ICB

Who is the ICB?

The ICB or Institute of Certified Bookkeepers was founded as a not-for-profit in the UK in 1996 and has since grown to be the largest bookkeeping body in the world, with over 150,000 students and members in over 100 countries. The ICB has also set up international offices in 19 countries such as Australia, Russia, and India. As a membership body, its role is to provide ongoing support to members to ensure they are knowledgeable and up to date with the latest legislation, mindful of their ethical obligations, and best placed to provide a trusted and exemplary service to the business.

ICB Bookkeeping Objectives

• to promote bookkeeping as a profession
• to increase recognition for bookkeeping as an integral part of the financial profession
• to promote education and learning
• to enable the achievement of a recognised ICB qualification
• to provide a trusted benchmark for the profession
• to improve the career prospects of members

The ICB is passionate about empowering students of all ages and backgrounds. They have helped countless business owners to take control of their finances at the correct cost and in return support the community as a whole.

The ICB also provides a range of globally recognised bookkeeping qualifications and a comprehensive CPD program. In addition, the ICB lobbies on behalf of the bookkeeping profession and represents the interests of its members to the government, media, and other key stakeholders.

The ICB is the only bookkeeping body recognised by governments in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. In the UK, the ICB is recognised by HMRC as a professional body for tax purposes. ICB members who are also Chartered Certified Accountants (CCA) can give their clients money-saving tax advice.

ICB Membership Course and Career Path

ICB Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping leads to:

Associate

Certified Bookkeeper

Supervised accounts work only:
Double Entry Bookkeeping; Trial Balances; Correcting errors; Reconciliation Sales & Purchase Ledger Balances; Computerised Bookkeeping.

Some Associates may offer additional services in Payroll, Self Assessment and Budgeting.

ICB Bookkeeping Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping and Accounts leads to:

Member

Certified Bookkeeper

As for Associate plus:
VAT Returns; Sales and Purchase Ledgers; Post Year-end Adjustments; IFRS and UKGAAP; Final Accounts for sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies.

Some Members may offer additional services in Payroll, Self Assessment, and Budgeting.

ICB Level 4 Certificate in Advanced Bookkeeping and Accounts leads to:

Fellow

Certified Bookkeeper

As for Member plus:
File Self Assessment Tax Returns for individuals; Corporation Tax Returns; Draft Financial Statements for micro & small businesses using FRS 105 and 102. 1A.

Why choose to become a bookkeeper?

There are many reasons why someone might choose to become a bookkeeper. Perhaps they have a head for numbers and enjoy working with financial information. Or maybe they want to be their boss and work from home. Whatever the reason, bookkeeping can be a rewarding career choice. As a bookkeeper, you will be responsible for keeping accurate financial records for businesses and individuals. This can involve anything from tracking income and expenses to preparing tax returns. Bookkeepers play an essential role in helping businesses stay organised and financially healthy.

It's also worth checking out Sage courses online, the AAT and ACCA Courses.