Assistant company secretary

BAT is evolving at pace - truly like no other organization. To achieve the ambition, we have set for ourselves, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to live our ethos every day. Come be a part of this journey! FUNCTION: Legal Affairs LOCATION: Globe House, London CONTRACT: Permanent ROLE PROFILE This role is part of the Company Secretarial Department. A key member of the Company Secretarial Department assuming secretarial and administrative responsibility for a portfolio of active UK subsidiary companies and tax resident entities. This role will ensure UK and Group-level compliance with all UK Companies Act and other regulatory formalities applicable to the corporate group of a FTSE top 10 listed company. This role will report to the Head of Group Corporate Governance and is a member of the Company Secretarial Corporate Department within the Legal Affairs Function. The role holder is expected to deal effectively with colleagues at all levels, including directors and senior managers, both in the UK and Group-wide. Reports to: Head of Group Corporate Governance Reporting Level: Standalone position Geographic Scope: Global WHAT YOU WILL BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR Providing an efficient and effective secretarial and administrative service to an active portfolio of UK subsidiaries and tax resident entities, preparing agendas, attending meetings and drafting minutes. Dealing with all secretarial matters relating to the portfolio companies’ share capital and shareholding structures. This includes documenting the dividend flows from the UK subsidiary companies to British American Tobacco p.l.c. (approx. £1bn per annum), providing secretarial input to the Tax department with regard to appropriate corporate restructurings, advising on the correct corporate law procedures for reductions of capital etc. including reductions of share premium and arranging board approval in respect of each type of transaction. Liaising with and advising the Regions regarding the administration of branch and representative offices of UK subsidiary companies operating overseas, including reviewing legal powers of attorney and proxies, and dealing directly with the external notaries to arrange specific notarisations and legalisations to meet overseas corporate law requirements as necessary. Reviewing the corporate governance arrangements with regard to branch offices to ensure alignment with the Group Corporate Governance Framework and best practice principles. Assisting the Company Secretarial team with significant corporate projects, conducting due diligence with reference to corporate records and liaising with end market lawyers, appointing liquidators and assisting with liquidations and balance sheet simplification. Sole responsibility for dealing with external advisors/service providers, including lawyers, accountants and registrars as required with regard to the portfolio. Assisting with the yearend accounting processes, including Relevant Audit Information, reviewing statutory accounts and arranging for their approval and filing, liaising with BASS Europe Accounting, auditors, and the Group Chief Accountant on the UK Group company financials. Keeping abreast of company secretarial best practice in company law and governance, proposing, implementing and communicating change as necessary within the Company Secretarial team. ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE ICSA Qualified with a middle level company secretarial experience, gained in the UK. Good technical knowledge of company secretarial practice. Strong written and oral communication skills and a high level of IT literacy are important in the company secretarial component of the role. High attention to detail with excellent organisational skills. High level of integrity and personal standards of behaviour in keeping with the professional environment of the Group Head Office. Self-motivated, pro-active and always looking to contribute to the department’s overall objectives. Flexible attitude, able to cope with unexpected and varied demands. WE ARE BAT At BAT we are committed to our Purpose of creating A Better Tomorrow. This is what drives our people and our passion for innovation. See what is possible for you at BAT. Global Top Employer with 53,000 BAT people across more than 180 markets Brands sold in over 200 markets, made in 44 factories in 42 countries Newly established Tech Hubs building world-class capabilities for innovation in 4 strategic locations Diversity leader in the Financial Times and International Women’s Day Best Practice winner Seal Award winner – one of 50 most sustainable companies BELONGING, ACHIEVING, TOGETHER Collaboration, diversity and teamwork underpin everything we do here at BAT. We know that collaborating with colleagues from different backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals. Come bring your difference!