Working Life

Chartered Secretaries are high-ranking professionals with a diverse set of skills unique among many professions. Trained in corporate law, finance, governance and corporate secretarial practice, Chartered Secretaries are the focal point for independent advice about the conduct of business, governance and compliance. They can also offer legal and accounting advice and manage the development of strategy and corporate planning.

Chartered secretaries work in a broad range of organisations. Some institutions call them chartered administrators or company secretaries. Whatever their job title, they have very similar functions.  
 
Chartered secretaries (or their equivalent) make sure that organisations run smoothly, in a professional and efficient way. Their work includes signing legal documents and making agreements on behalf of their organisation.

They make sure that any records they are required to keep are up-to-date, and that the company meets its legal obligations, seeking legal advice where required.  
 
They also have other administrative duties. These include organising employee insurance and pension schemes. They may also have responsibility for buying, renting and selling property, as well as dealing with personnel and communications issues.

A chartered secretary needs to have sound knowledge of company taxation, corporate finance and accounting, and their organisation's relationship with its shareholders.  
 
Chartered secretaries provide support for meetings and committees, including the board of directors and management teams. They arrange meetings, draw up the agenda and may take the minutes. They may advise on points of law at the meeting. Some chartered secretaries have to produce the company's annual report.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Enterprising

Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.

You must be a chartered or certified accountant, barrister, solicitor, or a member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) to become a company secretary to a public limited company. Many of those working in public service are also (ICSA) members.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: business admin, customer service, management.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: business administration, management, law, commerce, accounting.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Accounting, Financial Services, Lean Sigma.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: business, commerce, law, accounts, finance.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: business, accounts, management, financial and legal advice, compliance.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

• International Financial Services Skillnet Network
• The 30% club: Growth Through Diversity
• Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA)

There are three stages to becoming a Member of the ICSA:

1. Successfully completing the qualifying examinations.
2. Gaining relevant work experience.
3. Being recognised as a "fit and proper person".

There are two grades of membership:  
Associate (ACIS) - You will need to be 21 years of age, or over, and have at least 6 years relevant work experience. The 6-year requirement can be reduced buy up to 3 years for holders of degrees and other relevant qualifications.  
 
Fellow (FCIS) - To advance to this senior grade of membership a Member will need to demonstrate career progression to a senior level in a substantial organization. In addition, the minimum age is 25, and the minimum experience requirement is 8 years (reducible by up to 3 years as above).  
 
ICSA qualifying examinations are in three stages - the Foundation programme, the pre-professional programme and the Professional programme. Your point of entry to the programme depends on what qualifications you have, and the number of years works experience you have in relevant occupational areas.

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €30k - €95k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
Morgan McKinley / CPL / Lincoln / Brightwater/ Sigmar

Last Updated: August, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Barristers; judges; Solicitors; Legal professionals n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels have declined annually since 2020 for this occupation, resulting in a negative growth rate for the five-year annual average. There were a small number of employment permits issued for legal counsel across a number of sectors including ICT and the financial sector. However, the professional, scientific and technical activities sector accounts for the majority of employment in this occupation.

• Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators

  • ICSA Irish Region, P.O. Box 7568, Foxrock, Dublin 18
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here