Legal and regulatory work

This query is : Resolved

Querist : Anonymous

Querist : Anonymous (Querist)

25 September 2011 I am a qualified company secretary with exposure in secretarial functions only. Whenever I attend an interview, employer request me to shoulder additional portfolios like Accounts/Finance/Service Tax/ Legal. I don't have any practical experience in these areas. How to handle this? Seniors views are solicited.

CA Ayush Agarwal

CA Ayush Agarwal (Expert)
Follow

25 September 2011 Why you Not start Practising.
Otherwise Take expouser from Any CA firm.

if You Need Any Such assistance then Can Contact me.Through PM or mail Me at

ayushagrawal@rediffmail.com

Querist : Anonymous

Querist : Anonymous (Querist)

30 September 2011 I am a qualified company secretary with exposure in secretarial functions only. Whenever I attend an interview, employer request me to shoulder additional portfolios like Accounts/Finance/Service Tax/ Legal. I don't have any practical experience in these areas. How to handle this? Seniors views are solicited.

Upgrade to CAclubindia Pro. Subscribe Now!

Asha Kanta Sharma

Asha Kanta Sharma

(Expert)
Follow

02 August 2024 As a qualified Company Secretary (CS) with expertise in secretarial functions, it’s common for employers to expect broader skills, especially in smaller or mid-sized companies where employees often wear multiple hats. Handling such expectations during interviews can be challenging, but here’s a structured approach to address this situation:

### **1. Highlight Your Core Expertise**

**1. **Emphasize Your Strengths**:
- Clearly articulate your proficiency in secretarial functions, compliance, corporate governance, and any other specialized skills you possess.
- Provide examples of how your skills have benefited previous employers or clients.

**2. **Showcase Relevant Experience**:
- Even if your experience is primarily in secretarial functions, highlight any instances where you’ve worked on cross-functional projects or collaborated with other departments (like accounts or legal).

### **2. Address the Need for Additional Portfolios**

**1. **Acknowledge the Gap**:
- Be honest about your current lack of experience in accounts, finance, service tax, or legal matters.
- Express your willingness to learn and adapt quickly, demonstrating your commitment to expanding your skill set.

**2. **Highlight Transferable Skills**:
- Point out how skills from secretarial functions can be applicable to other areas. For example, organizational skills, attention to detail, and regulatory knowledge can be valuable in finance and legal functions.

**3. **Show Willingness to Upskill**:
- Mention any steps you are already taking to upskill yourself in these areas, such as online courses, certifications, or workshops.
- Highlight any relevant certifications or training that you have completed or are planning to pursue.

### **3. Propose a Development Plan**

**1. **Short-Term and Long-Term Goals**:
- Outline a plan for how you intend to gain proficiency in the additional areas. This could include:
- **Short-Term**: Attending workshops, online courses, or webinars related to accounts, finance, and legal aspects.
- **Long-Term**: Pursuing additional certifications or formal education in these areas.

**2. **Mentorship and Support**:
- Suggest ways you can collaborate with existing team members or seek mentorship from colleagues who have expertise in the areas you’re less familiar with.

### **4. Communicate Effectively During Interviews**

**1. **Prepare for Questions**:
- Anticipate questions about your ability to handle additional portfolios and prepare responses that highlight your adaptability and proactive learning approach.

**2. **Provide Examples**:
- Share any instances where you successfully adapted to new responsibilities or learned new skills quickly in previous roles.

**3. **Discuss Your Value Proposition**:
- Focus on how your core competencies as a Company Secretary can bring unique value to the organization and how you are prepared to bridge the gaps in your knowledge.

### **Sample Responses for Interviews**

**1. **Regarding Lack of Experience**:
- “While my primary experience has been in secretarial functions, I have developed strong organizational and compliance skills. I am very enthusiastic about expanding my expertise into accounts, finance, and legal areas and am actively pursuing relevant training to complement my current skills.”

**2. **Regarding Willingness to Learn**:
- “I understand that the role requires additional portfolios beyond secretarial functions. I am committed to upskilling myself and am already enrolled in [specific courses or certifications]. I believe my strong foundation in compliance and organizational skills will enable me to quickly adapt and contribute effectively.”

**3. **Regarding Transferable Skills**:
- “My experience as a Company Secretary has provided me with a solid understanding of regulatory frameworks and attention to detail, which I believe are crucial for roles in finance and legal departments. I am eager to leverage these skills while building my expertise in the additional areas.”

### **Summary**

- **Highlight Expertise**: Emphasize your core competencies and any cross-functional experience.
- **Acknowledge Gaps**: Be honest about areas where you lack experience and demonstrate your willingness to learn.
- **Show Proactivity**: Outline your plans for upskilling and how you will handle additional responsibilities.
- **Effective Communication**: Prepare for interviews by crafting responses that address your current experience and future growth.

By presenting yourself as a proactive and adaptable candidate, you can effectively manage employer expectations and demonstrate your readiness to expand your skill set.