Making better decisions

Take the next steps in your
finance career with the IAB

Try our qualification finder
Payroll | Bookkeeping | Computerised Payroll | Computerised Bookkeeping
Making better decisions

Take the next steps in your
finance career with the IAB

Try our qualification finder
Payroll | Bookkeeping | Computerised Payroll | Computerised Bookkeeping
Making better decisions

Take the next steps in your
finance career with the IAB

Try our qualification finder
Payroll | Bookkeeping | Computerised Payroll | Computerised Bookkeeping
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What makes IAB different?

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Supporting you

A section highlighting Community, and other member benefits of being an IAB member

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Supporting your career

A section highlighting Progression, talking about the courses and things IAB offer

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Worldwide reach

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How the Institute of
Accountants and
Bookkeepers supports
your career journey

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UK based global reach

Discover the IAB blog

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Exceptional Professional Development

#1 Professional Body for Accountants and Bookkeepers

Your best professional development is closer than you think. Empowering finance
professionals worldwide with top-notch qualifications, unwavering support, and
continuous development opportunities.

Appointments

New or returning students can schedule an appointment

Find a Mentor

Find a mentor who's the perfect fit

Professional Services

Access new technology, treatments, and research

Professional Trials

Participate in professional development trials

A B O U T   I A B

Run by finance professionals, for finance professionals

Discover the Institute of Accountants and Bookkeepers, your gateway to a world of financial expertise and career success. As a prestigious membership organisation and awarding body, we empower individuals worldwide with top-notch qualifications in bookkeeping, payroll, and finance.

Enjoy accredited training, unwavering support, and continuous development. Plus, as an IAB member, you'll have access to weekly support, live Q&As with successful bookkeepers, & AML supervision.

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Professional Community

Join thousands of finance professionals worldwide

QUALIFICATIONS

Flexible bookkeeping qualifications

Embark on an exciting bookkeeping journey that aligns with your busy lifestyle and existing
commitments. Start your career or business by enrolling in an Ofqual-regulated IAB
bookkeeping qualification.

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Flexible Qualifications

Ofqual-regulated bookkeeping qualifications designed to fit your schedule

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Member Support

Weekly support, live Q&As with successful bookkeepers, and industry updates

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AML Supervision

Industry-leading guidance and expertise in money laundering regulations

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Professional Recognition

Prestigious membership organization with global recognition

Take control of your future and unleash your potential today!

MEMBERSHIP

Supporting our members every step of the way

IAB membership is your secret weapon for a successful career! With a wide range of services, benefits, and industry updates at your fingertips, you'll have everything you need to achieve your goals and reach the top of your field.

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Associate (AIAB)

Perfect for those starting their bookkeeping journey

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Member (MIAB)

For experienced professionals seeking advancement

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Fellow (FIAB)

The highest level of professional recognition

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AML Compliance

Industry-leading supervision and guidance

AML SUPERVISION

Choose the IAB for AML Supervision

The IAB offers industry-leading guidance and expertise in money laundering regulations. Through their AML supervision program, practitioners gain access to valuable course modules and content that have been proven to improve AML ratings.

What our members are saying

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Elevating the Standards of Business & Finance

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FAQ

Professional Membership FAQs

As a non-profit membership organisation, our organisation is dedicated to supporting finance professionals throughout their careers. We focus on providing education, resources, and guidance to ensure our members remain informed, capable, and well-equipped to succeed in the finance and business sectors.

To register for membership, please complete the application form on the IAB Website here.

IAB-UK membership is available to residents of England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

Overseas residents are eligible to join with IAB-Overseas membership

Professional membership is available for those who have gained a relevant accounting and bookkeeping qualification from IAB or another awarding body.

Alternatively, you can also become a member of the IAB by assessment, in a short knowledge test if you have no relevant qualifications. The cost to complete the test is £95.00 (£105 if you take it independently, outside of the IAB)

Professional membership provides access to IAB services, resources and many exclusive benefits. Members are entitled to use the designatory letters: AIAB, MIAB or FIAB.

Membership Levels and fees effective are as follows:

AIAB - Associate £105 per year
MIAB – Membership £135 per year
FIAB – Fellow £155 per year

Alumni – For those who are no longer practising but still wish to keep in touch and up-to-date. £225 for 3 years

To ensure all our members meet the same high standards, we require proof of an annual basic DBS check, dated less than 6 months old, on application or renewal of membership.

To undertake the knowledge test, please complete the test Here  

To register for membership, please complete the application form on the IAB Website Here.

The IAB works with government as well as standard-setting bodies to promote the professional integrity of accountants & bookkeepers.

IAB is connected at the national level and represents its members and students' professional needs.

Including, for example:

• UK National Risk Assessment (Publication)
• Sector Guidance – Information Sharing Expert Working Group)
• AML Supervisors Form
• AASG (Accountancy AML Supervisors Group)
• Treasury Employment & Payroll Group
• Agent Support Group
• Companies House Accountancy Round Table
• AML Supervision Ministerial Round Table

Membership is available for those who have gained a relevant accounting or bookkeeping qualification at a minimum, Level 2 from IAB or another awarding body.
Alternatively, for those who are skilled in accounting or bookkeeping but do not yet hold a formal qualification we offer a route to membership by undertaking an industry standard online knowledge test.

To undertake the knowledge test, please access the test Here.

To register for membership, please complete the application form on the IAB Website Here.

Yes, you can. IAB recognise that many practitioners may have experience and training without having obtained a formal qualification. We provide a route to membership using a professional and widely recognised online test provider.

You can take a test to demonstrate your knowledge and qualify for IAB Membership.

To undertake the knowledge test, access the test Here.

The IAB offers 3 three levels of professional membership:

Associate (AIAB)
Member (MIAB)
Fellow ( FIAB)

We also offer Alumni – for those who are not practising anymore but still want to keep in touch and up-to-date.

IAB membership commences from the month your application is accepted, upon receipt of your membership fee and proof of a basic DBS check, which is dated within the past 6 months.

Membership is renewable by subscription every twelve months. You will receive reminders, commencing 6 weeks prior to your expiry date, to ensure you do not allow your membership to lapse.

You will also be required to provide an annual DBS check, dated within the past 6 months, upon renewal.

Access to the Croner-I exclusive package containing free CPD, tax advice and resources including a free helpline, webinars, Use of designatory letters.
Access to a wide range of support, resources, and discounts on professional products.
Receive all the latest industry updates and news from the IAB through our monthly e-newsletter and quarterly magazine iabConnect
Opportunity to join one of our UK-based Ambassador networking groups where you can share your experience and gain valuable support from your fellow members.
Attend our monthly virtual coffee mornings with guest speakers on a live Q&A call, where we provide industry-related information, which count towards your CPD points
Resources, Webinars, templates, and guidance notes
IAB Business Member Benefits: Exclusive discounts
Social Media and Facebook Groups

Utilise our Practice Scalability Framework to deliver growth and efficiency to your business

Yes, the IAB is an approved statutory AML supervisor and has the authority to supervise its professional members operating in the UK.
Since 2007, any person offering services for bookkeeping, accounting or payroll administration must have a valid licence issued by a Professional body Supervisor, such as IAB.
If you require Anti-Money Laundering supervision with the IAB, you will need to hold Professional membership at either Member (MIAB) or Fellow (FIAB) status.

AML Supervision Fees

  • Practices up to 2 employees            £195
  • Practices with 3+ employees            £225

Once registered for AML supervision with the IAB, you are then able to provide services to the public.

IAB Supervision provides:
• Certificate of AML Supervision for your business practice.
• Access to best practice and up-to-date legislative guidelines.
• Guidance and access to training in relation to the Anti Money Laundering Regulations.
• Oversight to check that your practice is compliant and to identify gaps and areas for improvement.

In turn, as part of supervised practice, you must establish the necessary procedures to deter money laundering and terrorist financing and comply with the relevant regulations.
For further information on AML Supervision, please take a look at the IAB website here.

For further assistance, please contact the Membership Team on +44 (0) 20 8187 8888 or membership@iab.org.uk.

No, separate registration for AML supervision is necessary. There is an application process, and you will need to prepare so that your business practice is compliant with AML Regulations.
For further information on AML Supervision, please take a look at the IAB website here.

Integrity is a key issue across the financial services sector and IAB requires evidence of a DBS check to approve your membership application, which is dated within the past 6 months. The IAB will require proof of an DBS check annually, dated within the past 6 months, upon renewal of your membership.
DBS checks are a government service that confirms there are no convictions for a ‘relevant offence’ under the AML Regulations.
(Relevant convictions would also legally prohibit registration for AML Supervision)
There are different levels for DBS checks. IAB require only the ‘Basic’ version. These are arranged by the individual direct with the DBS service who will provide them with a certificate (or similar electronic version) which the individual then forwards to IAB.
All DBS check information provided to IAB is treated carefully and confidentially.
This UK government site provides information and guidance about DBS checks:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/basic-dbs-checks-guidance
IAB recommends that members use one of the three UK devolved Government DBS.
England & Wales : https://www.gov.uk/request-copy-criminal-record?
Northern Ireland: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/accessni-criminal-record-checks?
Scotland: https://www.mygov.scot/disclosure-types/?
The IAB will only accept a DBS certificate from the Gov.uk site or one of the following recommended Government Responsible Organisations.
Responsible Organisations - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Note: Proof of your DBS certificate will only be accepted if it is dated within the past 6 months, upon application or renewal of your membership.
For more information regarding DBS Checks, please take a look at the IAB Website here.

We usually estimate about 2/3 days, depending on the information provided, and if further information is required.

This is subject to the information provided circa 5/6 weeks.

CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development. All members of the IAB are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours CPD (10 x verified/20 x non-verified) each 12 months to coincide with their certificated membership year. 1 hour = 1 point.  CPD records should be maintained individually and uploaded annually with your membership renewal application.

Verified CPD is learning directly related to your professional work, gained through planned activities like courses or events, and linked to a specific development need.

Non-verified CPD refers to informal learning, such as reading or research, that helps you stay up-to-date on topics related to your work.

Learn more by logging into the IAB members' area and viewing the CPD and Compliance Information.

CPD is the ongoing process of learning and improving skills to stay current with industry developments. For finance professionals, it helps maintain knowledge, enhances technical and management skills, and supports long-term career growth. The IAB requests members maintain CPD annually as a reflection of professional standards.

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