The correct answer is: B. Keep proper books and registers.
A company secretary is a corporate officer who is responsible for the administrative and compliance functions of a company. They are appointed by the board of directors and typically report to the chief executive officer.
The duties of a company secretary vary depending on the jurisdiction, but they typically include:
- Keeping proper books and registers of the company
- Ensuring that the company complies with all applicable laws and regulations
- Acting as a liaison between the company and its shareholders, directors, and other stakeholders
- Providing advice to the board of directors on corporate governance matters
The duty to keep proper books and registers is a statutory duty in many jurisdictions. This means that it is a legal requirement that the company secretary must keep accurate records of the company’s financial transactions, as well as other important information such as the names and addresses of its shareholders and directors.
The other options are not statutory duties of a company secretary. Option A, negotiating with third parties, is a business-related duty that may be delegated to the company secretary by the board of directors. Option C, gathering information about competitors, is a strategic planning duty that is typically the responsibility of the chief executive officer. Option D, acting as a medium of communication, is a general administrative duty that may be delegated to the company secretary by the board of directors.