RUNNING A BOOKKEEPING PRACTICE

Setting up your business

As you make this important move, here is a checklist of the vital first steps you need to consider when setting up your business.

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The setting up your business checklist

As you make this important move, here is a checklist of the vital first steps you need to consider when setting up your business.

  • Confirm if you will be in 'public practice'

    You are considered to be working in public practice if you provide bookkeeping services to the public, whether you get paid or not. This applies even if you don’t advertise your services, use the ICB Crest, or call yourself a Certified Bookkeeper.  

    If you only volunteer your services for a charity, non-profit, or family member, you might not need a Practice Licence, depending on the situation.  

    If you are employed by a business, you usually don’t need a Practice Licence, even if the business offers accountancy services, unless you are one of the business owners.  

    If you’re unsure, please call ICB at 0203 405 4000.

  • Take out a Practice License and Insurance

    As a member in public practice you must take out the ICB Practice Licence even if you have a Practice Licence with another body. There are many benefits with the Practice Licence - the most important of all is that ICB becomes your Supervisor for Money Laundering Regulations. (MLR)

    Find out more about the Practice License here.

  • Comply with Money Laundering Regulations

    As a bookkeeper working for the public, you must follow Money Laundering Regulations (MLR). This means you need to take steps to spot and reduce the risk of your clients being involved in money laundering.

    The law also says that your compliance with these rules must be checked by a Supervisory Authority, like ICB. If you have a Practice Licence, ICB will automatically be your supervisor.

  • Comply with Professional Conduct Regulations

    The Professional Conduct Regulations set out the basic principles for ethical and professional conduct.  The regulations also set out your ongoing duties to ICB and the disciplinary process that is used when a member contravenes the regulations.

    Read more here

  • Register with the ICO

    The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is an independent organisation that makes sure businesses follow the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). If you don’t register, you could be fined. ICB advises you to register with the ICO and learn what your responsibilities are under GDPR.

  • Register as Self Employed with HMRC

    Whilst you help your clients stay on the right side of HMRC, you must not forget your own business has the same obligations!  It is important that you register as self employed unless you are setting up a Limited Company.

Get help from the experts

Ask ICB

If you have more questions about setting up your own business, speak to our friendly member services team