Job description
Role Overview
Company Secretarial Advisor at Clyde & Co, providing company secretarial and governance support to clients across the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZ), and Ras Al Khaimah International Corporate Centre (RAKICC).
Company Overview
Clyde & Co is a global law firm with 500 partners, 2,400 lawyers, 3,200 legal professionals and 5,500 people in nearly 70 offices and associated offices worldwide. The firm's values are to work as one, excel with clients, celebrate difference and act boldly. Clyde & Co is committed to operating responsibly by building a diverse and inclusive workforce, providing an environment where everyone can realise their potential, and minimising environmental impact including commitment to the SBTi Net-Zero standard and ambitious emissions reduction targets.
Role Purpose
To provide registered agent and Corporate Service Provider services to free zone and offshore companies and foundations. To establish and implement systems, policies and precedents ensuring high standards of corporate governance.
Key Responsibilities
Company Establishment & Structuring
- Establish foundations, free zone and offshore companies in the ADGM, DIFC, JAFZ and RAKICC.
- Prepare necessary supporting applications required under different governing regulations.
- Advise on and assist with change of name, directors, general manager, activities, share transfers, registration of pledges and mortgages for offshore companies, ADGM and DIFC companies and foundations.
Governance & Compliance
- Prepare agendas and notices for and take minutes of board meetings and general meetings of shareholders.
- Maintain statutory records, including Register of Members and Register of Directors and Secretaries for UAE offshore, ADGM and DIFC companies.
- Advise on filing requirements and compliance with UAE local laws and regulations.
- Maintain current awareness of relevant companies acts and governing regulations and take appropriate action.
- Prepare and maintain corporate bibles, ensuring all relevant details are added and updated on relevant databases.
- Annually review corporate bibles and request updated due diligence documents where required.
Administrative & Operational
- Obtain certificates of tax residence and no-objection letters from relevant government authorities.
- Assist with annual licence and registration renewals for UAE offshore and ADGM and DIFC companies.
- Undertake company searches and make online applications.
- Maintain template precedents such as Resolutions, Powers of Attorney, Memorandum and Articles of Association, share transfer documents, request letters and invoice letters for UAE offshore, ADGM and DIFC companies.
- Ensure accurate time recording.
Client & Portfolio Management
- Oversee and advise on the preparation of case registration forms and conduct conflict searches.
- Collate and submit necessary KYC documents to the Firm's Business Acceptance Unit (BAU).
- Update BAU with any material changes of existing clients.
- Liaise with BAU for file opening and arrange closing of files.
- Manage a client portfolio with focus on quality and consistent service delivery.
Finance & Stakeholder Coordination
- Coordinate with the Finance Department to prepare invoices, arrange for payment of invoices, keep track of statements of account and ensure timely collection of receivables.
Projects & Ad Hoc
- Participate in projects and ad hoc duties to benefit the Department.
Qualifications & Experience
- ICSA qualified.
- Formal legal qualification desirable.
- At least 3-4 years of company secretarial experience.
- Knowledge of UAE offshore systems, DIFC and ADGM procedures.
- Law firm experience desirable.
- Experience with BluePrint, Oneworld or Viewpoint systems.
Skills & Competencies
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Client-oriented with a focus on quality and consistent service delivery.
- Team-oriented and able to work autonomously whilst being adaptable and flexible.
- Exposed to working in different cultures.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Able to work to deadlines and under pressure.
Additional Information
Clyde & Co is an equal opportunities employer committed to supporting fairness, celebrating diversity and prohibiting all forms of discrimination in the workplace. The firm welcomes and encourages applications from suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background or identity. This job description reflects the current position; Clyde & Co reserves the right to reasonably amend it in accordance with changing business needs.