I have read so much information on the internet with regards to starting a bookkeeping business that I feel my head is about to explode. I've read everything about ICB/membership and the bodies offering the relevant courses/exams and their (sometimes expensive) fees. I have also read the words of some people who are saying the ICB membership isn't that important, only experience.
I have been a bookkeeper for 25 years (to trial balance) and have been using Sage Line 50 for the last 15 years. I would have tried the exemption route for ICB membership but can only call on one accountant to verify my worth (not 2 as they request - not many firms employ 2 accountants in my experience).
It would be really useful and appreciated to hear what others would recommend in this instance.
Hi Semsley - thanks for your quick response. That's part of the problem, I've worked at the same firm for the last 7 years and they use an accountants that only have one chartered accountant and the IAB ask for references from 2 so I'm kind of stuck there.
Have you called the ICB? Now the assessments are a little more flexible (now online) they sometimes give partial exemptions based on one accountant reference + one other reference and you can take an online assessment.
Interesting that IAB would accept any reference, do you have to do any tests to support them?
IAB do not accept any reference, but a reference for someone for whom you have worked in a book-keeping capacity for at least two years ie someone who knows you can do and have been doing the job.
I have read so much information on the internet with regards to starting a bookkeeping business that I feel my head is about to explode. I've read everything about ICB/membership and the bodies offering the relevant courses/exams and their (sometimes expensive) fees. I have also read the words of some people who are saying the ICB membership isn't that important, only experience.
