For over 20 years, Louise Templeton MICB has been a trusted name in agricultural bookkeeping. From an early ambition to work with horses to a career in the grain trade and livestock recording, Louise has always been drawn to detail-oriented work in rural industries. However, it wasn’t until she discovered ICB that she truly found her professional confidence.
“I’d been working as a farm secretary for years, but I felt something was missing,” Louise recalls. “When I was challenged on a VAT return, I knew I’d done it right, but I lacked the confidence to push back against the accountant. That’s when I realised I needed qualifications to back up my experience.”
Determined to solidify her expertise, Louise enrolled with Ideal Schools and worked her way through ICB’s exams. Becoming a certified bookkeeper transformed her approach to business. “Having those letters after my name gave me a real sense of credibility. It reassured both me and my clients that I knew exactly what I was doing.”
Since joining ICB, Louise’s business has grown organically, entirely through word of mouth. “I’ve only ever spent £35 on advertising in my career,” she laughs. “That says it all.” Today, she manages finances for multiple farms, handling everything from VAT, complianceand livestock records. She has also taken on leadership roles within the Institute of Agricultural Secretaries and Administrators (IAgSA), where she is currently vice chair and oversees compliance.
Louise is a firm believer in continuous learning. “ICB’s webinars are fantastic. The support they provide, especially around AML compliance, has been invaluable. There has been a huge shift in attitudes towards compliance, and ICB has really led the way in helping bookkeepers understand and navigate these changes.”
Beyond technical expertise, she values ICB for the professional network and sense of community. “Being self-employed can be isolating, but ICB has created a space where bookkeepers can connect, ask questions, and support each other. It’s great to be part of a professional body that really understands what we do and champions our work.”
Looking ahead, Louise hopes to see more farm secretaries gaining professional qualifications and more men entering the field. She’s also passionate about raising awareness of IAgSA and the crucial role farm secretaries play in rural businesses. “We’re not just ‘doing the books’ – we’re keeping businesses running. Whether it’s a plumber, a taxi driver, or a farm, the fundamentals of bookkeeping remain the same: attention to detail, knowledge of legislation, and ensuring the numbers add up.”
Reflecting on her journey, Louise is clear about the impact ICB has had. “Joining ICB was the best decision I ever made for my career. It gave me confidence, credibility, and a community. I can’t imagine doing this job without it.”
If you’d like to follow in Louise’s footsteps and gain the qualifications and confidence to grow your bookkeeping business, explore ICB’s courses and membership options today.
ICB is supporting the 2025 IAgSA Annual Conference taking place 7 – 9 February 2025 in Cumbria.
