At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead corporate governance and ensure regulatory compliance in a dynamic financial services environment.
- Company: Purpose-driven financial services organisation committed to sustainability and positive impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant board exposure and career progression.
- Why this job: Shape governance and influence strategic decisions in a respected organisation.
- Qualifications: Professional qualification and at least 3 years of Company Secretary experience in financial services.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
This purpose-led financial services organisation with a strong commitment to sustainable outcomes is looking for a Company Secretary to join their team in Bristol. Operating within an international group structure, this organisation plays a key role in driving governance excellence and supporting long-term strategic decision-making. You will become part of a collaborative and values-driven environment where governance, transparency, and positive impact are at the forefront of everything they do. You will need to be able to attend the office in central Bristol twice per week.
As Company Secretary, you will hold a pivotal leadership position at the heart of corporate governance. Reporting to the Head of Legal, you will ensure the organisation maintains the highest standards of regulatory compliance, governance best practice, and board effectiveness, working closely with the Deputy Co Sec. This is a highly visible role with regular interaction across the Board, Executive Committee, and senior leadership, offering the opportunity to influence strategic direction and governance frameworks.
Key responsibilities include:
- Acting as a trusted advisor to the Board and Committees, ensuring effective governance, decision-making, and regulatory compliance
- Managing and coordinating Board and Committee meetings, including agendas, papers, and governance reporting frameworks
- Maintaining statutory records and overseeing compliance with Companies Act requirements and regulatory obligations
- Leading governance initiatives, including Board evaluations, succession planning, and committee effectiveness
- Supporting shareholder engagement and advising on constitutional and governance matters
- Overseeing the annual report process, including governance and regulatory disclosures
- Managing internal governance frameworks, including policy management, delegations, and powers of attorney
- Providing expert guidance on regulatory developments and governance best practices (horizon scanning)
- Building strong relationships with internal stakeholders, regulators, and external advisors
What you'll need to succeed:
To be successful in this role, you will bring a combination of technical expertise, commercial awareness, and excellent stakeholder management skills. You will ideally have:
- A recognised professional qualification (e.g. Chartered Secretary/Governance Professional, ACA/ACCA/CIMA, or Solicitor), or equivalent experience
- Proven experience (at least 3 years) as a Company Secretary in financial services (or another regulated sector) and/or demonstrable significant experience, operating at a senior level, in all aspects of company secretarial work, preferably with experience of working in a highly regulated sector.
- Strong knowledge of UK corporate governance and regulatory requirements
- Experience supporting Boards and senior committees in complex organisations
- Outstanding organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence at senior level
- A proactive, collaborative mindset with a 'can-do' attitude
- An interest in sustainability, responsible business, or social impact is highly desirable
What you'll get in return:
In return, you will have the opportunity to shape governance within a highly respected organisation and play a key role in its ongoing success. You can expect:
- A senior, high-impact role with significant board exposure
- The opportunity to work in a purpose-driven, values-led environment
- A collaborative and supportive culture
- Professional development and ongoing career progression opportunities
- Competitive salary and benefits package
If you are an experienced Company Secretary or governance professional looking for your next senior challenge, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Harriet Chapman for further information on this opportunity. Apply today to explore this unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a forward-thinking financial services organisation.
Company Secretary - Financial Services in Bristol employer: Hays Legal
Join a prestigious regional law firm renowned for its exceptional Employment practice, where you will thrive in a collaborative and supportive work culture. With a strong commitment to employee development, this firm offers ample opportunities for professional growth and advancement, making it an ideal place for those seeking a meaningful and rewarding career in law.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Company Secretary - Financial Services in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Hays Legal. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Hays Legal.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Hays Legal. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Company Secretary - Financial Services in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Hays Legal and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Hays Legal how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Legal
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Hays Legal.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Hays Legal's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
