Case Study:
Kyle Burke ACG
Meet Kyle Burke as he tells us what its like to work as a Legal Analyst at Tata Consultancy Services.
Kyle began his career as a governance professional in March 2021, at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Letterkenny, Global Delivery Centre in Ireland. His role involves managing the client’s (a large US based multinational corporation) domestic (US) subsidiary entity's governance. He achieved a graduate membership of The Chartered Governance Institute through the MSC in Management and Corporate Governance from Ulster University. In June 2021, the UKRIAT Committee elected him to Associate membership of The Chartered Governance Institute.
As a member of the Subsidiary Governance team, he handle the day-to-day governance of their client’s US based subsidiaries dealing with formations, dissolutions and everything in between. This unique perspective comes from being an internationally based employee who views entities based in the United States as domestic entities. Additionally, he manages the client’s entity management system putting him in contact with the client’s global portfolio of subsidiaries.
In his role as a Legal Analyst, each day presents a varied experience, given the global footprint of the client. No two days are ever the same, providing him with an excellent opportunity to apply his unique knowledge and solve challenging problems with intelligent solutions.
The ability to articulate the “why” behind certain procedures is crucial, as poor communication may breed resistance, particularly when a task isn’t a strict statutory requirement but aligns to good governance.
As a governance professional no two days are ever the same. Each day presents an opportunity to test your skills, tackle the unfamiliar and continually learn something new.
What is Governance?
To me governance is the framework that ensures an organisation’s longevity. It’s a system providing structure for managing organisations. At its core, Governance is about accountability. Good governance, in my view doesn’t guarantee financial success with every business decision but ensures all relevant information is available when making a decision. It ensures that decisions are made by the right people with the correct authority and that there is a clear record of how, when and why the decision was made. This approach makes decisions clear, open and maintained for scrutiny.
What is a governance professional?
A governance professional has two core functions. Firstly, as an administrator; crucial to effective and efficient operations of a company. The governance professional ensures that the company is meeting all its statutory requirements and that the company is implementing good governance practices. This involves keeping good corporate records, organising, communicating, scheduling and data entry. Secondly, as an advisor; crucial to ensuring that directors understand their duties and as a cornerstone of good corporate governance. This aspect of the role involves articulating requirements clearly and providing guidance on the correct way to handle various matters.
Your route to a career in governance
I completed the MSC in Management and Corporate Governance from Ulster University that was affiliated with The Chartered Governance Institute. Through this course, I acquired a graduate membership of the Institute. Although my initial interest was in obtaining a masters in management, I discovered my passion for governance related modules during the course. Despite starting my career in risk management, a conversation over coffee with a colleague who worked in Subsidiary Management and was pursuing a qualification with The Chartered Governance Institute led to an opportunity at cross-training with the Subsidiary Governance team and when a position opened up, I secured the job, being first in line due to my cross training and GradCG status. Just shows you that some of the best career moves are brewed over a cup of coffee with a colleague!
The essential skills for success in governance
In the realm of governance, communication emerges as a key skill; both oral and written. For governance professionals, clarity is paramount in conveying statutory requirements elucidating the nuances of good governance practices to diverse stakeholders. The ability to articulate the “why” behind certain procedures is crucial, as poor communication may breed resistance, particularly when a task isn’t a strict statutory requirement but aligns to good governance. Written communication skills are vital, ensuring that corporate records are not just documented but comprehensible. As advisors, governance professionals navigate complex language, translating it for stakeholders and offering advice on optimal courses of action. Effective communication fosters understanding, mitigating conflicts and paving the way for governance processes.
Career highlight
Without a doubt the highlight of my career was winning the One to Watch category at the 2023 CGI Awards. While being shortlisted was a privilege in itself, winning was an incredible honour. The recognition from peers in such a public forum is truly an amazing and gratifying feeling.
How did the Institute support your career as a governance professional?
The Institute’s qualification played a pivotal role in kick starting my starting my career as a governance professional. The accredited master's degree at Ulster University provided a solid foundation in Corporate Governance. Achieving GradCG status opened doors to valuable resources, including insightful articles through my Governance and Compliance magazine subscription. Engaging in webinars proved immensely beneficial for my professional development, and in-person courses offered by the Institute provided not only educational opportunities but also a great platform to network with fellow professionals. The Institute’s website serves as an invaluable resource for any governance professional.
Words of wisdom for the next generation of governance professionals?
The first words said to me by my client was “no two days are ever the same” and I’ve discovered the truth in these words throughout my career journey as a governance professional. Certainly, as you gain expertise in particular tasks, they do become second nature, but often you encounter a task or a stakeholder that is entirely new. It’s these challenges that make life as a governance professional so intriguing. Each day presents an opportunity to test your skills, tackle the unfamiliar and continually learn something new.
Live blog feeds
In their shoes:
Pam Wenger
Continuing our 'in their shoes' series, we sat down with Pam Wenger, who works as Director of Corporate Governance for the Swansea Bay University Health Board.
Read more
In their shoes:
Graziella Bray
Continuing our 'in their shoes' series, we sat down with Graziella Bray, who works as Company Secretary, APS Bank plc (Malta)
Read more
In their shoes:
Laura Sercombe
Continuing our 'in their shoes' series, we sat down with Laura Sercombe, CEO of Girls Friendly Society, which has been shortlisted for this year's Diversity & Inclusion Initiative of the Year award.
Read more
In their shoes:
Léanne Heerink
Continuing our 'in their shoes' series, we sat down with Léanne Heerink, who works as Director of Corporate Governance.
Read more
In their shoes:
Urvasi Naidoo, FCG
As part of our 'in their shoes' series, we sat down with Urvasi Naidoo, FCG, who works as Compliance and Contracts Manager for the CGF.
Read more
In their shoes:
Cynthia Mora Spencer, ACG
As part of our 'in their shoes' series, we sat down with Cynthia Mora Spencer, ACG, who works for The Chartered Governance Institute UK & Ireland.
Read more
In their shoes:
Susan Swabey, FCG
As part of our 'in their shoes' series, we sat down with Susan Swabey, FCG, who works as Company Secretary for Smith & Nephew plc.
Read more
In their shoes:
Rowan Moony
Continuing our 'in their shoes' series, we sat down with Rowan Moony, who works as a Governance Associate at Almond+Co
Read more
In their shoes:
Val Lynch
Continuing our 'in their shoes' series, we sat down with Val Lynch, who works as a Company Secretary at Silva Homes.
Read more