Company Secretarial Manager

at  Sopher Co

ABOUT US

Established in 1975, Sopher + Co is a trusted business adviser of choice for entrepreneurs, owner-managed businesses, high net worth individuals, professional partnerships and expats. Our roots in Elstree led to our early client base in the media and entertainment industry. Since then, we have grown immensely, with our portfolio now spanning over 20 industries. Our success is within our people - with endless opportunities and open-mind approach, Sopher + Co is a place where you can drive your career and ambitions forward, sharing and promoting our commitment to excellent client experience.
Sopher + Co is looking for an experienced Chartered Secretarial Manager to join our team in Borehamwood. Reporting to the partners you will be working within a team of three providing corporate secretarial services in the UK.

Your duties will include, but are not limited to:

• Providing advice to clients, colleagues, and Partners on company secretarial matters, acting as a point of contact for technical queries.
• Managing a portfolio of clients and contributing to the smooth operation of the company secretarial department.
• Assisting with the client billing process for company secretarial work on a monthly basis, with additional responsibility for special work billing.
• Overseeing the maintenance of statutory registers for clients’ companies and LLPs, ensuring data accuracy and compliance with best practices.
• Collaborating with the tax department on SEIS and EIS applications, providing input and ensuring alignment with company secretarial procedures.
• Managing both complex corporate actions and basic form filings, including but not limited to:
• Capital reductions via solvency statements
• Share capital reorganisations (e.g., allotments, subdivisions, consolidations, share buybacks, redenomination, and the creation of new share classes)
• Share transfers and arranging Stamp Duty payments where required
• Voluntary striking off private companies and LLPs
• Assisting with amendments to articles of association and ensuring timely submission of filings to Companies House
• Preparing dividend paperwork and basic forms (e.g., changes to company name, registered office, officer or shareholder details)
• Managing the department’s template library.
• Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements in the registration and annual statements of UK establishments of overseas companies.
• Collaborating with the Business Support Team/Manager on client onboarding processes and working closely with them on annual KYC reviews. Provide guidance where necessary, though onboarding remains under their responsibility.
• Supporting the team in obtaining AML documentation for newly incorporated clients and collaborating with the Business Support Team to address any existing gaps in client files.
• Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, legal counsel, and senior client representatives.

ABOUT YOU

Sopher + Co take pride in their employees and their achievements whilst praising and recognising hard work. We are looking for people who embrace the 3 C’s – change, challenge and commitment. We enjoy working with people who can work well with others and in turn enjoy working amongst a diverse team of professionals.
We’ll need you to have a keen eye for detail, teamed with the ability to spot any inaccuracies or duplications and provide resolutions. Efficiency and accuracy are key, as well as exceptional interpersonal skills, effective communication, and the ability to work to tight deadlines. Additionally, the role requires the ability to network internally and externally, along with the ability to apply and expand your expertise.

You will also have/be:

• ICSA Fellow or equivalent senior-level qualification.
• Strong technical expertise in company secretarial practice, with practical experience in drafting articles, capital reductions, share buybacks, and other corporate procedures.
• Experience in a similar role within a company secretariat department or professional services firm.
• Good understanding of company secretarial administration and the Companies Act 2006.
• Proficient in Diligent, CCH, and other company secretarial software packages.
• Advanced skills in Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.

In addition to the above successful candidate will be commercially minded, displaying level of flexibility, professionalism, confidence and ability to build successful relationships through credibility, trust and mutual respect.

• Providing advice to clients, colleagues, and Partners on company secretarial matters, acting as a point of contact for technical queries.
• Managing a portfolio of clients and contributing to the smooth operation of the company secretarial department.
• Assisting with the client billing process for company secretarial work on a monthly basis, with additional responsibility for special work billing.
• Overseeing the maintenance of statutory registers for clients’ companies and LLPs, ensuring data accuracy and compliance with best practices.
• Collaborating with the tax department on SEIS and EIS applications, providing input and ensuring alignment with company secretarial procedures.
• Managing both complex corporate actions and basic form filings, including but not limited to:
• Capital reductions via solvency statements
• Share capital reorganisations (e.g., allotments, subdivisions, consolidations, share buybacks, redenomination, and the creation of new share classes)
• Share transfers and arranging Stamp Duty payments where required
• Voluntary striking off private companies and LLPs
• Assisting with amendments to articles of association and ensuring timely submission of filings to Companies House
• Preparing dividend paperwork and basic forms (e.g., changes to company name, registered office, officer or shareholder details)
• Managing the department’s template library.
• Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements in the registration and annual statements of UK establishments of overseas companies.
• Collaborating with the Business Support Team/Manager on client onboarding processes and working closely with them on annual KYC reviews. Provide guidance where necessary, though onboarding remains under their responsibility.
• Supporting the team in obtaining AML documentation for newly incorporated clients and collaborating with the Business Support Team to address any existing gaps in client files.
• Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, legal counsel, and senior client representatives