Role overview
A company secretary (CS) ensures a company complies with corporate law and governance requirements and advises the board on legal and regulatory matters. In India, qualified through ICSI, they typically manage statutory filings, board and shareholder meetings, regulatory compliance, and corporate records — acting as the link between the board, regulators and shareholders, and safeguarding the company's legal standing.
A company secretary usually has around 0–12 yrs of experience and earns typically ₹5L–₹20L/yr in India. The day-to-day blends Corporate law, Companies Act compliance, Board meeting management and more — this page gives you a ready-to-use company secretary job description template you can copy, plus the exact skills and salary employers expect.
Key responsibilities
A company secretary is typically responsible for:
- Ensure compliance with the Companies Act and corporate governance norms
- Organise and minute board, committee and shareholder meetings
- File statutory returns, forms and resolutions with the MCA/ROC
- Maintain statutory registers and corporate records
- Advise the board and management on legal and governance matters
- Manage regulatory filings with SEBI and other authorities (listed firms)
- Coordinate on secretarial audits and due diligence
- Act as the link between the board, regulators and shareholders
Requirements & qualifications
To succeed as a company secretary, candidates usually need:
- Qualified Company Secretary (ICSI) membership
- Strong knowledge of the Companies Act, SEBI and corporate law
- Attention to detail and command of compliance and documentation
- Excellent communication and governance-advisory skills
- Integrity and discretion in handling sensitive matters
Company Secretary skills
The most in-demand company secretary skills on listings today:
Not sure which of these you're missing? A free OnJob profile runs your CV against every live company secretary job and shows the exact skill gaps standing between you and a 100% match.
Typical salary & experience
Typical salary (India)
typically ₹5L–₹20L/yr
Experience range
0–12 yrs
These are typical ranges and vary by city, company and skills. For live, role-specific pay data, see the OnJob salary guide.
Company Secretary job description — FAQs
What does a company secretary do?
A company secretary (CS) ensures a company complies with corporate law and governance, manages statutory filings and board meetings, maintains corporate records, and advises the board on legal and regulatory matters — acting as the link between the board, regulators and shareholders.
How do you become a company secretary in India?
You qualify through the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) by clearing the Foundation/Executive/Professional levels and completing practical training, then become a member to practise as a CS.
What is the difference between a CA and a CS?
A chartered accountant (CA) focuses on accounting, auditing and taxation, while a company secretary (CS) focuses on corporate law, governance and statutory compliance. CAs handle the numbers; CSs handle legal and regulatory compliance.
How much does a company secretary earn in India?
Freshly qualified company secretaries typically earn ₹5L–₹9L per year, experienced CSs ₹10L–₹18L, and senior or listed-company roles ₹20L+. See our salary guide for current ranges.