapport with directors or stakeholders in the past. This will highlight your ability to maintain regular dialogue and collaborate effectively.
✨Showcase Your Organisational Skills
As a Company Secretary, being organised is key. Bring examples of how you’ve managed multiple tasks or projects simultaneously, especially in high-pressure environments. Discuss your methods for ensuring deadlines are met and how you keep track of important documents and reports.
