When John Robertson MICB made the leap from a long-standing career in banking to the world of bookkeeping, he wasn’t just chasing a new profession – he was investing in a new purpose.
Brought to the attention of the ICB Education Team for his impressive pace of progress through his exams, John has completed an extraordinary journey of professional development in just a few short months. Between November 2024 and April 2025, he completed training and passed all ICB exams, progressing from core qualifications at Level 2 through to the full suite of advanced Level 4 bookkeeping skills. This includes specialist qualifications in Self-Assessment, Corporation Tax, Financial Statements, and Business Insight.*
*A word from the ICB Education Team – everyone studies at a different pace. If you need support - we’re here to help. Get in touch
Throughout this journey, John was supported by Training Link, whose materials and tutor support helped keep his momentum going. “Training Link were brilliant,” he says. “The structure, the feedback, the responsiveness - it really helped me keep moving forward. I always felt like I had someone in my corner.”
Now fully qualified and licensed, John has launched his own practice - My Finance Department - and is ready to bring his vision to life. “I feel as though I’m just ready to get going,” he says. With his ICB Practice Licence in place, John is focused on building a client base and offering tailored financial support to small businesses that need both clarity and control.
Drawing on his banking background, John is passionate about making business finances more accessible and actionable. He wants to help business owners use their financial data more strategically. “The insights you can get through bookkeeping - the very detailed information - can be interpreted to provide commercial benefits to businesses. That’s precisely why I’m here.”
Throughout his studies, John has actively engaged with the ICB network, tapping into support and connecting with the community. “Sadia in Professional Standards offered to look over my internal controls, and I’ve found the groups and the wider community really welcoming. There is lots of chatting, which is brilliant,” he says. “It’s good to feel part of a community that wants to help.”
“I’m so delighted to have found ICB,” he says. “It’s a purpose-driven organisation, and I love being part of something that truly transforms lives.”
Although just at the beginning of his practice journey, John brings a thoughtful, systems-based approach and a clear passion for helping businesses thrive. And with qualifications, a practice, and a plan already in place, there’s no doubt that My Finance Department is one to watch.
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