Company Secretary Trainee
Company Secretary Trainee

Company Secretary Trainee

Hatfield Internship No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team as a Company Secretary Trainee, supporting corporate governance and compliance.
  • Company: Flex Legal is a dynamic firm dedicated to nurturing diverse legal talent.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a structured training programme, networking opportunities, and a half-day off for study each week.
  • Why this job: Gain invaluable exposure to C-suite executives and fast-track your career in a growing field.
  • Qualifications: Must hold a 2.1 minimum in Law, Accounting, Business or Business Management degrees.
  • Other info: Open to graduates with the right to work in the UK; ideal for socially mobile candidates.

We are really delighted to be recruiting our second cohort of Company Secretary trainees after 8 very successful cohorts of Flex Trainees and Flex Apprentices qualifying as lawyers. Our first ever Co Sec trainees started in October 2024 at five household-name companies, including The Crown Estate and Diageo.

We are looking for academically strong candidates from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds who are open to qualifying as Company Secretary through the in-house route. We are looking for trainees for our Autumn Cohort - starting in October 2025. We have some amazing clients who are keen to help you progress your career.

Before you start, you will come and do a stint at Flex Legal on our 3 week Readiness Programme, after which we second you to our clients to complete your Co-Sec training. This is a 3 week training course on soft skills alongside some basic company secretary training. You will also have the chance to attend some legal sessions shared with our SQE trainees and to network with your future cohort.

5 days a week with half a day off to study.

Why become a company secretary?

  • The skillset for a company secretary overlaps with the skillset for a good lawyer - organisation, great stakeholder management, and communication skills.
  • Company secretary teams are becoming more important with more stringent regulation and compliance hitting companies, so it's a great career to get involved in at this time.
  • You can earn similar salaries to lawyers but career progression is a lot quicker.
  • You get better business exposure, as you will often sit in the Board, help with the AGM, and write Board minutes, giving you incredible exposure to the C-suite at an early stage of your career.
  • Learn practical and commercial experience from the top FTSE100 legal teams.
  • Be part of a cohort of trainees doing the same as you in other companies.

All about company secretary:

Company Secretary teams support their company to comply with corporate governance and advise internally on adhering to statutory and regulatory requirements. You would have access to the top people in the organisation and get a great 'umbrella' commercial view of the company. You would attend board meetings and form relationships with lots of stakeholders including Finance, Treasury, Tax and Legal. There would be exposure to work in shareholder complaints, contribute to the company ESG/sustainability strategy, Rewards, contribute to the AGM and much more.

The Company Secretary team advises and supports the Board on corporate governance matters. Co-sec teams usually oversee the corporate governance of any subsidiaries, both in the UK and overseas, focusing on Board composition, filings and meeting governance.

Responsibilities include:

  • Assisting the team with corporate statutory filings in the UK and overseas jurisdictions.
  • Responsible for monitoring of a shared mailbox, managing corporate signings and notarisation of documents in a timely manner.
  • Developing skills in minute-writing.
  • Assistance with KYC, audit and due diligence requests.
  • Assisting with special projects as required.

This position is open to graduates who hold a 2.1 minimum in Law, Accounting, Business or Business Management Degrees. You will have the advantage of exemption from one of the seven level 1 modules - Company Law.

The right to work in the UK: you must have the right to work in the UK from the date you would start as a trainee. Flex Trainee is designed to bring socially mobile and diverse aspiring solicitors into the profession. Proactive in building stakeholder relationships.

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Contact Detail:

Flex Legal Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Company Secretary Trainee

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with corporate governance and compliance regulations. Understanding the legal framework that governs company secretaries will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with current or former company secretaries to gain insights into their day-to-day responsibilities. This can provide you with valuable information that you can use to tailor your discussions during the interview process.

✨Tip Number 3

Attend workshops or webinars related to company law and corporate governance. This will not only enhance your knowledge but also show your commitment to professional development, making you a more attractive candidate.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your soft skills, such as communication and stakeholder management, during interviews. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully demonstrated these skills, as they are crucial for a company secretary.

We think you need these skills to ace Company Secretary Trainee

Strong organisational skills
Excellent communication skills
Stakeholder management
Attention to detail
Understanding of corporate governance
Minute-writing skills
Ability to manage corporate filings
Proficiency in KYC and due diligence processes
Adaptability to changing regulations
Team collaboration
Time management
Analytical thinking
Problem-solving skills
Commercial awareness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Company Secretary. Highlight your understanding of corporate governance, compliance, and stakeholder management in your application.

Tailor Your CV: Ensure your CV reflects relevant academic achievements, particularly if you have a 2.1 or higher in Law, Accounting, Business, or Business Management. Include any experience that showcases your organisational and communication skills.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that expresses your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention your diverse background and how it aligns with their commitment to social mobility. Be sure to explain why you want to pursue a career as a Company Secretary.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application demonstrates attention to detail, which is crucial for a Company Secretary.

How to prepare for a job interview at Flex Legal

✨Research the Company and Role

Before your interview, make sure to thoroughly research the company and the role of a Company Secretary. Understand their values, recent news, and how the Co-Sec team fits into the larger organisation. This will help you tailor your answers and show genuine interest.

✨Showcase Your Soft Skills

As a Company Secretary Trainee, strong communication and organisational skills are crucial. Be prepared to provide examples from your past experiences that demonstrate these skills, especially in stakeholder management and teamwork.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think about potential challenges a Company Secretary might face and how you would handle them, particularly in relation to compliance and governance.

✨Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready to ask the interviewer. This could be about the training programme, the company culture, or opportunities for career progression. It shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.

Company Secretary Trainee
Flex Legal
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