A company secretary is a senior position in a private company or public organisation, normally in the form of a managerial position or above. The company secretary ensures that an organisation complies with relevant legislation and regulation, and keeps board members informed of their legal responsibilities. Company secretaries are the company’s named representative on legal documents, and it is their responsibility to ensure that the company and its directors operate within the law. It is also their responsibility to register and communicate with shareholders, to ensure that dividends are paid and to maintain company records, such as lists of directors and shareholders, and annual accounts.

In the case of companies listed on recognized stock exchanges, the annual returns are to be signed by a practising company secretary. Further, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) also recognizes the Company Secretary as the Compliance Officer and the practising company secretary to issue various certificates under its Regulations. Further, the practising Company Secretaries are also authorised to certify compliance of conditions of corporate governance in case of listed companies.

The Reserve Bank of India also authorises company secretaries to issue various certificates.

The Institute of Company Secretaries of India, is the premier professional body to develop and regulate the profession of Company Secretaries in India. It was set up by an Act of Parliament in 1980.