Farm secretary
Farm secretary
Farm secretary
This profile highlights the skills and knowledge associated with the role. However, jobs will have varying responsibilities depending on level of the role and the size or type of the business.
The farm secretary is a varied position that requires you to maintain a good overview of all activity within the farm business. You should be experienced in the use of computer programs, digital financial recording systems, and other specialised farm records software and apps.
You should also be able to carry out a range of staff management tasks, such as maintaining employee records, recording qualifications, and payroll preparation/processing.
As a farm secretary, you would be an integral part of the farm staff team, report directly to the farm owner or managers, and require excellent organisational and communication skills.
You may also be required to support the business with audit, finance, payments/billing management, and the application processes involved for Defra/Rural Payments Agency schemes. From a legal stance, this role also requires you to understand farm health and safety and tax laws well.
The role can be employed full-time or part-time, or can also be on a self-employed basis working for several clients. Depending on the business size, your working hours may vary, and you might need to work shifts and weekends.
You may also need to have your own transport to get to work.
As a farm secretary, your responsibilities might include:
- Use HMRC-approved digital financial software for data entry
- Keep records of livestock and crops
- Apply for government grants and schemes
- Prepare farm business accounts to trial balance and, if qualified, tax returns
- Deal with wages and staff records
- Help cost, order, and pay for equipment and supplies
- Carry out filing and other general administrative tasks
- Keep up to date with farming practices, health and safety, and tax laws
- Ensure effective communication between all other staff and stakeholders in the farm business
To work as a farm secretary, you should:
- Have good attention to detail
- Be organised and able to plan ahead
- Be passionate about the farm business
- Be willing to learn and try different ideas
- Be able to work well with others
- Be able to work on your own
- Be sensitive and understanding
- Be flexible and able to deal with a dynamic workplace
- Have excellent verbal communication skills
You could be appointed as a farm secretary based on experience. However, a relevant qualification, such as a degree in agriculture or farm business management, could increase your options (see qualifications and training below).
Self-employed farm secretaries will also require the relevant anti-money laundering (AML) supervision licences and professional indemnity insurance, where relevant.
This role would suit someone who is self-motivated, enthusiastic and committed to making a difference in the industry.
As a farm secretary, you’ll have the following competencies in relation to keeping records, billing, managing human resources, and being the main point of contact for the farm business. You will:
- Use HMRC-approved digital financial recording software
- Be responsible for accurate record keeping
- Prepare applications for business grants
- Prepare farm business accounts and tax returns
- Manage staff records and wages
- Carry out costing, ordering, and paying for equipment and supplies
- Carry out filing and other general administrative tasks
- Keep up to date with the farming industry, health and safety, and tax laws
- Ensure effective communication between all other staff and stakeholders in the farm business
As a guide, a farm secretary earns £15,000 to £37,000. This figure be at the higher end of the range depending on factors such as location, nature of business and level of experience.
As a farm secretary, you could progress your career if you choose to do so. For example, you could develop your knowledge and skills through further training courses or study, or you may want to gain experience working on a different type of farm business and take on more clients.
Courses which can help you on this career path include:
Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping
Level 2 Diploma in Business Administration
Level 3 Certificate in Accounting
T Level in Management and Administration
Financial Management (LANTRA)
Agricultural Accounts (UKRS)
IAgSA Training Programme
Apprenticeships
Level 3 – Business and administration apprenticeship
TIAH Essential Skills
Our online Essential Skills modules can help you develop your skills and knowledge in a range of areas and are a great addition to your CV.
Anyone considering working as a farm secretary would find our Animal Health and Welfare, Biosecurity, Coaching for Staff Retention, and Foundations in Farm Safety courses useful.
Return to our job profiles page for more exciting roles in farming and growing.