About Us
Established in 1975, Sopher + Co is a trusted business adviser of choice for entrepreneurs, owner-managed businesses, high net worth individuals, professional partnerships and expats. Our roots in Elstree led to our early client base in the media and entertainment industry. Since then, we have grown immensely, with our portfolio now spanning over 20 industries. Our success is within our people - with endless opportunities and open-mind approach, Sopher + Co is a place where you can drive your career and ambitions forward, sharing and promoting our commitment to excellent client experience.
Sopher + Co is looking for an experienced Company Secretarial Senior Manager to join our team in Borehamwood. Reporting to the partners you will be working within a team of three delivering services to a growing portfolio of UK entities and will contribute to the department's development and success.
Your duties will include, but are not limited to:
* Providing advice to clients, colleagues, and Partners on company secretarial matters, acting as a point of contact for technical queries.
* Managing a portfolio of clients and contributing to the smooth operation of the company secretarial department.
* Overseeing the maintenance of statutory registers for clients' companies and LLPs, ensuring data accuracy and compliance with best practices.
* Collaborating with the tax department on SEIS and EIS applications.
* Managing both complex corporate actions and basic form filings, including but not limited to:
* Capital reductions via solvency statements
* Share capital reorganisations (e.g., allotments, subdivisions, consolidations, share buybacks, redenomination, and the creation of new share classes)
* Preparation of Capitalisation (CAP) tables to assist with complex restructures, the provision of options and share based incentives and to support external equity investments.
* Share transfers and arranging Stamp Duty payments where required
* Voluntary striking off private companies and LLPs
* Assisting with amendments to articles of association and ensuring timely submission of filings to Companies House
* Preparing dividend paperwork and basic forms (e.g., changes to company name, registered office, officer or shareholder details)
* Managing the department's template library.
* Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements in the registration and annual statements of UK establishments of overseas companies.
* Collaborating with the Business Support Team/Manager on client onboarding processes and working closely with them on annual KYC reviews. Provide guidance where necessary, though onboarding remains under their responsibility.
* Ensure compliance with internal matters, including AML, KYC, and other compliance-related tasks.
* Support the team in obtaining AML documentation for newly incorporated clients and collaborate with the Business Support Team to address existing gaps in client files.
* Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, legal counsel, and senior client representatives.
* Focusing on building the department and increasing fees by 20% pa.
* Upselling and cross-sell the department's services - both existing and new.
* Being client/outward-facing and network accordingly.
* Raising firm profile through blog writing, training, presentations, etc.
* Bringing new ideas, initiatives and technology to the department.
About you
We'll need you to have a keen eye for detail, teamed with the ability to spot any inaccuracies or duplications and provide resolutions. Efficiency and accuracy are key, as well as exceptional interpersonal skills, effective communication, and the ability to work to tight deadlines. Additionally, the role requires the ability to network internally and externally, along with the ability to apply and expand your expertise.
You will also have/be:
* ICSA Fellow or equivalent senior-level qualification.
* Strong technical expertise in company secretarial practice, with practical experience in drafting articles, capital reductions, share buybacks, and other corporate procedures.
* Experience in a similar role within a company secretariat department or professional services firm.
* Good understanding of company secretarial administration and the Companies Act 2006.
* Excellent compliance knowledge around Client onboarding, AML and KYC matters
* Proficient in Diligent, CCH, and other company secretarial software packages.
* Advanced skills in Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
In addition to the above successful candidate will be commercially minded, displaying level of flexibility, professionalism, confidence and ability to build successful relationships through credibility, trust and mutual respect.
What you'll get in return
We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, designed to support your health, wellbeing, financial security and career development.
Our benefits include (some available from day one, others after probation or length of service):
* Private Medical Insurance
* Life assurance (Death in Service)
* Group Income Protection (GIP)
* Employee Assistance Programme and 24/7 Digital GP access
* YuLife wellbeing platform
* Reward Gateway (employee discounts and cashback)
* Generous holiday entitlement, with the option to buy and sell leave
* Enhanced family-friendly policies
* Ongoing training and development opportunities
* Fully funded training packages with a generous exam reward structure
* Recognition and long-service milestones
* Cycle to Work scheme
* Discounted wills and LPAs
* Social committee and regular social events
* Fresh fruit in the office
Just as important is the environment. We're a friendly, supportive team where people enjoy working together and take pride in what they do. You will have the opportunity to work with a well-known client base spanning across more than 20 industries, gaining exposure that is genuinely unique and difficult to find elsewhere in a mid-tier firm.