Assistant Company Secretary - London or Harrogate

Company DescriptionAt S&W, we help our clients thrive by simplifying the complex, illuminating new paths, and shaping solutions that make a difference. As one of the UK’s top 10 fastest-growing accountancy firms, we have been a trusted partner since 1881—helping businesses and individuals meet challenges and seize opportunities across generations. Built on expertise and driven by ambition, we provide a comprehensive range of services, including tax and accountancy, advisory and assurance, corporate finance, and restructuring. We are defined by our purpose—to help navigate challenges, unlock potential, and achieve the extraordinary.

Job DescriptionWhat will you be doing? We're seeking a talented individual to join our Company Secretary team, in either London or Harrogate, as Assistant Company Secretary. Reporting to the Deputy Company Secretary, this role offers an opportunity to contribute to the strategic heartbeat of the organisation. You'll play a pivotal role in ensuring the effective governance and compliance of S&W. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional with a passion for corporate governance, who thrives in a fast-paced and collaborative environment, and has a knack for navigating complexity.

As Assistant Company Secretary, your responsibilities will include among othersBoard and Committee administration Lead on the CoSec support for the Audit & Risk Committee, acting as Secretary. Including: meeting attendance, minute taking, action tracking, paper issuance via Board Portal, advising paper authors, forward agenda planning. Lead on the annual review of Board and Committee Terms of Reference compliance and best practice reviews. Play lead role in subsidiary governance. Provide meeting administration support to subsidiary Boards, attending Board meetings to minute meetings and advise the Boards on governance matters.

Shareholder ServicesPlay a leading role in establishing and embedding effective Shareholder Services and Share Plan processes and documentation. Lead on the day-to-day administration of Share Plans, maintaining registers and delivering grants and vestings. Lead on the day-to-day administration in relation to any equity held by current and former colleagues. Operate joiner and leaver equity processes, including supporting M&A-related activity. Advising key stakeholders about S&W’s share plans and equity, including HR, Reward and M&A teamsLiaising with key internal and external stakeholders in order to deliver Shareholder Services and Share Plan administration, including:

Directors, Remuneration Committee, HR, Reward, Finance, Payroll, Corporate Tax, Share Plan Administrators, Nominee and Trustee. File annual UK and Irish share plan tax returns. Manage Shareholder Services Inbox, responding to queries as required. Undertake regular reconciliations of registers with external suppliers. Prepare and/or contribute to Remuneration Committee papers as required. M&APlay a leading role in the department’s responsibilities in relation to M&A, including support on due diligence and transaction tasks. Play a leading role on M&A integration, including application of the Group’s governance and administration practices and delegated authorities.

Engaging with internal stakeholders and advisors to deliver the department’s activities in this area. OtherLead on the department’s technology strategy, identifying and implementing opportunities in to increase efficiency and effectiveness through the deployment of technology, including AI. Support Company Secretarial Trainee, providing guidance and training as required. Lead on company compliance, including maintaining of company registers and filings at Companies House and the Irish Companies Registration Office. Oversee the preparation, approval, and publication of the S&W Modern Slavery Act Statement and internal MSA training.

Lead on the Governance reporting and compliance for the S&W Group Annual Report and Accounts. Assist with the review and filings of subsidiary accounts. QualificationsTo be successful in this role, you shouldProven experience in a similar Company Secretarial roleStrong understanding and experience in shares and share plan administrationAbility to build relationships with key stakeholders, including at Board levelStrong meeting administration experienceExcellent attention to detail and highly organizedExcellent written and verbal communication skillsStrong minuting experienceContinuous improvement mindsetAbility to work independently, taking tasks from start to completion, and to prioritise effectively.

CGI qualifiedAdditional InformationAs a colleague here at S&W you will have access to benefits that includeCompetitive salaryPrivate medical insuranceLife assurancePension contributionHybrid working model (role dependent)Generous holiday packageOption to purchase additional holidayShared parental leaveCycle to work schemeSeason ticket loanEye care supportWe are proud to value the differences that a diverse workforce brings, representative of society and our clients. At S&W we have a wide range of highly active employee resource groups and we’re delivering multiple diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the organisation.

It is our commitment to provide a workplace where all colleagues, regardless of identity, background, or circumstance, feel respected as individuals and feel that they can achieve their full potential and work in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. We are happy to make any reasonable adjustments to accommodate for your needs throughout the application process. Please let your Recruiter know.