Blog posts tagged with 'corporate governance'

Discover the world of government jobs for Company Secretaries (CS). Learn about their role, salary, career opportunities, and working from home options.

Explore the importance of Company Secretaries in corporate governance. Learn about their role in compliance, advisory, and sustainability. Discover career options and government job opportunities in this fascinating profession.

Well, the good news is Mathematics is not compulsory for becoming a QUALIFIED company secretary. However, it is highly beneficial if one has a strong foundation in maths to excel in any field. While CS primarily deals with legal and administrative aspects of corporate governance, maths plays a significant role in various areas of their work. In the following words, Let me break it down for you in a quick manner:

 

I will first put forward the uses of mathematics in the Corporate world:

 

Financial Analysis and Reporting: CS is involved in financial analysis and reporting. They have to understand financial statements analyse data, and interpret financial ratios. Mathematics. A solid understanding of mathematics is good for a CS to communicate financial insights to stakeholders effectively.

 

Compliance and Regulatory Framework: Only a CS is responsible for ensuring compliance with various laws and regulations. While maths may not be directly involved in compliance activities, it helps comprehend numerical thresholds, calculate penalties, and understand quantitative aspects related to compliance obligations.

 

Corporate Finance: Maths plays a crucial role in corporate finance, and CS frequently collaborates with finance teams on matters such as capital structure, investments, and valuation. Proficiency in mathematics enables CS to assess financial viability, analyse investment proposals, and contribute effectively to strategic decision-making.

 

Risk Management: Maths is an integral part of risk management, a vital aspect of a CS role. They need to assess and manage various financial, legal, operational, and reputational risks. 

 

Corporate Governance and Board Support: CS is responsible for facilitating board meetings, maintaining records, and ensuring compliance with corporate governance standards. Maths helps organise and analyse data, prepare reports, and maintain accurate records. 

 

CAN I TAKE CS WITH BASIC MATHS?

 

Absolutely Yes!! You do not have to come from a Commerce or any mathematics-based field to pursue CS. That's The Beauty of CS course. However, it is good for a student if he belongs to a Commerce background or has little knowledge about commerce subjects. So here's the deal: when pursuing a Company Secretary qualification, having a strong foundation in basic maths can be super helpful. While CS doesn't heavily focus on complex mathematical concepts like calculus or trigonometry, it does involve a fair amount of number crunching.

 

Don't stress too much if you are not a math whiz. Basic maths skills like arithmetic, percentages, and ratios should be more than sufficient to handle the mathematical aspects of the CS course. You'll deal with financial statements, analyse data, and understand key financial concepts. It's like doing some accounting stuff, you know?

 

CS isn't all about numbers. It also covers various subjects like law, corporate governance, business management, and ethics. So, think only a little if you're more into legal and corporate stuff. You should be good to go as long as you have a decent grasp of basic maths.

 

 

 

CAN I DO CS AFTER 12TH COMMERCE WITHOUT MATHS?

 

Dude! I am a Qualified CS Professional, and once a CS student can tell you, mathematics is never a requirement to become a qualified CS. You can pursue a CS course after completing your 12th in the commerce stream, even if you didn't take maths. Maths is not a mandatory requirement for CS.

 

The CS course primarily focuses on law, finance, accounting, economics, and corporate governance. While having a strong foundation in maths can help you understand certain financial concepts, it's not a strict prerequisite.

 

Now, remember that CS involves some numerical aspects, like Financial Management and interpreting financial statements. Don't let that discourage you! You can handle the number game with a little extra effort and a positive mindset.

 

 

IS THERE MATHS IN CS FOUNDATION/CSEET?

 

CS Foundation had a subject related to Mathematics, but CS Foundation no longer exists. It has been replaced by CSEET, which has no maths-related subjects.

 

At the Foundation/CSEET level, you'll encounter subjects like Business Communication, Legal Aptitude, Logical Reasoning and Economic and Business Environment. While these subjects don't heavily emphasise complex mathematical concepts, some numerical aspects are involved.

 

You'll come across basic arithmetic, percentages, ratios, and a touch of basic algebra. It's more about applying these concepts to practical scenarios rather than diving deep into advanced math theories.

 

The idea behind including some math in the Foundation/CSEET is to ensure aspiring Company Secretaries have a well-rounded understanding of business and financial concepts.

 

Don't sweat it! Suppose you're not a math enthusiast, with a little effort and some practice. In that case, you can handle the mathematical aspects of the Foundation/CSEET. There are plenty of study materials and resources available to help you out.

 

So, while there is a sprinkle of math in the Foundation/CSEET, it's nothing you can't handle, my friend. Just keep your chill vibes intact, put in the work, and rock that Company Secretary journey! You got this!

 

WHAT ARE THE SUBJECT IN CS?

 

The New Syllabus (2022) shall comprise an Online Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) consisting of Four (4) parts, Seven (7) Papers in the Executive Programme and Seven (7) Papers in the Professional Programme, including Two Papers as elective papers. The vocabulary of CSEET, Seven (7) Papers of the Executive Programme and Seven (7) Papers of the Professional Programme, including electives under the ICSI Syllabus (2022), are as under:

 

• The Syllabus of the Company Secretary Executive Entrance Test (CSEET) comprises the following four parts:

1. Part 1: Business Communication (50 Marks)

2. Part 2: Legal Aptitude, Logical Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude (70 Marks)

3. Part 3: Economic and Business Environment (50 Marks)

4. Part 4: Current Affairs (30 Marks)

 

• CS Executive Programme: It shall consist of 7 subjects divided into two groups as follows:

 

Group A:

 

1. Jurisprudence, Interpretation & General Laws (100 Marks)

 

1. Company Law & Practice

Part I – Company Law – Principles and Concepts (60 Marks)

Part II – Company Administration & Meetings (40 Marks)

 

1. Setting Up of Business, Industrial & Labour Laws

Part I – Setting Up of Business(60 Marks)

Part II – Industrial & Labour Laws (40 Marks)

 

1. Corporate Accounting and Financial Management

Part I – Corporate Accounting (60 Marks)

Part II – Financial Management (40 Marks)

 

Group B:

 

1. Capital Market & Securities Laws

Part I – Capital Market (40 Marks)

Part II – Securities Laws (60 Marks)

 

1. Economic, Commercial and Intellectual Property Laws

Part I – Economic & Commercial Laws (60 Marks)

Part II – Intellectual Property Laws (40 Marks)

1. Tax Laws & Practice

Part I - Direct Tax (60 Marks)

Part II - Indirect Tax (40 Marks) 

 

 

• CS Professional Programme: Again, It shall consist of 7 subjects divided into two groups:

 

Group A:

 

1. Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) – Principles & Practice

Part I – Governance and Sustainability (65 Marks)

Part II – Risk Management (20 Marks)

Part III- Environment & Sustainability Reporting (15 Marks)

 

1. Drafting, Pleadings and Appearances

Part I - Drafting and Conveyancing (70 Marks)

Part II - Pleadings and Appearances (30 Marks)

 

1. Compliance Management, Audit & Due Diligence

Part I – Compliance Management (40 Marks)

Part II – Audit & Due Diligence (60 Marks)

 

1. Elective *1 (Select one Paper out of 4 Elective Papers)
2. CSR & Social Governance

Part I – Corporate Social Responsibility (50 Marks)

Part II – Social Governance (50 Marks)

1. Internal and Forensic Audit

Part I – Internal Audit (60 Marks)

Part II – Forensic Audit (40 Marks)

1. Intellectual Property Rights – Law & Practice (100 Marks)
2. Artificial Intelligence, Data Analytics and Cyber Security – Laws & Practice

 

1. Strategic Management & Corporate Finance

Part I – Strategic Management (40 Marks)

Part II – Corporate Finance (60 Marks)

 

1. Corporate Restructuring, Valuation and Insolvency

Part I – Corporate Restructuring (40 Marks)

Part II – Valuation (20 Marks)

Part III – Insolvency, Liquidation & Winding-up (40 Marks)

1. Elective 2 (Select one Paper out of 5 Elective Papers)
2. Arbitration, Mediation & Conciliation

Part I – Arbitration & Conciliation (70 Marks)

Part II – Mediation (30 Marks) 

1. Goods and Services Tax (GST) & Corporate Tax Planning

Part I – Goods and Services Tax (GST) (70 Marks)

Part II – Corporate Tax Planning (30 Marks)

1. Labour Laws & Practice (100 Marks)
2. Banking & Insurance – Laws & Practice

Part I – Banking Laws (50 Marks)

Part II – Insurance Laws (50 Marks)

1. Insolvency and Bankruptcy – Law & Practice (100 Marks)

 

 

This blog article has written by one of our students who has recently cleared her course.

Hey there! So you are curious about CS as a career option? Well, let me tell you it is definitely worth considering, especially if you are a person from a commerce background. Well, It is worth noting that the cost involved in pursuing the course is minimal and can be pursued by any student belonging to any class of the society. Apart from that there is neither any AGE barrier nor any CASTE reservations which make it more attractive as a career option. 

 

It provides two types of career options as a CS. One is as a CS in Employment, another one is CS as a Practitioner.

 

Now Let's talk about CS in Employment

 

• CS is a highly respectable job in India coupled with legal responsibility. As a CS in Employment, you'll be responsible for ensuring that a company operates within legal and regulatory frameworks. You'll be the go-to person for the Board of Directors, advising them on governance, compliance, and ethics.

• A CS is defined as a KEY MANAGERIAL PERSON under the Companies Act, 2013

• All Companies with a paid up share capital of Rs. 10 crore or more are compulsorily required to appoint a whole-time Company Secretary under section 203 of Companies Act, 2013. 

• All Listed Companies in India are required to appoint CS as a Compliance officer, which is again a senior position in any organisation.

 

CS in Practice/Self employed

 

• A CS in Practice is recognised to issue compliance certificates and attest documents under: 

1. The  Companies Act, 2013

2. SEBI Act,SCRA , and

3. Depositories Act, 2013

• He is required to certify Annual Return of every company.

• He is needed to Certify multiple E forms of Companies Act, 2013 that are to be filed regularly with ROC.

• He is authorised under the Listing Regulations, to issue Corporate Governance Certificate.

• He is also authorised to issue compliance certificate and so on.

 

DOES COMPANY SECRETARY HAVE SCOPE IN FUTURE?

 

In Corporate world, Future is all about good Corporate Governance within and outside the organisation. Gone are the days, when the role of CS was only confined to secretarial compliances and maintaining statutory books. As businesses continue to grow and expand globally, the need for skilled professionals who can navigate complex legal and regulatory landscapes will only increase. Company Secretaries will be in high demand to ensure that companies adhere to ever-changing laws and regulations, both domestically and internationally.

 

Here are some aspects that may define the scope of a Company Secretary in the future:

 

1. Corporate Governance: The importance of corporate governance is likely to continue growing, with increased emphasis on ethical practices, transparency, and accountability. Company Secretaries will play a vital role in ensuring compliance with governance standards.

2. Regulatory Compliance: As regulatory frameworks become more complex and dynamic, Company Secretaries will need to stay updated with the latest legal and regulatory requirements. 

3. Strategic Advisory: CS can contribute significantly  strategic decision making processes. They possess a holistic understanding of the organization's operations and governance practices. 

4. Stakeholder Management: Effective communication and relationship management with stakeholders will be a critical aspect of the CS role in the future. 

5. Sustainability and ESG: Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations are gaining prominence in the corporate world. Company Secretaries will likely be involved in developing and implementing sustainability strategies.

CS SCOPE AND SALARY

 

Well, the scope of CS is wide ranging. It starts with Secretarial Compliance to act as Governance Professional. I will try to write about it in a brief manner:

1. Secretarial Audit : Secretarial Audit is entirely and exclusively done by a qualified CS.

2. Filling of various documents/returns as required under the provisions of various Corporate Laws.

3. Acting as a Compliance Officer for Listed entities.

4. Acting as a bridge between the Board of the company and the outsiders.

5. Representing the Company before Various Authorities.

6. Ensuring that the correct procedures have been followed that would result in the correctness, authenticity and comprehensiveness of the information, statements and reports filed by the listed entity under these regulations

7. Providing Certificate regarding Transfer of Securities to listed entities

8. Issuing certificate regarding compliance of conditions of Corporate Governance. 

9. Issuing a certificate regarding Issuance of securities to more than 49 and up to 200 investors, and the refund procedure as prescribed by SEBI has been duly complied with.

10. Practicing Company Secretary who is a Valuer is recognised under the following Regulations:

1. SEBI (Real Estate Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014

2. The SEBI (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014

 

SALARY STRUCTURE

 

• The salary structure of a CS varies depending on factors such as the size of the company, the location, and the experience and qualifications of the individual.

• Generally, a fresher CS  can expect to earn an average annual salary of around Rs. 4-5 lakhs p.a 

• For a mid-level CS with around 5-10 years of experience, the average annual salary can range from Rs. 10- 24 lakhs p.a.

• At a senior level, with more than 10 years of experience, the salary of a CS can go up to Rs. 50 lakhs p.a or even higher, depending on the company's size and industry.

 

CAREER OPTIONS AFTER COMPLETING CS

 

After completing CS, there are several career options available to you. Here are some of the common paths you can consider:

 

1. Corporate Secretary: Many companies, especially larger organizations, require the expertise of a CS to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. 

 

2. Compliance Officer: With your knowledge of laws and regulations, you can pursue a career as a Compliance Officer. In this role, you would ensure that an organization adheres to legal and regulatory frameworks, conducts internal audits, develops compliance policies, and provides training to employees on compliance matters.

 

3. Legal Advisor: As a CS , you have a solid foundation in corporate and commercial law. You can leverage this knowledge to work as a Legal Advisor or Legal Consultant, providing legal guidance to individuals or organizations on various legal matters such as contracts, intellectual property employment law, or corporate restructuring.

 

4. Risk Manager: Your understanding of corporate governance and legal compliance positions you well for a career in risk management. As a Risk Manager, you would identify and assess potential risks to an organization operations, develop risk mitigation strategies, and ensure compliance with relevant regulations to minimize potential liabilities

 

5. Corporate Governance Prfessional: You can offer your expertise as a Corporate Governance Consultant to help organizations establish effective corporate governance structures, policies, and practices.

 

6. Entrepreneurship: You can start your own consultancy firm or business. You can offer services like company registration legal compliance, and corporate secretarial assistance to SMEs & startups.

 

7. Academic and Teaching: If you have a passion for sharing knowledge you can become a lecturer, professor, or researcher in the field of law, corporate governance, or business administration, imparting your expertise to aspiring professionals.