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 Practice 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. There will be opportunity to be the Firms MLO.
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.
In Return
Sopher + Co will offer you a competitive package, including extensive benefits for you and your family, a comfortable warm and friendly environment with great people and the chance to work with some of the most prestigious clients that no other family-based firm can offer.
We strongly believes in staff development and continuously encourage internal progression.
Sopher + Co is committed to the principle of equality of opportunity in employment and we expect all our employees to act in accordance with this policy, we recognise the key role it plays in the success of our business.