Why outsource a company secretary?
In accordance with the Singapore Companies Act, you are required to appoint a Company Secretary within six months of incorporating your Singapore company. A company secretary acts an officer of your firm, and will help fulfil a range of duties that ensures your company complies with the regulations stipulated by IRAS and ACRA.
Read More » Role of a Singapore Company Secretary
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Rikvin can provide your firm with the services of a Company Secretary.
A Company Secretary must be either a:
- Singapore resident (a Singapore citizen or permanent resident)
- Holder of Singapore Employment Pass / EntrePass / Dependant Pass
He/She must have sound knowledge of the Companies Act as well.
Responsibilities of a Singapore Company Secretary
A Company Secretary has the following responsibilities:
Board Meetings
- Coordinating the company’s formal decision making and reporting process;
- formulating meeting agendas with the chairman and /or the chief executive;
- attending meetings and taking minutes;
- maintaining minute books;
- certifying copies of minutes; and
- ensuring that correct procedures are followed.
General Meetings
- Obtaining internal and external agreements to all documentation for circulation to shareholders;
- coordinating the administration and attending of meetings and taking minutes; and
- ensuring that correct procedures are followed.
Company Constitution
- Ensuring that the company complies with its constitution; and
- drafting and incorporating amendments in accordance with the correct procedures.
Statutory Registers and Books
- Maintaining statutory registers.
Statutory Returns
Updating ACRA on:
- Any changes in the director(s) of a company or particulars relating to director(s);
- changes to a director’s name or residential address;
- removal from office in accordance with the Act or constitution;
- disqualification from holding office;
- appointments/resignations/deaths;
- annual returns;
- change of company name;
- adoption, alteration and revocation of constitution;issue of shares;
- any other changes that requires updating with ACRA.
Report and Accounts
- Coordinating the publication and distribution of the company’s annual report, accounts and interim statement; and
- the preparation of the directors’ report.
Share Registration
- Maintaining the company’s register of members;
- assisting with transfers and other matters affecting shareholdings; and
- attending to the queries and requests from shareholders.
Shareholder Communication
- Communicating with the shareholders (i.e. through circulars);
- payment of dividends and interest;
- issuing documentation regarding rights and capitalization issues;
- general shareholder relations; and
- relations with institutional shareholders and their investment protection committees.
Shareholder Monitoring
- Monitoring movements on the register of members to identify an apparent ‘stake-building’ in the company’s shares by potential takeover bidders; and
- making inquiries of members as to beneficial ownership of holdings.
Share and Capital Issues, Transfers and Restructuring
- Implementation of changes in the structure of the company’s share and loan capital and devising; and
- implementing and administering directors’ and employees’ share participation schemes.
Acquisitions and Disposals
- Participating as a key member of the company team to implement corporate acquisitions and disposals;
- protecting the company’s interests by ensuring the effectiveness of all documentation and that due diligence disclosures enable proper commercial evaluation prior to completion of the transaction.
Corporate Governance
- Reviewing developments in corporate governance; and
- advising and assisting the directors with respect to their duties and responsibilities and compliance with their personal obligations under company law and, if applicable Stock Exchange requirements.
Non-Executive Directors
Acting as a channel of communication and information for non-executive directors.
Company Seal
Ensuring the safe custody and proper use of the company seal if provided for in the company constitution.
ACRA Compliance Alert & Reminders
Rikvin will notify you on filing deadlines and ACRA annual compliance matters in a timely manner.
FAQ about Singapore Company Secretary
- A Company Secretary must be either a: Singapore resident (a Singapore citizen or permanent resident), or Holder of Singapore Employment Pass / EntrePass / Dependant Pass. He or she must also be above 18 years of age, and must have sound knowledge of Singapore Companies Act.
- In Singapore, company secretaries – also considered officers of a company – are responsible for general administration of a company; and ensuring the timely filing of statutory obligations, such as the annual filing of audited accounts and the holding of annual general meetings (“AGM”). So it is important to choose someone who has sound knowledge of Singapore Companies Act. Hence, it is generally advisable that company directors opt for a professional corporate secretarial firm to perform this role.
- Yes, the law mandates that all companies in Singapore must appoint a company secretary within six months of incorporation. He or she must have the prerequisite domain knowledge and is responsible for ensuring all regulatory compliances.
Helping you manage your companies, whatever their size
An essential part of maintaining a company is keeping statutory books and ACRA compliance filings up to date. Rikvin is the perfect company to manage and comply with this task for you, meaning we make it a whole lot easier, while you can focus more on running your business.
