Bookkeeping software, accredited by ICB
Independent evaluations of the accounting, payroll and practice tools bookkeepers rely on, each one tested by a Certified Bookkeeper.
Digital tools
Technology is part of the job
Software sits at the heart of the role bookkeepers play in supporting employers and running their own practices. The right tools streamline processes, improve productivity and increase capacity.
Bookkeepers have always been early adopters of new technology. Our students sit exams in the commercial software of their choice, not a simulation, and our members expect the tools they use every day to meet a professional standard.
Software guide for bookkeepers
Not sure where to start? Our free guide walks through the software landscape for bookkeepers, from core accounting platforms to the apps that sit around them.
Download the software guide
ICB accreditation
What accreditation means
ICB accreditation is a trusted benchmark for accounting software, add-ons and related products. Every accredited product has been through the same process, and those that pass carry the ICB Accredited Software mark.
1
Due diligence
ICB carries out appropriate due diligence on the product and the company behind it before any evaluation begins.
2
Member evaluation
The product is rigorously evaluated by an ICB member against set criteria covering technical capability, value for money and customer service.
3
Published report
A comprehensive report is produced and published, so members working in practice and employment can read the findings for themselves.
The directory
Browse accredited software
Jump to a category below, or use your browser's find function to search the whole directory by name. Listings link to the full evaluation report or the product's own site.
Accounting & MTD Payroll Data capture Payments & banking Reporting & forecasting Practice & tax tools Job management & CRM
Accounting & MTD
Xero
Cloud accounting that connects bookkeepers and their clients with the right numbers, on any device.
Visit their website
Sage Accounting
Integrated accounting, payroll and payment systems supporting small businesses and their advisers.
Visit their website
QuickBooks
Accounting software with Self Assessment and MTD covered, from invoicing and expenses to VAT and payroll.
Visit their website
FreeAgent
HMRC-recognised, end-to-end MTD IT solution for sole traders, limited companies and landlords.
Read the report
Zoho Books
Full accounting suite with inventory, sales and purchase orders and payment portals. MTD for VAT compliant.
Read the report
IRIS Elements
Integrated, cloud-based platform for accountants and bookkeepers. MTD-ready and HMRC-recognised.
Read the report
MyT
Accounting, tax and bookkeeping management for businesses, bookkeepers and accountants.
Read the report
Back to categories
Payroll
Staffology
UK payroll software built for payroll professionals and business advisors.
Read the report
BrightPay
HMRC-recognised payroll supporting all RTI submission types, with full auto-enrolment functionality.
Read the report
Buddy
Cloud-based payroll that can be run from anywhere, for businesses of all sizes.
Read the report
Back to categories
Data capture
Dext by IRIS
AI-powered data capture and bookkeeping automation for practitioners and their clients.
Read the report
AutoEntry by Sage
Captures invoice, receipt and bank statement data automatically and publishes it to your accounting software.
Read the report
Back to categories
Payments & banking
Adfin
Payment processing with built-in credit control, designed to get invoices paid without manual chasing.
Read the report
Apron
Payments platform for sorting, paying and reconciling invoices in seconds.
Read the report
ApprovalMax
Bill and expense approval workflows that integrate with Xero and QuickBooks Online.
Read the report
Mettle
Free business bank account from NatWest Group, with customisable invoicing and receipt capture built in.
Read the report
Armalytix
Secure sharing of financial information, replacing complicated forms and slow manual processes.
Read the report
Back to categories
Reporting & forecasting
Joiin
Reporting and consolidation across single or multi-entity groups, connecting Xero, QuickBooks and spreadsheets.
Read the report
Futrli
Real-time cash flow forecasting and reporting, part of Sage since 2022.
Read the report
Pulse
Financial insight tool for monthly management reporting on limited company clients.
Read the report
Back to categories
Practice & tax tools
Indicator
UK tax research and AI-assisted technical support tools, including TaxEssentials, iMemo and GenIA-L.
Read the report
GoProposal by Sage
Pricing, proposals and letters of engagement, created quickly and consistently for bookkeeping firms.
Read the report
TaxCalc
Tax return software covering everything from simple returns to multiple income streams, CGT and foreign income.
Read the report
Xenon Connect
Identifies bookkeeping errors in Xero and QuickBooks Online data and helps you fix them.
Read the report
Xbert
AI-driven practice management that also checks and alerts you to the quality of client data.
Read the report
Back to categories
Job management & CRM
Fergus
Job management for trade businesses, run from a visual status board with quoting and customer records built in.
Read the report
NextMinute
Job management that automates and streamlines key processes for trade businesses.
Read the report
Capsule
Online CRM designed for small businesses and used by firms of all sizes worldwide.
Read the report
Back to categories
Preparing for MTD IT?
Several accredited products are HMRC-recognised MTD IT solutions. For guidance on quarterly updates, supporting agents and getting clients ready, see our resources.
MTD for Income Tax resources
Get your product accredited
If you build software for bookkeepers and want to apply for the ICB stamp, we would like to hear from you. Contact Sobi Hariharan, ICB Head of Strategic Partnerships.
Email Sobi Hariharan
