What it Means to be an ICB Certified Bookkeeper

A Member of ICB (MICB) attains certification by proving that they have performed bookkeeping services at a significant level for a period exceeding two years and by doing so they have proven their level of bookkeeping knowledge.

Members have achieved the Certificate IV Financial Services (Bookkeeping). This qualification recognises a bookkeeper’s skills and competence formally and, more importantly, shows they are “relevantly” recognised within the education system.

Members in Practice with ICB must be insured with a minimum level of Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII). ICB have sourced a respected insurance company thus enabling its members to have access to reputable PII cover. This then covers the member if they do make an error, ensuring both the member and the client has financial security in place to assist with any consequences of errors.

Client Benefits

Clients of ICB Members benefit by engaging with a certified bookkeeper who strives to maintain and enhance their professionalism:

• ICB provide current guidance on matters affecting the client’s business. This can include GST, BAS, payroll or any general matters related to running a small business.
• ICB members undertake relevant training to update their knowledge as a requirement and ICB provides and monitors that training.
• ICB members source and refer to up-to-date information on software solutions and banking techniques that assist the bookkeeper in not only being professional, but also using current technology to be as efficient as possible.
• By networking with other ICB members your bookkeeper has access to their own personal and professional development. This then provides help with troubleshooting any problems that arise.
• Technical support is provided by ICB’s registered BAS Agents, registered Tax Agents, and qualified and experienced bookkeepers and accountants, providing the next level of assistance to your bookkeeper.
• Periodic re-assessment of skills and knowledge, combined with the related resources ensure your bookkeeper remains competent to perform professional bookkeeping services.
• The ICB Professional Code of Conduct requires and regulates that your bookkeeper meets the standards expected of a real professional service provider.

Expectations of your ICB bookkeeper

You should expect your ICB Member bookkeeper to:

• Communicate regularly and effectively with you. Problems and different expectations can arise between the client and the bookkeeper when they go about their duties if communication isn’t maintained between both parties.
• By reporting to you after each visit, both of you have an understanding of where the job is at, the time being taken to process, the expansion of areas requiring attention and what can be expected for the next appointment.
• Provide the output of the bookkeeping work, such as operational reports or proof that the bank reconciles; the type of reports provided to you the business owner should be agreed between you. This ensures that you see value for the time being spent with you and paid for by you.

© The Institute of Certified Bookkeepers