How to Be a Corporate Secretary in Singapore: Unlock a High-Demand Career with Serious Earning Power

Singapore’s position as Asia’s premier financial hub creates exceptional demand for qualified corporate governance professionals. With every company in Singapore legally required to appoint a corporate secretary under Section 171 of the Companies Act, this career path offers both job security and substantial income potential.

The role of a company secretary has evolved far beyond administrative duties. Today’s corporate secretaries serve as strategic advisors, governance experts, and compliance champions who work directly with boards and senior management. For professionals seeking executive-level responsibilities with competitive compensation, learning how to be a corporate secretary in Singapore opens doors to a rewarding career.



This comprehensive guide will walk you through the exact steps, qualifications, and strategies needed to build a successful corporate secretarial career in Singapore’s dynamic business environment.

Think It’s Just Admin? Here’s What Corporate Secretaries in Singapore Really Do

The Law Says You MUST Have a Corporate Secretary — Here’s What That Means for Your Career

The Singapore Companies Act mandates that every private company and public company must appoint a corporate secretary within six months of incorporation. This legal requirement creates consistent demand for qualified professionals across Singapore’s business landscape.



Corporate secretaries serve as the bridge between company directors, shareholders, and regulatory authorities. They ensure the company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements while maintaining statutory registers and filing annual returns with the corporate regulatory authority (ACRA).

Behind the Job Title: The Real Day-to-Day Work of a Corporate Secretary

Modern corporate secretaries handle diverse responsibilities that span administrative, legal, and strategic domains:

• Maintaining company records, including shareholders' registers and director appointments
• Filing annual returns and ensuring punctual compliance with statutory requirements
• Drafting board resolutions and documenting board meetings
• Advising company directors on corporate governance best practices
• Serving as a liaison between internal and external stakeholders
• Coordinating annual general meetings and extraordinary general meetings



The company secretary plays a crucial role in ensuring compliance with Singapore company law and protecting the interests of all stakeholders.

Your Step-by-Step Blueprint to Becoming a Corporate Secretary Without Wasting Years

Step 1: Are You Even Eligible? Don’t Start Without This

Before pursuing corporate secretarial services as a career, you must satisfy fundamental eligibility criteria:

• Residency Status: You must be a Singapore citizen, Singapore permanent resident, or hold a valid work authorization (Employment Pass, S Pass, or Dependant Pass). The Singapore government defines these as a qualified person status for company secretary appointments.
• Age Requirement: Must be at least 18 years old and a natural person (not a corporate entity).
• Local Address: Maintain a local residential address in Singapore for official correspondence.

Step 2: What to Study to Open the Doors to High-Paying Secretarial Roles

Educational requirements vary between private companies and public companies, but all appointments require foundational knowledge:

For Private Company Secretaries:

• Diploma or degree in business, law, or accounting
• Understanding of company law and corporate governance principles
• Requisite knowledge of the Companies Act and regulatory compliance



For Public Company Secretary Positions: More stringent qualifications apply under the Singapore Companies Act:

• Three years of experience as a company secretary within the last five years, OR
• Qualification as a public accountant under the Accountants Act, OR
• Recognition under the Legal Profession Act, OR
• Membership in professional bodies such as:
• Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Singapore
• singapore association of the Institute of chartered secretaries and Administrators
• Institute of Company Accountants Singapore
• Association of International Accountants (Singapore Branch)

Step 3: How to Gain Real Experience That Makes Companies Want to Hire You

Building expertise requires hands-on experience with corporate secretarial work:

• Seek entry-level positions with corporate secretarial firms or professional firms
• Gain exposure to maintaining company records and filing procedures
• Learn from experienced Singapore corporate secretaries
• Understand the nuances of serving different business entities

Many professionals start as assistants to established company secretaries before taking on their own appointments.

💡 Quick Note Before You Continue...

If all this sounds like a lot to manage, that’s because it is.

Most business owners lack the time (or desire) to stay up-to-date with ACRA deadlines, filings, and regulatory changes. That’s exactly why hundreds of businesses in Singapore choose CFO Group to handle it all for them—accurately, efficiently, and without the stress.



Whether you need a reliable corporate secretary, help with annual returns, or full compliance support, we’ve got you covered.

Step 4: The Certifications That Separate Amateurs from Trusted Professionals

Enhance your credentials through recognized certification programs:

• ACRA’s Fundamentals of Corporate Secretarial Practice (FCSP): This course covers essential aspects of singapore corporate secretarial services and compliance requirements.
• Chartered Secretary Qualification Scheme (CSQS): Offered through the Singapore Association of Chartered Secretaries, this program provides comprehensive training in corporate governance and secretarial practice.
• Professional Examinations: Consider pursuing qualifications from recognized bodies like the ICSA (Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators) for enhanced credibility.

Step 5: You’re Ready—Now Here’s How to Start Taking on Clients or Roles

Once qualified, you can accept appointments:

• Be appointed through a board resolution of the company
• Register with ACRA as the appointed company secretary
• Maintain continuing professional education to stay current with regulatory changes`

Is It Worth It? Let’s Talk Money, Status, and Career Freedom

Corporate secretarial services offer attractive compensation with scalability potential:

• Base Fees: Annual fees typically range from SGD 350 to SGD 600 per company appointment, depending on company size and complexity.
• Portfolio Approach: Experienced practitioners often manage portfolios of 10-30 companies, potentially generating annual incomes of SGD 50,000 to SGD 150,000 or more.
• Value-Added Services: Offering specialized services like merger and acquisition support, ESG compliance, or multi-jurisdictional filings commands premium rates..

Why This Career Isn’t Just Stable—It’s a Strategic Move for the Future

The corporate secretary’s role provides unique professional benefits:

• Executive Access: Regular interaction with company directors, board members, and senior management provides valuable networking opportunities and strategic insight.
• Diverse Experience: Serving multiple clients across different industries broadens your understanding of various business models and governance challenges.
• Professional Growth: The role serves as a stepping stone to senior corporate governance positions, compliance roles, or even C-suite opportunities.
• Regulatory Expertise: Deep knowledge of Singapore company law and compliance requirements makes you invaluable to growing businesses and foreign-owned companies establishing operations in Singapore.

Building Your Corporate Secretarial Practice

How to Attract Your First (or Next) 10 Clients Without Cold-Calling All Day

Target Market Identification: Focus on specific segments such as:

• Startups and new company formations
• Foreign-owned companies need local expertise
• Existing company restructuring or compliance upgrades
• Business entities requiring specialized governance support

Professional Networking: Join professional associations, attend industry events, and build relationships with corporate service providers, accountants, and lawyers who can refer clients.

Service Differentiation: Consider specializing in specific industries or offering bundled services that address comprehensive governance needs.

The Must-Have Skills That Make You Stand Out and Get Referred

Successful Singapore company secretary professionals cultivate:

• Good Communication Skills: Ability to explain complex regulatory requirements to business owners and company officers in clear, actionable terms.
• Attention to Detail: Precision in maintaining statutory registers, filing documents, and ensuring compliance deadlines are met.
• Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with digital filing systems, document management platforms, and corporate governance software.
• Regulatory Knowledge: Stay current with changes to the Companies Act, ACRA guidelines, and emerging best practices in governance.

Compliance Isn’t Optional—Here’s How to Get It Right and Avoid Headaches

The company secretary handles critical compliance functions that protect both the company and stakeholders:

• Ensuring compliance with filing deadlines and statutory duties
• Maintaining accurate company records and the substantial shareholders register.
• Coordinating with regulatory authorities during audits or investigations
• Implementing governance frameworks that meet international standards

Need a Trusted Partner to Keep Your Business Compliant?

You don’t need to figure it all out on your own.

Whether you’re just starting your business or managing an established company, appointing a reliable corporate secretary isn’t just a legal requirement—it’s a smart business move.

At CFO Group, we’ve helped hundreds of business owners stay compliant with ACRA, avoid penalties, and free up time to focus on growing their companies.

From ACRA filings and annual returns to director resolutions and AGM coordination, we handle everything accurately and on time.

Let us take care of the paperwork, so you can focus on running your business with peace of mind.