Despite the name, MTDfIT isn’t really about tax - it’s about the government requiring businesses to go digital with their bookkeeping. A more accurate name might be "Mandatory Digital Bookkeeping." Understandably, accountants are raising concerns about the extra workload piling onto their already stretched schedules. But there’s a solution: bring in the bookkeepers!
At the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers, we believe bookkeepers play a crucial role in the success of MTD - lightening the load for accountants and giving clients the support they need.
Instead of pushing yourself to the limit, it’s time to call for reinforcements: ICB Bookkeepers are the game-changer accountants need to tackle the extra work efficiently, effectively, and profitably.
Why work with a bookkeeper?
Think of a bookkeeper as your trusted sous-chef in a bustling kitchen. As the accountant, you’re the head chef - crafting the strategy, setting the vision, and presenting the final masterpiece. Meanwhile, your bookkeeper ensures everything is prepped, every detail is spot on, and nothing gets overlooked.
A qualified, professional ICB bookkeeper can:
Multiple Agents in MTD: A Game Changer for Collaboration
HMRC has introduced multiple-agent functionality for Making Tax Digital for Income Tax, allowing more than one agent to act on behalf of a client. This means that both bookkeepers and accountants can seamlessly share responsibilities, with bookkeepers handling the quarterly submissions and accountants staying focused on the tax return.
This functionality streamlines collaboration, reducing bottlenecks and ensuring clients receive a timely, efficient service.
Outsource, employ or co-firm?
You can choose to outsource elements of client work to an independent bookkeeper or bookkeeping practice through a subcontracting agreement. Alternatively, this might be the moment to employ a bookkeeper or train a member of your existing team. If you want to maintain your current service offering, but recognise how regular bookkeeping could benefit your clients beyond their MTD obligations, you might consider co-firming -a collaborative model where accountants and bookkeepers work as independent but integrated firms to provide seamless client support.
How to find the right bookkeeper (Hint: Look for an ICB Certified Bookkeeper)
Not all bookkeepers are created equal, and you want the best. That’s where ICB comes in. Our members are qualified, tech-savvy professionals who are ready to integrate into your practice.
When looking for a bookkeeper, consider:
Qualifications: What formal qualifications do they have? An ICB Certified Bookkeeper has achieved the highest level of bookkeeping qualification, demonstrating expertise, competence, and up-to-date knowledge of the latest regulations.
Experience: Do they have client-facing experience and do they understand your industry sector? A skilled bookkeeper doesn’t just handle transactions - they understand industry-specific challenges, HMRC requirements, and MTD workflows.
Technology Skills: Can they work with your accounting software and digital workflows? Better yet, can they provide software support to your clients? The best bookkeepers don’t just use software - they optimise it. Whether it’s setting up cloud-based systems, automating processes, or training clients, a tech-savvy bookkeeper ensures everything runs efficiently.
People Skills: Are they good at building relationships and keeping clients engaged? A great bookkeeper isn’t just skilled with numbers—they’re proactive communicators who know how to get the right information at the right time. They build trust, keep clients accountable, and ensure financial records stay up-to-date.
To find the best bookkeeper, visit ICB’s directory or place a free job advert on our website. You can also simply ask around—our members have a reputation for excellence.
By partnering with an ICB bookkeeper, you can turn MTD’s extra workload into an opportunity. Find yourself a top-notch ICB bookkeeper and start making MTD work for you, not against you.
