The bookkeeping profession is not well-regulated. No law says you have to have qualifications or be part of a professional body or even have AML (Anti Money Laundering) supervision to be able to call yourself a bookkeeper. If that’s the case then why should you choose someone who does have all those things?

Having the qualifications is the first step towards showing you that they can do the work they’re charging you for. It allows you to see exactly what they’ve had training in and that they’ve got the qualification from a reputable place. It shows you they have been prepared to put in the work in the beginning to gain the knowledge they need.

AML supervision is imperative. It means they are taking appropriate measures to ensure they know the law relating to money laundering and terrorist financing. They are required to do risk assessments on clients, on their practice, complete client due diligence, go on regular training on how to recognise and deal with activities that may be related to money laundering and many more things. It shows they take their role very seriously.

Being a member of a professional body takes their business to the next level.  It means they are held to a higher level of professional conduct. They have to complete a set amount of continuing professional development (CPD) each year and they are only allowed to complete work they are qualified in and licensed for. Failing to meet these standards would result in their business being fined significant amounts of money.

If you are looking for someone to handle the financial data of your business, wouldn’t you want someone qualified, with AML supervision and a member of a professional body? Fortunately, I do have all those things. My qualifications can be found here, I am a member of the ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) and I have my practice licence with them too so they are my AML supervisors. I pride myself on providing a great service for my clients and I truly believe the first step in that service is having all these processes in place.