Company Secretaries and Virtual Assistants (VAs) are two very different roles with distinct responsibilities and skill sets.
With the rise of remote work and the need for digital assistants, these two roles are often confused.
While both roles can help to keep your business running smoothly, they have different responsibilities and are best suited to different types of companies.
Company Secretary
A company secretary is a senior executive who ensures that a company complies with legal and regulatory requirements. They are responsible for maintaining accurate records, filing annual returns and keeping the board informed of any changes in the company’s legal obligations.
Company secretaries also play a key role in advising the board on corporate governance, risk management and strategic planning.
Virtual Assistant
A Virtual Assistant is a remote worker who provides administrative, technical, or creative assistance to businesses, entrepreneurs, or individuals. VAs are often self-employed and their services can range from scheduling appointments and managing emails to social media management and online marketing.
While a virtual assistant can help with certain tasks that a company secretary might handle, they are not legally responsible for ensuring compliance with company laws and regulations.
Which one to choose
While both company secretaries and virtual assistants play essential roles in supporting businesses, their differences are significant.
Company secretaries are typically full-time, highly qualified professionals who work in-house or on a consultancy basis. They must be able to interpret complex legal requirements and have a deep understanding of corporate governance.
On the other hand, virtual assistants are flexible and adaptable, with a wide range of skills and abilities that they can bring to bear on different projects.
One of the most significant advantages of virtual assistants is their cost-effectiveness. Unlike company secretaries, VAs often work on an hourly or project-based rate, making them more affordable for smaller businesses or startups. VAs can also work remotely, making them a valuable resource for businesses with a distributed workforce.
Francis Fabrizi
Accountant
Keirstone Limited
