Pronunciation: [kˈʌmpəni sˈɛkɹətɹˌɪ] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word company secretary is straightforward once you know the phonetic transcription. The first part of the word is pronounced as /ˈkʌmpəni/ and the second part is pronounced as /ˈsɛkrətri/. In IPA, 'c' is represented by /k/, the 'o' is pronounced as /ʌ/, 'm' as /m/, 'p' as /p/, 'a' as /ə/, 'n' as /n/, 'y' as /i/ and 's' as /s/. The 'e' in secretary is pronounced as /ɛ/, 'r' as /r/ and 'y' as /i/.
A company secretary is an individual who holds a key administrative position within a company or organization and is responsible for ensuring the company's compliance with corporate and legal requirements. The role of a company secretary varies depending on the jurisdiction and size of the company, but typically involves facilitating effective communication between the company's board of directors and its shareholders, as well as overseeing and managing various administrative and regulatory tasks.
One of the primary responsibilities of a company secretary is to ensure that the company adheres to relevant legal and regulatory frameworks. This involves maintaining and updating the company's statutory registers and records, filing necessary documents with government authorities, and ensuring compliance with corporate governance practices. The company secretary may also be responsible for organizing and preparing materials for board meetings, recording minutes, and ensuring that all board decisions are accurately recorded and implemented.
Additionally, a company secretary plays an important role in maintaining good corporate practices and ethical standards within the organization. They are often a trusted advisor to the board of directors, assisting with the development and implementation of corporate governance policies and procedures. This includes advising the board on legal and regulatory matters, particularly in relation to company law, corporate finance, and listing requirements.
Overall, the company secretary is a vital position within any organization, helping to ensure the smooth operation of the company, compliance with legal obligations, and effective communication between the board of directors, shareholders, and other stakeholders.
The word "company" originated from the Latin word "companionem" which means "one who eats bread with another, a partner, associate, or colleague". It evolved in Old French as "compagnie" and eventually made its way into English.
The word "secretary" has a more complex etymology. It traces back to the Latin "secretarius", which means "confidential officer" or "one entrusted with secrets". In ancient Rome, secretaries were responsible for writing and preserving official documents. The term then passed through Old French as "secretarie" and Middle English as "secretarie" before becoming "secretary" in Modern English.
The phrase "company secretary" emerged in the late 18th century when the concept of a corporate secretary began to gain prominence. It refers to an individual who assists in managing the administrative and legal affairs of a company.
