Company Secretarial Advisor

Role Overview

This position focuses on enhancing company secretarial and governance services offered to clients. The advisor will handle registered agent and Corporate Service Provider responsibilities for free zone and offshore companies and foundations registered under the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZ), and Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre (RAKICC). The role involves establishing processes, policies, and precedents to maintain high standards of corporate governance.

Key Responsibilities

• Setting up foundations, free zone, and offshore companies within ADGM, DIFC, JAFZ, and RAKICC, including preparing required application documents following relevant regulations.
• Providing consultancy and assistance for company name changes, director and general manager appointments, activity updates, share transfers, pledge registration, mortgages, and other corporate matters across offshore and ADGM/DIFC companies and foundations.
• Organizing agendas and notices for board and shareholder meetings, and taking meeting minutes.
• Obtaining official certificates, such as tax residence certificates and no-objection letters from government bodies.
• Maintaining obligatory statutory records like the Register of Members and Register of Directors and Secretaries for relevant entities.
• Supporting annual license and registration renewal processes for offshore and ADGM/DIFC companies.
• Conducting company background searches and managing online applications efficiently.
• Advising on legal filing requirements and ensuring compliance with UAE local legislation and regulations.
• Creating and updating corporate documents (‘corporate bibles’) and related databases, conducting annual reviews, and requesting updated due diligence documentation when necessary.
• Recording time accurately for all activities.
• Leading preparation and submission of case registration forms, conflict checks, KYC documentation to the Business Acceptance Unit (BAU), and managing client file openings and closures coordination.
• Liaising with the Finance Department on invoice preparation, payment facilitation, account statement tracking, and ensuring timely receivables collection.
• Keeping abreast of changes in company laws and governing regulations and acting accordingly.
• Maintaining and updating legal templates including Resolutions, Powers of Attorney, Articles of Association, share transfer documents, and related materials for UAE offshore, ADGM, and DIFC companies.
• Participating in departmental projects and performing ad hoc tasks as required.

Candidate Profile

• Qualified through ICSA certification; a formal legal qualification is preferred.
• Possesses a minimum of 3 to 4 years experience in company secretarial roles with familiarity of UAE offshore structures and procedures for DIFC and ADGM entities.
• Experience working within law firms is advantageous.
• Familiarity with BluePrint, Oneworld, or Viewpoint software systems.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to manage client relations effectively.
• Capability to manage a portfolio of clients independently and with a client-focused approach emphasizing quality and consistent service delivery.
• Demonstrates teamwork, autonomy, adaptability, and flexibility in working practices.
• Experience collaborating in multicultural environments.
• Exceptional attention to detail coupled with organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines efficiently.

About the Firm

Clyde & Co boasts a global presence with 500 partners, 2,400 lawyers, 3,200 legal professionals, and 5,500 staff members operating across nearly 70 offices worldwide. The firm upholds values that guide decision-making, promote collaboration, celebrate diversity, and encourage bold action. Committed to responsible corporate citizenship, the firm fosters an inclusive workforce reflective of the communities it serves, supports pro bono work and charity partnerships, and pursues ambitious environmental standards via the SBTi Net-Zero commitment.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The firm embraces equal employment opportunity principles, welcoming applications from qualified individuals regardless of background or identity. Discrimination of any kind is prohibited in the workplace.

Privacy Notice

Applicants are encouraged to review the firm's privacy notice detailing data collection, usage, applicant rights, and contact information. Agencies submitting candidates must ensure candidates acknowledge this privacy information.

Additional Information

The job description reflects the current role requirements but may be revised as the business needs evolve.