Legal compliance and good governance are essential for the long-term success of any organisation, directly impacting its integrity, reputation, and operational efficiency. Serving as the guardian of these principles, a corporate secretary ensures that a company meets its legal and regulatory obligations. In this article, we will explore a corporate secretary’s duties and responsibilities, and why hiring a company secretary is beneficial.
What Does a Corporate Secretary Do?
When business owners ask what does a corporate secretary do, the answer goes well beyond scheduling meetings or filing documents. In Singapore, the corporate secretary plays a pivotal role in maintaining a company’s legal standing, supporting governance practices, and ensuring administrative compliance.
At the core, a corporate secretary is responsible for aligning the organisation with Singapore’s statutory regulations, particularly those issued by ACRA. This includes managing company records, preparing resolutions, overseeing board meetings, and advising directors on compliance and governance matters. These corporate secretary duties and responsibilities are essential not only to satisfy legal obligations but also to build transparency, trust, and accountability within the organisation.
Whether supporting directors with timely documentation or keeping the company in good legal standing, a corporate secretary acts as a critical bridge between regulatory bodies, shareholders, and management.
Legal Requirement for a Company Secretary in Singapore
Under ACRA guidelines, every company incorporated in Singapore is legally required to appoint a corporate secretary within six months of incorporation. This applies to private limited companies, public companies, and companies limited by guarantee. Failing to comply can result in enforcement action or financial penalties.
The role of a corporate secretary in Singapore is not just administrative—it is central to ACRA compliance. Secretaries ensure proper filing of annual returns, maintain statutory registers, and facilitate key resolutions and meetings.
To learn more about this statutory requirement, you may refer to ACRA’s official page on company secretary obligations.
Corporate Secretary Duties and Responsibilities
A corporate secretary is responsible for tasks that are fundamental to the smooth operation of an organisation. Their primary duties and responsibilities involve legal compliance, board support, documentation, corporate governance, meeting coordination, and stakeholder communication. Here’s a closer look at what a corporate secretary does:
1. Legal Compliance with ACRA and Company Law
One of the most important corporate secretary’s duties is maintaining a company’s compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. These professionals ensure that statutory requirements are consistently met. This includes monitoring changes in legislation, advising the company on compliance, and filing necessary documents with regulatory authorities. The key is to mitigate risks related to legal non-compliance, which can lead to financial penalties or reputational damage.
2. Board Support and Advisory
A corporate secretary plays a supportive role for the board of directors. They provide valuable advice and resources that help board members fulfil their fiduciary duties. In many ways, the corporate secretary serves as a liaison between the board and senior management, facilitating communication and assisting the board to make informed decisions.
3. Documentation and Record-Keeping
Corporate secretaries are responsible for recording minutes of board meetings and ensuring that decisions are properly documented. Given the importance of corporate governance and regulatory adherence, they meticulously ensure official company records, including meeting minutes, resolutions, and statutory documents. Effective documentation and record-keeping help an organisation to always be well-prepared for audits, regulatory reviews, or legal proceedings.
4. Corporate Governance Guidance
A corporate secretary’s duties and responsibilities also include advising the board on corporate governance practices. Besides assisting the company to abide by best practices in governance and relevant standards, a corporate secretary also helps the board navigate different issues. These may be related to ethics, transparency, and accountability.
5. Meeting Coordination (AGMs, EGMs)
Another key aspect of the corporate secretary’s role is meeting coordination. Organising and scheduling board meetings, keeping all logistical details in place, and maintaining proper documentation are some core duties and responsibilities of a corporate secretary.
6. Communication with Stakeholders and Regulators
Effective communication with stakeholders is the key to transparency and integrity in business operations. A corporate secretary is tasked with clearly communicating between the board, management, and other stakeholders, keeping all parties informed.
7. Strategic Advisory on Statutory Compliance
Corporate secretaries also serve as advisors, offering guidance on the development and implementation of key policies and procedures. Whether it’s advising on shareholder meetings, strategic planning, or risk management, these experts play a part in contributing ideas to guarantee the overall success and stability of the organisation.
Why Hire a Corporate Secretary?
The role of a corporate secretary in Singapore is not just a regulatory formality — it’s a strategic asset. Appointing a qualified secretary is mandatory under ACRA, and non-compliance may result in financial penalties or reputational damage.
A professional corporate secretary ensures that your business meets all regulatory timelines, from annual return filings and board meeting coordination to maintaining statutory records. These services are crucial for legal standing and operational continuity. Beyond compliance, a secretary provides strategic guidance on governance practices, helping businesses stay organised and aligned with corporate best practices.
The importance of a company secretary cannot be overstated — they serve as a compliance anchor for companies of all sizes. If you’re looking for expert guidance, we offer corporate secretary services to ensure your business remains fully aligned with ACRA compliance requirements.
Seeking a reliable corporate secretary provider in Singapore to support your corporate governance? Partner with Tianlong Services now to access all the professional assistance you need.
Contact us to find out more.
