Company Secretary (volunteer)

About PetRescue.

PetRescue is a national animal welfare charity with a vision of a future where every pet is safe, respected and loved. We run a raft of innovative programs to help rescue pets in need and provide the most successful pet adoption platform in Australia.

PetRescue has been running since 2004 and is Australia’s most highly trafficked charity website, connecting thousands of rescue pets with around 25,000 potential adopters every single day.

We’re funded by our corporate and philanthropic partners, supported by millions of pet adopters, and valued by hundreds of rescue groups, shelters, vets and pounds for the innovative free adoption services and programs we provide.

About the Role

The PetRescue Board consists of ‘hands-on’ Directors who voluntarily commit a generous amount of time to optimise the performance and growth of PetRescue. PetRescue embraces innovation and agility, and our Board moves quickly and adapts as needed. 

PetRescue is seeking a Company Secretary who is committed to supporting the Board in their work. The candidate will help facilitate good governance, enhance processes, maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

The ideal candidate for this position will have previous experience as a company secretary and a strong understanding of not-for-profit governance and legal compliance. You will enjoy working with technology and contemporary board processes.

PetRescue holds board meetings virtually, and as such, this role is suitable for any Australian location.

This is a voluntary position with a NFP organisation and will likely require a few hours every fortnight in committed time.
 

Key Duties & Responsibilities

To perform the duties and responsibilities of a Company Secretary as required by the Corporations Act (CA), the Company's Constitution, the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission - as applicable - and any other relevant legislation or regulation and to:

• ensure that the Company complies with its statutory obligations under any relevant laws and regulations

• ensure adherence to the Company's Constitution

• maintain registers & statutory records

• ensure requisite retention of documents and records

• ensure completion and lodgement of statutory forms/returns and reporting under the CA, ACNC and other relevant legislation/regulation, including

  • half-yearly and annual accounts

  • annual return

  • change in Directors, secretaries

• arrange board meeting logistics, prepare of draft agenda, and draft meeting minutes

• compile and circulate papers to Directors prior to meetings

• initiate and direct action to give practical effect to decisions

• maintain the conflict of interest, related parties, members register and risk register, record and advise ASIC/ACNC where necessary

• assist with/attend to the signing of contracts and other documentation in connection with administrative matters

• carry out other functions, if any, required of the Company Secretary by the Constitution

• assist the Chairperson and Directors in the conduct of meetings and their directorial and governance obligations and responsibilities

• establish a timetable of corporate actions required during the year pursuant to PetRescue requirements and obligations 

 

How to apply for this role 

If the above sounds like a role you’d thrive in, apply with a cover letter and CV to info@petrescue.org.au, including a short but unique personalised note to the Managing Director, demonstrating a snippet of your proactivity and attention to detail. 

Unfortunately, due to the volume of interest we receive in the roles advertised, we’ll be unable to reply to all applicants. We’ll endeavour to respond to the successfully shortlisted applicants within two weeks of receiving your message.

PetRescue is an equal-opportunity employer. We’re committed to maintaining an inclusive, healthy and flexible workplace culture that welcomes diversity in all ways. Ensuring a safe and respectful environment is non-negotiable for us.