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.

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

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. You will also have/be:

• Practice experience in providing corporate secretarial services in the UK
• Strong technical expertise in company secretarial practice, with practical experience in
• drafting articles, capital reductions, share buybacks, and other corporate procedures
• Good understanding of company secretarial administration and the Companies Act 2006
• Excellent compliance knowledge around Client onboarding, AML and KYC matters
• ICSA Fellow or equivalent senior-level qualification
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with attention to detail
• Strong planning and time management skills
• Ability to network internally and externally
• Clear communication and presentation abilities
• Ability to apply and expand expertise

THE ROLE

Sopher + Co is looking for an experienced Chartered Secretarial Manager to join our team in Borehamwood. This senior position will deliver services to a growing portfolio of UK entities and will contribute to the department’s development and success. The role focuses on building the department and increasing department fees by 20% year on year, upselling and cross-selling the department’s services (both existing and new offerings), being client/outward-facing and networking accordingly, raising the profile of the department through blog writing, training, presentations, etc., bringing new ideas and initiatives to the department, and embracing technological changes and advancements. Additionally, the role will focus significantly on compliance, AML, KYC, and other internal matters to help the firm remain compliant in all aspects of client onboarding. Other duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide advice to clients and colleagues, on company secretarial matters, acting as a point of contact for technical queries.
• Manage a portfolio of clients and contribute to the smooth operation of the company secretarial department.
• Oversee the maintenance of statutory registers for a portfolio of clients’ companies and LLPs, ensuring data accuracy and compliance with best practices.
• Collaborate with the tax department on SEIS and EIS applications.
• Manage both complex corporate actions and basic form filings, including but not limited to:
• Capital reductions via solvency statements
• Share capital reorganisations (e.g., allotment, subdivision, consolidation, share buybacks, redenomination, and creating new share classes)
• Preparation of Capitalisation (CAP) tables to assist with complex restructures, the provision of options and share based incentives and to support external equity investments.
• Share transfers and arranging Stamp Duty payments where required
• Voluntary striking off private companies and LLPs
• Assist with amendments to articles of association and ensure timely submission of filings to Companies House.
• Preparation of dividend paperwork and basic forms (e.g., changes to company name, registered office, officer or shareholder details).
• Manage the department’s template library.
• Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements in the registration and annual statements of UK establishments of overseas companies.
• Ensure compliance with internal matters, including AML, KYC, and other compliance-related tasks.
• Collaborate with the Business Support Team/Manager on client onboarding processes and work closely with them on annual KYC reviews. Provide guidance where necessary, though onboarding remains under their responsibility.
• Support the team in obtaining AML documentation for newly incorporated clients and collaborate with the Business Support Team to address existing gaps in client files.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, legal counsel, and senior client representatives.
• Focus on building the department and increasing fees by 20% pa.
• Upsell and cross-sell the department’s services - both existing and new.
• Be client/outward-facing and network accordingly.
• Raise firm profile through blog writing, training, presentations, etc.
• Bring new ideas, initiatives and technology to the department.
• Future opportunity to be the Firms MLO