Company Secretaries, in both public and private companies, deal with aspects of management which relate to the company as a legal entity. They keep the company's records; complete the company’s tax returns; advise the Board of Directors of their legal obligations. It is the responsibility of company secretaries to see that companies comply with statutory legislation. They need to understand the relevant aspects of the law, keep up with changes, and be familiar with any legislation affecting company business including international legislation if a company operates overseas. They arrange company meetings, collecting and compiling information for them and recording the decisions. They are also the link between the share-holders and management, and convene the annual general meeting. In many companies, the company secretary has a direct legal or financial function and is often involved in personnel management. Company Secretaries are administrators who assist in management, planning and the general running of the company.

The responsibilities of a company secretary in a large or medium firm include incorporation, public issues including listing of shares and debentures, processing of applications for managerial appointments, remuneration, inter-corporate investments and loans, conduct of Board and general meeting and maintenance of records, filing returns under companies act and corporate laws, preparation of project financing, acting as internal legal advisor and representative when needed.

As responsibilities and needs of the job have grown, the role has been established on a more professional basis. Many company secretaries in private companies have legal qualifications and are members of the Institute of Company Secretaries. Small firms usually employ company secretaries on retainer ship basis, who perform all the tasks which require professional advice and support e.g licences, registrations, loans, taxes, partnership deeds etc.

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