Become a member and gain enhanced professional status, receive on-going support, and be recognised globally as part of the world’s most engaged bookkeeping community
Bookkeepers trust ICB as their professional membership body because we support, promote, inform and connect bookkeepers across the world and provide a globally respected benchmark for the bookkeeping profession.
Becoming an ICB member is the best way to differentiate yourself as a professional bookkeeper anywhere in the world. You'll join a welcoming and engaged community and enjoy strong on-going professional support, technical, legal and tax advice, and exclusive discounts on business and personal shopping.
In the UK we run over 200 events a year both on and offline so you'll find it fun and easy to meet other bookkeepers, make friends, and stay motivated.
Why join ICB?
Be part of an engaged and future-minded community of bookkeepers helping business owners and transforming businesses. You'll benefit from:
- Professional status and recognition
- AML Supervision and business support for Practice Licence holders
- Free legal, bookkeeping, VAT and Tax helpline
- Monthly webinars on payroll, bookkeeping and GOV.UK updates
- Local and national networking and CPD events
- Resources, webinars, templates and help sheets including a Privacy Policy and Letter of Engagement
- Accounting news, emails and updates
- Discounts with 100s of retailers including Sainsbury’s, Tesco, IKEA, Curry’s and Dell
- Savings on business utilities and insurance
- The kinship of the world’s most engaged bookkeeping community
- The support of a global organisation that believes in bookkeepers and their power to transform businesses
Become an ICB Member
You can become a member of the world’s largest and most engaged bookkeeping community in two different ways; by assessment in ICB qualifications if you have no prior experience, or by exemption if you have relevant qualifications or work experience.
> Become a member by assessment
> Become a member by exemption
Being an ICB Bookkeeper demonstrates competence and provides a reliable benchmark for businesses, government and the public.
Payroll Agent
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Payroll Assistant / Payroll Clerk
Level 3 Diploma in Payroll Management qualification |
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Payroll Agents are qualified to manage the payroll for micro and small businesses and offer a payroll service to clients.
> Find a course
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Associate AICB
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Assistant Bookkeeper/ Accounts Assistant
Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping qualification |
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Associate members have a full understanding of the concepts of double-entry bookkeeping and its place in modern business; producing an initial trial balance, identifying and correcting errors, reconciling sales and purchases ledgers, using bookkeeping software and calculating VAT
Associates may also do payroll dependent on qualification
> Find a course
> Join by exemption
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Member MICB
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Self-employed bookkeeper / Employed bookkeeper
Level 3 Certificate in Bookkeeping and Accounts qualification |
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Members can produce and submit VAT returns, control the sales and purchases ledgers, post year-end adjustments and produce final year-end accounts for internal use by sole traders, partnerships, not-for-profits and Limited Companies and LLPs. Members have a firm understanding of the basics of IFRS and UK GAAP.
Members may also do payroll dependent on qualification
> Find a course
> Join by exemption
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Fellow FICB
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Senior bookkeeper / Virtual FD / Financial Manager
Level 4 Diploma in Advanced Bookkeeping and Accounting qualification |
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Depending on the area they choose to specialise in, Fellows provide management information and make recommendations, file self-assessment and/or corporation tax returns and company accounts for micro and small businesses using FRS105 and FRS102, 1A
Fellows may also do payroll dependent on qualification
> Find a course
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Development
ICB members are encouraged to develop as bookkeepers, as well as members, through a compulsory programme of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and the opportunity to become more involved in ICB through contributing to the Branch Meetings and Advisory Council, or by attaining Fellowship.
> Membership Development
A Regulated Profession
Since 2007, any person offering a bookkeeping, accounting or payroll adminstration service must have a valid licence issued by an HM Treasury appointed supervisor, such as ICB.
> Bookkeepers in Public Practice
A message from our Co-Founder
Being a member of ICB says more about you than just having a qualification ever could. It proves that you are confident enough to submit yourself to continuous scrutiny from the leading organisation within your profession.
You’re not just a bookkeeper – you’re an ICB Bookkeeper.
Here at ICB we feel strongly that our role is not just to award qualifications and set standards in bookkeeping: it is to support and encourage you throughout your career as a bookkeeper, to promote the bookkeeping profession to a wider audience and to lobby government to ensure that your profession receives increasing recognition.
As a member you will receive the continued support of the world's largest bookkeeping institute. We are here to help our members and welcome the opportunity to give advice and guidance. The free technical and legal advice that will be yours as a right of membership mean that there is always someone to talk to, discuss key issues with and, above all, to encourage you.
Accountants around the world know that ICB members have been properly qualified to support their staff and their clients. Companies of all sizes are aware of ICB’s high standards which means that companies can trust ICB Bookkeepers, whether in a large business working as part of a financial team or in a smaller business where they may well be the only qualified person.
ICB members in practice enjoy outstanding success working with a vast range of small and medium-sized businesses. You may choose to take on only a few clients because you are still busy with other commitments, like bringing up your family. You may decide to expand, to take on additional staff and move into office premises as your business grows. The choice is yours.
Our members tell us that we are approachable, friendly and helpful. Our commitment to you is to stay that way as we continue to grow.
Garry Carter
ICB Global President and Co-Founder
If we are unable to award exemptions based on your qualification or experience, you can take our examinations to gain membership.
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If you are an experienced bookkeeper or have comparable qualifications, you may be able to gain an exemption from ICB examinations.
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Professional status, global recognition, support, exclusive discounts, and the kinship of the world’s biggest bookkeeper community.
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Join us online for the biggest ever global gathering of bookkeepers. #BookkeepersSummit
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