IKON
Mr. Dev Bajpai is a Fellow Member of the Institute of Company Secretaries of India and holds a law degree from the University of Delhi. Currently serving as the Executive Director, Legal and Company Secretary, his annual salary is over ₹2 crores. With 24 years of experience across diverse industries—including Automobiles, FMCG, Hospitality, and Private Equity—he specializes in Legal, Governance, Tax, and Corporate Affairs.
Mr. Bajpai has worked with notable organizations such as Maruti Udyog Limited, Marico Limited, Indian Hotels Company Limited, and ICICI Venture Funds Management Company Limited. He has been involved with apex industry committees like CII and FICCI and has represented the industry before Parliamentary Committees. Additionally, he completed an Executive Program for Corporate Counsels at Harvard Law School.
Prior to joining Hindustan Unilever Limited, Mr. Bajpai was Senior Director, Legal & Compliance, at ICICI Venture Funds Management Company Limited. He also serves as the Vice President of Legal and Company Secretary at Taj Hotels, Resorts, and Palaces Ltd., overseeing the Legal function for the Taj Group.
What is the Job all about?
The role of a Company Secretary is advisory, focusing on Corporate Law, Securities, Capital Markets, and Corporate Governance. This position requires comprehensive knowledge in law, finance, and corporate governance. The Company Secretary acts as a crucial link between the company, its board of directors, shareholders, government, and other agencies.
Responsibilities include advising the Board of Directors on corporate governance best practices, ensuring regulatory compliance, and acting as a corporate planner and strategic manager. Companies with a paid-up share capital exceeding ₹5 crores and listed on the Stock Exchange are legally required to appoint a Company Secretary. For companies with paid-up capital less than ₹5 crores, some opt to hire independent consultants who are qualified Company Secretaries.
Can you go for it?
This role demands a quasi-legal expertise with strict adherence to Company Law. It can be stressful, especially if issues are not communicated to shareholders promptly or if profitability concerns are not clearly reflected in financial statements.
Is there a future in this field?
As a statutory position mandated by law, the prospects for Company Secretaries are strong. Qualified professionals can find satisfying job opportunities with promising remuneration packages.
Where to Begin in Goa / Outside Goa
• Dhempe College in Panjim offers in-person classes.
• You can also explore online learning options through the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) – www.icsi.edu or Lakshya Commerce – www.lakshyacommerce.com.
The Company Secretary Program has three parts:
1. Foundation Level (4 papers)
2. Executive Level (6 papers)
3. Professional Level (8 papers)
If you start after completing 10+2, you’ll need to pass all levels. If you join after graduation, you only need to complete the Executive and Professional levels. A 16-month Pre-Membership Training is required to qualify as an Associate Member of the Institute of Company Secretaries.
Exams are held twice a year—in June and December. Registration is required at least 9 months before the exam dates. The exam venue is in Panaji, with registration open twice a year in March and September. For more details, contact their office in Panaji at 2435033 or visit their website at www.icsi.edu
Employment avenues
Companies with a paid-up capital exceeding ₹5 crores are required to employ a Company Secretary, creating strong job prospects for newly qualified ACS members. To find opportunities, check newspapers and major companies’ career sections regularly.
Salary Prospects
Starting salaries are typically around ₹25,000 per month and can increase to ₹75,000 per month or higher, depending on the sector and individual capabilities.
Don’t settle for just a degree or diploma — enhance your CV by completing online learning programs with certification in areas relevant to your chosen career. This will significantly improve your employment prospects compared to holding only a basic qualification. Additionally, consider boosting your confidence by enrolling in public speaking courses, such as those offered by Toastmasters International.
For government job opportunities, please check: www.employment-newspaper.com
page updated: August 2024